The Best Private Schools in Fence, Wisconsin
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Fence. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary's Catholic School
Diocese of Superior
St. Mary's Catholic School provides a faith-based education with strong academic foundations, serving students in pre-K through 8th grade. The school emphasizes small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a well-rounded curriculum that includes music, art, and technology integration. Parents consistently praise the supportive community and high student achievement levels in this long-established institution.
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St. Thomas Aquinas Academy
Diocese of Green Bay
This regional Catholic high school offers rigorous academic programs with 100% college acceptance rates and comprehensive extracurricular activities. The school features modern facilities, advanced placement courses, and strong athletic teams while maintaining a nurturing faith-based environment. Parent satisfaction surveys highlight excellent teacher-student ratios and successful alumni outcomes.
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St. Mary's Catholic School - Rhinelander
Diocese of Superior
Serving the northern Wisconsin region, St. Mary's offers a comprehensive elementary and middle school education with emphasis on academic excellence and character development. The school boasts updated technology resources, dedicated certified teachers, and strong community involvement. Parents report high satisfaction with the school's safe environment and individualized attention for students.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Fence, Wisconsin
What are the private school options specifically available for families residing in or near Fence, Wisconsin?
Given Fence's small, rural population, there are no private schools physically located within the town of Fence itself. Families typically look to schools in surrounding communities. The most referenced options in the broader Northwoods region include St. Mary's Catholic School in Rhinelander (approx. 30 miles away) and St. Thomas Aquinas Academy, a private K-12 Catholic school with campuses in Marinette and Oneida (over 70 miles away). For Fence residents, private education requires consideration of significant commuting distances or boarding options. Many families also explore the state's open enrollment policy for public schools in neighboring districts as an alternative.
How does Wisconsin's Parental Choice Program affect tuition costs for private schools accessible to Fence, WI families?
Wisconsin's Parental Choice Programs can significantly reduce tuition costs, but eligibility and availability are key factors for rural families. The statewide Wisconsin Parental Choice Program (WPCP) and the Racine and Milwaukee programs are geographically specific. Schools like St. Thomas Aquinas Academy participate in the statewide WPCP. To qualify, a family's income must be at or below a set limit (e.g., 300% of the federal poverty level) and they must reside in Wisconsin. For a Fence family, if their chosen participating school has an open seat and they meet income requirements, they could receive a voucher covering most or all of tuition. It's crucial to apply during the February application period directly through the Department of Public Instruction website.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Northwoods area offer that might appeal to Fence families?
Private schools in this region often emphasize programs that connect with the local environment and close-knit community values. For example, St. Mary's Catholic School in Rhinelander integrates faith-based learning with a strong core curriculum and may offer outdoor education opportunities reflective of the Northwoods. St. Thomas Aquinas Academy emphasizes a classical liberal arts education, which is a distinct pedagogical approach. Due to smaller class sizes, common in these rural private schools, students often benefit from highly individualized attention and the ability to participate in a wide range of extracurriculars, from athletics to music, that might be limited in very small public schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like St. Mary's in Rhinelander, and how far in advance should a Fence family apply?
Enrollment timelines for schools like St. Mary's Catholic School in Rhinelander often begin in early winter (January-February) for the following academic year, with priority frequently given to existing families and parish members. Given the limited seats and the planning required for families commuting from areas like Fence, it is highly advisable to initiate contact with the admissions office a full year in advance. The process typically involves submitting an application, providing academic records, a family interview, and possibly a student assessment. For families seeking a WPCP voucher, the state application deadline in early February is an absolute critical date that must be met concurrently with the school's own deadlines.
How do the private school communities near Fence, WI, support families who live a significant distance away, like in Fence?
Private schools in rural northern Wisconsin are accustomed to serving families from a wide geographic area. Schools like St. Mary's or St. Thomas Aquinas often have families carpooling from various towns. They may facilitate connections between families from similar areas to arrange transportation. The school community itself often becomes a central hub, with families planning their schedules around the commute and school events. It's important to discuss logistics directly with the school—some may have before/after-care programs to accommodate longer commutes, and extracurricular activities are planned with an understanding that not all students can stay late easily. This shared experience of commitment often fosters a very strong, supportive parent network.
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