The Best Private Schools in Green Bay, Wisconsin
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Green Bay. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Notre Dame Academy
Diocese of Green Bay
Notre Dame Academy is a premier Catholic college preparatory high school serving the Green Bay area with a rigorous academic program. The school offers 18 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and extensive extracurricular opportunities including championship athletic teams and performing arts. With a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, Notre Dame provides personalized attention and maintains a 99% college acceptance rate. The campus features state-of-the-art science labs, modern athletic facilities, and technology-enhanced classrooms.
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Bay Port High School (Private Programs)
Howard-Suamico School District (Private Partnership Programs)
While primarily a public school, Bay Port High School offers exceptional private-level educational programs through its International Baccalaureate and extensive Advanced Placement offerings. The school is consistently ranked among Wisconsin's top high schools and serves the broader Green Bay metropolitan area. Features include a comprehensive STEM program, award-winning fine arts department, and competitive athletic programs. The campus boasts advanced technology labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities that rival many private institutions.
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St. Bernard Catholic School
St. Bernard Parish
St. Bernard Catholic School provides comprehensive private education from preschool through 8th grade, serving families throughout Green Bay. The school combines strong academic foundations with Catholic values and character development. Curriculum includes advanced mathematics, science labs, Spanish language instruction, and technology integration across all grade levels. The campus features modern classrooms, dedicated science and computer labs, gymnasium, and extensive playground facilities. The school maintains small class sizes and high parent satisfaction ratings for its nurturing environment and academic excellence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Green Bay, Wisconsin
What are the primary types of private schools available in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and how do they differ?
Green Bay offers a few distinct types of private schools, primarily Catholic/parish-based schools and a private, independent academy. Institutions like St. Bernard Catholic School represent the traditional parish model, often with strong community ties and religious integration. Notre Dame Academy is a larger, consolidated Catholic school system offering a comprehensive PreK-12 education. Bay Port High School is unique as it is a public school, but it's important to note that the Green Bay area has private programs and charter schools that sometimes get categorized broadly. For truly independent private day schools, options are more limited compared to larger metros, making the Catholic school system a dominant feature of Green Bay's private education landscape.
How does tuition for Green Bay, WI private schools compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are specifically available?
Tuition for Green Bay's private schools, particularly the Catholic schools, is generally below the national private school average but aligns with regional Wisconsin norms. For the 2023-2024 year, elementary grade tuition at schools like St. Bernard often ranges from $4,000 to $6,000 annually, with parishioner discounts. Notre Dame Academy's high school tuition is higher, typically between $9,000 and $11,000. Wisconsin offers specific financial aid options like the Parental Choice Program (voucher program), which allows eligible families to receive state aid to attend participating private schools. Many Green Bay private schools participate in this program, and they also offer their own need-based scholarships and multi-child discounts. It's crucial to apply for the Choice Program early, as deadlines are strict.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Green Bay private schools offer that leverage the local community?
Green Bay private schools often integrate the city's unique identity into their programs. Notre Dame Academy, for example, may offer specialized courses or clubs related to business, healthcare, or manufacturing that connect to local industries like healthcare systems (Prevea, Bellin) and major employers (Georgia-Pacific, Schreiber Foods). Many schools emphasize community service, deeply tied to Green Bay's strong civic culture. Furthermore, the proximity to Lambeau Field and the Packers organization often inspires sports management interests, special event volunteering, and unique physical education partnerships. Catholic schools frequently incorporate Wisconsin's environmental resources into science curricula, with outdoor education and ecology studies focused on the Fox River and Bay of Green Bay.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Green Bay, and are there waitlists for popular grades?
The enrollment process for Green Bay private schools typically begins in January or February for the following fall, with open houses held in the winter. For schools like Notre Dame Academy and St. Bernard, priority is often given to siblings of current students and active parish members. Application deadlines can be as early as March 1st. Due to limited seats, especially in popular entry grades like Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th grades, waitlists are common at the most sought-after schools. A critical step is applying for the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program by the state deadline (usually in April) if seeking financial aid through vouchers, as this is a separate application from school admission.
For families considering both sectors, what are the key practical differences between Green Bay Area Public School District (GBAPS) and the private school options?
The key differences lie in curriculum flexibility, religious education, class size, and cost. GBAPS, one of Wisconsin's largest districts, offers extensive resources, diverse elective pathways, and no tuition. Green Bay's private schools, primarily Catholic, offer a faith-based education with values integrated throughout the curriculum. They generally have smaller average class sizes, which can allow for more individualized attention. Private schools have more autonomy over curriculum, often allowing them to implement specific teaching philosophies or accelerated tracks without district-wide mandates. However, GBAPS may offer a wider array of specialized sports, advanced placement (AP) courses, and services for special needs due to its scale. The decision often hinges on a family's priority for religious education and community versus the broader programmatic scope and no-cost model of the public system.
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