The Best Private Schools in Greendale, Wisconsin
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Greendale. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
University School of Milwaukee
Independent
University School of Milwaukee is a premier independent day school serving students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Located just 15 minutes from Greendale, USM offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes, exceptional faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities. The school features extensive STEM programs, comprehensive arts education, competitive athletics, and global education opportunities. With a 100% college acceptance rate and average SAT scores significantly above national averages, USM provides one of the most academically distinguished private educations in southeastern Wisconsin.
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Brookfield Academy
Independent
Brookfield Academy is a highly-regarded independent school located approximately 20 minutes from Greendale. The school offers a classical education focused on developing character, leadership, and academic excellence across five campuses serving students age 3 through grade 12. BA emphasizes the liberal arts tradition with a rigorous curriculum that includes advanced placement courses, comprehensive foreign language programs, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. The school maintains small class sizes and boasts exceptional college placement records with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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St. Anthony on the Lake School
Catholic
St. Anthony on the Lake School is a highly-rated Catholic private school serving students from preschool through 8th grade, located approximately 15-20 minutes from Greendale. The school offers a faith-based education integrated with strong academic programs including comprehensive STEM curriculum, fine arts, and Spanish language instruction from early grades. With modern facilities, dedicated faculty, and a strong sense of community, St. Anthony provides a nurturing environment while maintaining high academic standards. The school features extensive technology integration, competitive athletic programs, and prepares students well for area Catholic high schools.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Greendale, Wisconsin
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Greendale, Wisconsin?
While Greendale itself is a smaller suburb, families have access to several highly-regarded private schools in the greater Milwaukee area. Notable options include University School of Milwaukee (PreK-12) in Milwaukee, Brookfield Academy (K4-12) in Brookfield, and St. Anthony on the Lake School (K3-8) in Pewaukee. These schools are common choices for Greendale residents, though commutes of 20-40 minutes are typical. It's important to note that Greendale does not host a major private K-12 campus within its village limits, so exploring schools in neighboring communities is standard practice.
How does Wisconsin's school choice programs affect private school tuition for Greendale families?
Wisconsin's Parental Choice Programs (voucher programs) can significantly impact tuition costs. However, eligibility is based on the school's location and family income, not the family's residence. Since the top private schools near Greendale are located in Milwaukee, Waukesha, and Washington counties, different rules apply. For instance, the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program (MPCP) applies to schools within the City of Milwaukee, which could include University School of Milwaukee for eligible families. The Wisconsin Parental Choice Program (WPCP) is statewide but has income limits and a lottery system. Greendale families should check each school's participation status and their own eligibility under the specific program relevant to the school's address.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Greendale area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Schools in this region often offer distinct programs leveraging their independence. University School of Milwaukee is known for its extensive global studies and language immersion programs, along with a strong emphasis on project-based learning. Brookfield Academy emphasizes a classical liberal arts education with a structured core knowledge curriculum and a strong focus on character development. St. Anthony on the Lake provides a faith-based education integrated with STEM initiatives and Spanish instruction from a young age. Compared to Greendale's public schools, these private institutions often feature smaller class sizes, specialized pedagogical approaches, and, in some cases, a religious foundation, offering alternatives to the local public curriculum.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools near Greendale, Wisconsin?
The process is highly school-specific and requires early planning. For schools like University School of Milwaukee and Brookfield Academy, the admission cycle often begins 12-18 months before the desired start date. Key steps generally include: attending open houses (typically in the fall), submitting applications by January or February for the following academic year, student assessments or classroom visits, and family interviews. Many schools have priority deadlines for siblings and legacy applicants. Given the competitive nature and limited seats, especially in entry grades, Greendale families are advised to initiate research and tours in the fall prior to the year they wish to enroll.
For a family moving to Greendale, what are the key considerations when comparing the highly-rated Greendale School District to nearby private schools?
The decision hinges on educational philosophy, cost, and logistics. The Greendale School District is consistently high-performing, offering a well-regarded public education with no tuition. Choosing a private school involves a significant financial investment and a commute, but offers alternatives such as specific religious education (e.g., St. Anthony), a particular pedagogical model (e.g., Brookfield Academy's classical approach), or a college-prep environment with extensive resources (e.g., University School). Families should consider the value of a neighborhood school community versus a regional private school community, the importance of specialized programs, and whether the potential for smaller class sizes and different student-teacher ratios aligns with their child's needs. Visiting both the local public schools and the private options is crucial for a direct comparison.
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