The Best Private Schools in Hartford, Wisconsin
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Hartford. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School is a highly-regarded Christian college preparatory school serving the Hartford area and surrounding communities. The school offers a comprehensive academic program with strong emphasis on STEM education, fine arts, and competitive athletics. With modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes, KML provides a well-rounded education grounded in Lutheran values. The school consistently achieves high college acceptance rates and maintains small class sizes for personalized attention.
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St. Frances Cabrini Catholic School
Archdiocese of Milwaukee
St. Frances Cabrini Catholic School serves families throughout Washington County, including Hartford residents. This established parochial school offers a rigorous academic curriculum integrated with Catholic faith formation. The school features dedicated STEM labs, comprehensive music and arts programs, and competitive sports teams. With strong parent involvement and high teacher retention rates, SFC provides a nurturing environment focused on academic excellence and character development. The school maintains small class sizes and offers before/after school care programs.
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Living Word Lutheran High School
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
Living Word Lutheran High School serves students from Hartford and surrounding communities with a comprehensive Christian education program. The school balances strong academic preparation with practical life skills, offering both college preparatory tracks and vocational training opportunities. Facilities include modern technology labs, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. Living Word emphasizes character development alongside academic achievement, with a focus on preparing students for college and career success. The school maintains active partnerships with local businesses and colleges for enhanced learning opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Hartford, Wisconsin
What are the primary types of private schools available in Hartford, WI, and what are their educational philosophies?
Hartford, WI, offers a few distinct types of private schools, primarily faith-based institutions. The top schools include Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School and Living Word Lutheran High School, which provide secondary education with a rigorous Lutheran, Christ-centered curriculum. For elementary education, St. Frances Cabrini Catholic School offers a Catholic education from Pre-K through 8th grade. These schools emphasize faith integration, character development, and strong academic foundations. Notably, Hartford does not have a large number of secular private or independent schools, so the local options are deeply rooted in religious tradition and community.
How does tuition at Hartford, WI private schools compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition for private schools in the Hartford area is generally below the average for major metropolitan areas in Wisconsin but aligns with regional norms. For the 2024-2025 school year, elementary tuition at St. Frances Cabrini is approximately $4,000-$5,000 annually, while high school tuition at Kettle Moraine Lutheran is around $9,000-$10,000. Wisconsin offers several financial aid options, including the statewide Parental Choice Program (voucher program), which allows eligible families to receive state funding to attend participating private schools. Additionally, most Hartford-area private schools offer parish subsidies for members, need-based scholarships, and tuition payment plans to make education more accessible.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Hartford, WI private schools offer that leverage the local community?
Private schools in Hartford, WI, often integrate the region's strong agricultural, manufacturing, and outdoor culture into their programs. Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School features robust STEM and music programs, with opportunities linked to local industries. Living Word Lutheran High School offers competitive athletics and a focus on college-prep academics. St. Frances Cabrini Catholic School emphasizes service learning, with projects that engage with Hartford's local community organizations. Furthermore, schools may utilize the natural environment of the Kettle Moraine State Forest for science and recreation, providing a unique, place-based learning component not always found in urban private schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Hartford, WI, and are there waitlists?
Enrollment for Hartford's private schools typically begins in January or February for the following academic year, with priority often given to siblings of current students and members of the supporting church parishes. For example, St. Frances Cabrini holds open houses in early winter, while the high schools have shadowing opportunities for prospective students. While these schools are not as large as those in major cities, popular grades can fill quickly, leading to waitlists, especially for kindergarten and 9th-grade entry. It's crucial to contact the school's admissions office directly by early spring, as rolling admissions may continue if spaces remain. Many require an application, student assessment, family interview, and records review.
For families considering both sectors, what are the key differences between Hartford's public schools (Hartford Union High School District) and its private school options?
The key differences lie in curriculum, class size, and educational environment. Hartford's public schools, like Hartford Union High School, offer a broad, secular curriculum with diverse elective choices, extensive extracurriculars, and specialized programs funded by taxpayer dollars. In contrast, private schools like Kettle Moraine Lutheran offer a faith-based education with mandatory religion classes, chapel services, and a values-integrated curriculum. Private schools generally have smaller class sizes, leading to more individualized attention. Financially, public schools are free, while private schools require tuition, though the Wisconsin Choice Program can offset costs. The decision often hinges on a family's desire for a specific religious foundation versus the larger scale and resources of the public system.
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