The Best Private Schools in Gordon, Wisconsin
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Gordon. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Marshall School
Independent
The Marshall School is a highly-regarded independent college preparatory school serving students from Wisconsin and Minnesota. Located just 30 minutes from Gordon in Duluth, it offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes, advanced placement courses, and comprehensive extracurricular activities. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. With a focus on character development and academic excellence, Marshall prepares students for top colleges and universities through personalized attention and diverse learning opportunities.
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Cathedral School
Catholic
Cathedral School is a respected Catholic private school located in Superior, Wisconsin, approximately 25 minutes from Gordon. The school offers a comprehensive PreK-8 education grounded in Catholic values with strong academic foundations. Features include modern classrooms, technology integration, music and art programs, and competitive sports. The school maintains small class sizes and personalized learning approaches while providing a safe, nurturing environment. Cathedral has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and community involvement in the Twin Ports region.
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St. Mary's School
Catholic
St. Mary's School in Minong serves families throughout Northwestern Wisconsin, including the Gordon area. This Catholic school provides education from PreK through 8th grade with a focus on faith formation and academic achievement. The school offers a well-rounded curriculum including mathematics, language arts, science, and social studies complemented by music, art, and physical education. With a strong sense of community and dedicated faculty, St. Mary's emphasizes character development and prepares students for success in high school and beyond. The school serves as an educational hub for multiple surrounding communities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Gordon, Wisconsin
What are the primary private school options available for families in Gordon, Wisconsin, and what are their educational affiliations?
Gordon, Wisconsin, offers a few established private school options, primarily with religious affiliations. The top schools include The Marshall School, Cathedral School, and St. Mary's School. These institutions typically provide a K-8 education, with Cathedral and St. Mary's being Catholic parish schools offering faith-based curricula. The Marshall School may offer a different educational approach. Given Gordon's rural setting in Douglas County, these are the central private options, and families seeking secular private or high school education often look at boarding schools or day schools in larger nearby areas like Superior or Duluth, MN.
How does tuition at private schools in Gordon, WI, compare to state averages, and are there financial aid options specific to Wisconsin?
Tuition at Gordon's private schools is generally below the state average for Wisconsin private schools due to the lower cost of living in a rural community. You can expect annual tuition for elementary grades to range significantly, but it is often more affordable than urban counterparts. Wisconsin-specific financial aid options are crucial for families. All Gordon-area private schools typically participate in the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program (WPCP), which provides state-funded vouchers for eligible families to attend participating private schools, potentially covering all or a large portion of tuition. Additionally, individual schools offer need-based aid and parish subsidies for member families at religious schools.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in Gordon, WI, offer that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in Gordon, WI, often integrate the rich natural and cultural resources of the Northwoods into their programs. This can include outdoor education focused on local ecology, forestry, and wildlife studies, utilizing nearby state forests and the Gordon/St. Croix Flowage. Some schools may emphasize environmental science as a specialization. Furthermore, given the strong community ties, programs often highlight local history, including Ojibwe culture and logging heritage. Extracurriculars might be more intimate and community-based, with a focus on activities like skiing, snowshoeing, or fishing, rather than the expansive athletic leagues found in larger cities.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools like St. Mary's or Cathedral School in Gordon?
The enrollment process for Gordon's private schools usually begins in the winter (January-February) for the following academic year, with deadlines often in the spring. The process typically involves submitting an application, academic records, a pastoral reference (for parish schools), and a family interview. For schools like St. Mary's and Cathedral, priority is given to active parish members and siblings of current students. It's highly recommended to contact the school office directly by early winter to schedule a tour, obtain specific application materials, and inquire about seat availability, as class sizes in this small community are limited.
For families considering both sectors, what are the key practical differences between Gordon's public schools and its private school options?
The key differences lie in scale, curriculum, and community. Gordon's public school students are typically served by the Solon Springs School District, which may involve a commute and offers a comprehensive K-12 program with broader extracurriculars. The private schools in Gordon itself are smaller, faith-based (in most cases), and offer a K-8 education with smaller class sizes and a specific values-based curriculum. The private school experience is deeply integrated with the local church community. A major practical consideration is the WPCP voucher, which can make private tuition comparable to public school costs for eligible families, while public schools have no tuition. Transportation can also be a factor, as private schools may not provide district busing.
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