The Best Private Schools in Fdl, Wisconsin
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Fdl. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary's Springs Academy
Catholic Diocese of Green Bay
St. Mary's Springs Academy is a premier Catholic private school serving students from early childhood through high school. The academy offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and dedicated faculty. Facilities include modern science labs, performing arts spaces, and comprehensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with strong STEM programs, competitive athletics, and extensive extracurricular activities. Parent satisfaction is exceptionally high due to the school's commitment to individualized attention and community values.
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Xavier High School
Catholic Diocese of Green Bay
Xavier High School in Appleton serves students from throughout the Fox Valley region, including Fond du Lac families seeking exceptional private education. The school offers both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs, providing rigorous academic challenges for college-bound students. Facilities include modern science and technology labs, extensive athletic complexes, and dedicated arts spaces. Xavier consistently ranks among Wisconsin's top private schools for academic achievement and college placement, with strong parent and student satisfaction driven by excellent faculty and comprehensive student support services.
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Lourdes Academy
Catholic Diocese of Green Bay
Located in nearby Oshkosh, Lourdes Academy serves students from Fond du Lac and surrounding communities with a comprehensive PreK-12 Catholic education. The school features a strong college preparatory program with Advanced Placement courses, state-of-the-art technology integration, and championship athletic programs. The campus includes modern academic facilities, science laboratories, and performing arts spaces. Lourdes maintains small class sizes and personalized learning approaches, earning high parent satisfaction ratings for its academic rigor and supportive community environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Fdl, Wisconsin
What are the main private school options available for K-12 education in Fond du Lac, WI?
Fond du Lac offers several established private school options, primarily with religious affiliations. The most prominent are St. Mary's Springs Academy (Catholic, PreK-12), Lourdes Academy (Catholic, K-12 with two campuses), and Xavier High School (Catholic, 9-12). These schools provide a continuous educational pathway for families seeking a faith-based environment. For families looking for non-religious private options, the selection within the city itself is more limited, and many look to neighboring communities or consider the well-regarded Fond du Lac public school system as an alternative.
How does tuition at Fond du Lac private schools compare, and are there Wisconsin-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 school year, elementary tuition at schools like Lourdes Academy or St. Mary's Springs Academy typically ranges from $4,500 to $6,000 annually, while high school tuition can be between $8,000 and $10,000. All major FDL private schools offer parish subsidies for member families, multi-child discounts, and need-based financial aid. Crucially, Wisconsin parents can apply for the statewide **Parental Choice Program**, which provides a voucher to eligible families to attend participating private schools, significantly reducing out-of-pocket costs. St. Mary's Springs Academy and Lourdes Academy are both participants in this program.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Fond du Lac private schools offer that leverage local resources?
FDL private schools integrate local partnerships into their programs. St. Mary's Springs Academy and Lourdes Academy have strong connections to Marian University and Moraine Park Technical College for dual-credit and advanced coursework. Xavier High School emphasizes its STEM curriculum and competitive athletic programs within the Fox Valley Association. Furthermore, given Fond du Lac's location on Lake Winnebago, several schools incorporate environmental science studies focused on the local watershed and ecology. Faith-based service learning is also a cornerstone, with students regularly engaging with local Fond du Lac charities and community organizations.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Fond du Lac, and when should I apply?
The enrollment process for Fond du Lac private schools like Springs, Lourdes, and Xavier generally begins in January for the following fall. Most schools host open houses in the fall and winter. The priority application deadline for returning families and siblings is often in late January or February, with open enrollment for new families continuing through spring until spots are filled. Due to the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program, there are specific application windows (usually February-April) for voucher eligibility that must be strictly adhered to. It's highly recommended to contact the school's admissions office by December to schedule a tour and receive application materials.
For families moving to the area, what are the key considerations when choosing between Fond du Lac's private schools and the public school district?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, cost, and transportation. Fond du Lac's public schools (Fond du Lac School District) offer diverse programs, no tuition, and larger student populations. The private schools provide a consistent, values-based education from kindergarten through high school, often with smaller class sizes. A major practical consideration is transportation; while public schools provide busing, private school families in FDL are generally responsible for their own transportation. The Wisconsin Parental Choice Program can make cost comparable for eligible families. Many parents recommend evaluating the specific culture of each private school through visits, as each (Springs, Lourdes, Xavier) has its own distinct community feel within the Fond du Lac area.
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