The Best Private Schools in Hales Corners, Wisconsin
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Hales Corners. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Brookfield Academy
Independent
Brookfield Academy is a highly-regarded independent school serving the greater Milwaukee area, including Hales Corners. Founded on the principles of freedom and responsibility, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum from pre-K through grade 12. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence. The comprehensive program includes 20+ AP courses, competitive athletics, and extensive arts programs.
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University School of Milwaukee
Independent
University School of Milwaukee is a premier independent school serving the Milwaukee metropolitan area, including Hales Corners families. The school offers a comprehensive educational program from pre-K through grade 12 on a 125-acre campus with exceptional facilities including science centers, performing arts spaces, and extensive athletic complexes. USM features an International Baccalaureate program alongside advanced placement options, with 100% college matriculation. The school emphasizes global citizenship, innovation, and character development through its diverse academic and extracurricular programs.
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St. Mary's Parish School
Catholic
St. Mary's Parish School is a highly-rated Catholic school located directly in Hales Corners, serving students from pre-K through 8th grade. The school provides a strong faith-based education integrated with rigorous academics. Features include modern classrooms, a dedicated STEM lab, music program, and competitive sports. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 15:1 and emphasizes character development and community service. Parents consistently praise the supportive environment and strong academic preparation for high school.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Hales Corners, Wisconsin
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Hales Corners, Wisconsin?
While Hales Corners itself is a smaller suburb, families have access to several highly-regarded private schools in the immediate and surrounding areas. Notable options include St. Mary's Parish School (a Catholic K-8 school located within Hales Corners), as well as larger independent schools a short drive away, such as Brookfield Academy in Brookfield and the University School of Milwaukee in River Hills. Many Hales Corners residents also consider private schools in nearby Greenfield, Franklin, and the broader Milwaukee metro area. Transportation to schools outside the village is typically the responsibility of the family.
How does the tuition for private schools near Hales Corners, WI, compare, and are there state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition varies significantly based on the school's model and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. Mary's Parish School offers a parish-subsidized Catholic education with tuition significantly lower than independent schools. Brookfield Academy and University School of Milwaukee, as premier independent institutions, have higher tuition, often ranging from $20,000 to $30,000+ annually. Wisconsin offers the Parental Choice Program (voucher program), which can provide state-funded tuition assistance for eligible families to attend participating private schools, including many in the Milwaukee area. Eligibility is based on residency and income. It's crucial to check each school's website for exact tuition and their participation in state programs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Hales Corners area offer that differentiate them?
Schools in this region offer distinct educational philosophies. St. Mary's Parish School integrates faith-based learning with a strong core curriculum. Brookfield Academy is known for its classical, college-preparatory "Five Freedoms" curriculum emphasizing Western heritage and character development. The University School of Milwaukee offers a progressive, rigorous Pre-K-12 program with exceptional facilities, extensive arts and athletics, and a global studies focus. For Hales Corners families, proximity to Milwaukee also provides access to schools with specialized STEM programs, language immersion, or international baccalaureate (IB) curricula not typically found in local public schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Hales Corners, WI, families?
Timelines are school-specific and require early planning. For sought-after schools like University School of Milwaukee and Brookfield Academy, the process often begins 12-18 months before the desired entry date, with application deadlines in January or February for the following fall. This typically includes tours, standardized testing (for older grades), interviews, and submission of records. St. Mary's Parish School, serving the local Catholic community, may have a more rolling admissions process but still encourages early inquiry, especially for non-parishioners. Most schools host open houses in the fall. We strongly recommend contacting admissions offices directly in the summer or early fall prior to your child's intended enrollment year.
For a family in Hales Corners, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public schools (Whitnall School District) to area private schools?
The Whitnall School District is well-regarded, so the decision often hinges on specific family priorities. Key considerations include: **Educational Approach:** Private schools offer specific religious (St. Mary's) or philosophical (Brookfield Academy's classical model) frameworks not available in public schools. **Class Size:** Private schools generally offer smaller class sizes for more individualized attention. **Cost:** Whitnall public schools are taxpayer-funded, while private schools require tuition, though financial aid and vouchers may offset costs. **Program Scope:** Larger private schools like USM may offer more extensive arts, language, or athletic facilities, while Whitnall provides a standard public curriculum with broader special education services. **Community:** Choosing St. Mary's may align with a parish community, while other privates draw from a wider regional area, affecting the social network and commute from Hales Corners.
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