The Best Private Schools in Gilman, Wisconsin
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Gilman. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Paul's Lutheran School
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
St. Paul's Lutheran School is a highly-regarded Christian private school serving the Gilman and Thorp areas. Established in 1979, the school offers a comprehensive education from preschool through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on academic excellence within a faith-based environment. The school features small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a well-rounded curriculum that includes advanced mathematics, science, language arts, and religious studies. Facilities include modern classrooms, a gymnasium, and technology-integrated learning spaces. The school is known for its strong community involvement and high parent satisfaction ratings.
Programs:
St. Mary's Catholic School
Diocese of La Crosse
St. Mary's Catholic School has been serving the Stanley and Gilman communities since 1959, providing exceptional Catholic education from preschool through 8th grade. The school boasts a rigorous academic program that prepares students for high school and beyond, with particular strengths in mathematics, reading, and religious education. The campus features well-maintained facilities including a library, computer lab, and gymnasium. Extracurricular activities include basketball, volleyball, and various academic clubs. Parent reviews consistently praise the dedicated faculty, safe learning environment, and strong sense of community.
Programs:
Immanuel Lutheran School
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
Immanuel Lutheran School in Medford serves families throughout Taylor County, including the Gilman area, with a comprehensive Christian education program. Founded in 1969, the school offers preschool through 8th grade education with a strong academic foundation rooted in Lutheran values. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, technology integration, and character development. The school features modern facilities including smart classrooms, a science lab, and athletic facilities. Known for its excellent teacher-to-student ratio and family-like atmosphere, Immanuel Lutheran consistently receives high marks from parents for academic quality and student development.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Gilman, Wisconsin
What are the private school options for families in Gilman, Wisconsin, and what are their religious affiliations?
Gilman, WI, is served by three primary private schools, all with religious foundations. St. Paul's Lutheran School and Immanuel Lutheran School are associated with the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, offering education with a Lutheran Christian perspective. St. Mary's Catholic School provides education within the Catholic faith tradition. These are the main private options within the community itself; families may also consider schools in nearby larger towns like Medford or Thorp for additional variety. The small-town setting means these schools are deeply integrated into the local community and often have multi-grade classrooms.
How does tuition at Gilman's private schools compare to state averages, and are there financial aid options specific to Wisconsin?
Tuition at Gilman's private schools is typically below the statewide average for Wisconsin private schools, reflecting the rural cost of living. Annual tuition often ranges from $2,000 to $4,000 per student, with discounts for multiple children from the same family. A key financial aid option for Wisconsin residents is the **Parental Choice Program**, which includes the Wisconsin Racine and statewide private school choice programs. However, eligibility is based on family income and the school's participation status. It's crucial to contact St. Paul's, St. Mary's, or Immanuel Lutheran directly to confirm their current tuition rates and whether they participate in any state voucher or tax deduction programs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in Gilman, WI, offer that reflect the local community?
Given their small size, Gilman's private schools emphasize a tight-knit, family-like environment and often integrate local values into their programs. Common strengths include strong foundational literacy and math programs, religious education, and music (especially choir). Extracurriculars may be limited compared to larger districts but often focus on community service, agricultural science (reflecting the area's farming heritage), and participation in Wisconsin-based academic competitions like the Wisconsin Lutheran School Association (WLSA) events for Lutheran schools. The low student-to-teacher ratio allows for highly individualized instruction, a significant draw for many families.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools in Gilman, Wisconsin?
The enrollment process for Gilman's private schools usually begins in early winter (January-February) for the following academic year, with re-enrollment of current families taking priority. Prospective families should contact the school office directly to schedule a visit, as open houses may be informal. The application typically involves submitting a registration form, student records, and a birth certificate, and often includes a meeting with the principal or pastor. Due to small class sizes, spaces can be limited, so early inquiry is recommended. Some schools may have waiting lists for specific grades. Unlike some urban private schools, standardized entrance exams are uncommon at the elementary level in Gilman.
For a family considering both options, what are the key differences between the Gilman School District (public) and the private schools in town?
The Gilman School District offers a comprehensive K-12 public education with likely broader extracurricular offerings, including sports teams that are part of the WIAA, and potentially more specialized electives at the secondary level. The private schools in Gilman (K-8, typically) provide a distinct faith-based education integrated throughout the curriculum, smaller class sizes, and a consistent moral framework. A major practical difference is that the private schools end at 8th grade, requiring families to transition to Gilman High School or another option for grades 9-12. The choice often centers on the value placed on religious instruction and a close-knit elementary/middle school experience versus the continuity and resources of a single public school system from kindergarten through graduation.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities