The Best Private Schools in Hilbert, Wisconsin
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Hilbert. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary Catholic Schools
St. Mary Catholic Schools System
St. Mary Catholic Schools serves families throughout the Fox Valley region, including Hilbert area students. This comprehensive PreK-12 system offers rigorous college preparatory curriculum with advanced placement courses, robust STEM programs, and competitive athletics. The school emphasizes faith-based education while maintaining strong academic standards. Facilities include modern science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. Parent satisfaction is high with particular praise for dedicated faculty and strong community atmosphere. Transportation options are available for students from surrounding communities.
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Xavier High School
Catholic Diocese of Green Bay
Xavier High School is a regional Catholic high school serving students from Hilbert and surrounding communities in the Fox Valley. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory program with 18 Advanced Placement courses, a dedicated STEM Academy, and extensive fine arts offerings. Notable facilities include state-of-the-art science laboratories, performing arts center, and athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development through service learning requirements and maintains strong college acceptance rates. Transportation services are available for students from outlying areas.
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Notre Dame Academy
Green Bay Area Catholic Education (GRACE)
Notre Dame Academy serves as a regional Catholic high school drawing students from throughout Northeast Wisconsin, including the Hilbert area. The school offers the prestigious International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme alongside traditional college preparatory tracks. Facilities include modern STEM labs, extensive athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes personalized learning while offering comprehensive extracurricular programs. Parent reviews consistently praise the academic rigor and supportive community environment, with many families commuting from surrounding towns.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Hilbert, Wisconsin
What are the primary private school options available for families living in or near Hilbert, Wisconsin?
While Hilbert itself is a smaller village, families have access to several well-regarded private, faith-based schools in the broader Calumet and Outagamie County area. The most prominent options include St. Mary Catholic Schools in Neenah (offering Pre-K through 12th grade), Xavier High School in Appleton, and Notre Dame Academy in Green Bay. Many Hilbert families commute to these schools, which are typically a 20-40 minute drive. It's important to note that there are no private school campuses physically located within the village limits of Hilbert, so transportation planning is a key consideration for local parents.
How does Wisconsin's school choice programs, like the Parental Choice Program, affect tuition for private schools near Hilbert?
Wisconsin's statewide Parental Choice Program can significantly reduce tuition costs for eligible families. Schools like St. Mary Catholic Schools, Xavier High School, and Notre Dame Academy participate in this program. Eligibility is based on family income and residency; you must reside in Wisconsin and meet specific income thresholds (which change annually). For the 2023-24 year, the income limit for a family of four was $111,000. If qualified, the state provides a voucher to cover tuition at the participating private school. Families in Hilbert should contact their school of interest directly for the latest application timelines and income guidelines, as seats in the choice program can be limited.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Hilbert area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools serving the Hilbert community often emphasize college preparatory curricula with a values-based foundation. For example, Xavier High School offers a robust Advanced Placement (AP) program and distinctive academies within the school, such as the Health Science Academy. St. Mary Catholic Schools provides a continuous Pre-K-12 education on connected campuses. Notre Dame Academy is known for its International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, a rarity in the region. These schools also typically have smaller class sizes than the local public districts and often require community service hours, integrating character development directly into the curriculum. Many also offer strong faith formation for families seeking that environment.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private high schools like Xavier or Notre Dame Academy for a student from Hilbert?
The process for schools like Xavier High School and Notre Dame Academy usually begins in the fall prior to the desired enrollment year (e.g., September/October for entry the following August). Key steps include: 1) Attending an open house or shadow day (highly recommended), 2) Submitting an application by a stated deadline (often in early winter), 3) Providing records from the current school, 4) Taking a placement exam (for high school), and 5) Completing a family interview. For kindergarten entry at schools like St. Mary, the process may start even earlier. It's crucial to apply for financial aid or the Wisconsin Choice Program simultaneously, as those deadlines are strict and can be as early as February. Given Hilbert's location, inquiring about transportation or carpool networks is also a wise step during the process.
For a family in Hilbert, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school in Appleton or Green Bay?
The decision involves several local factors. Academically, Hilbert is served by the Hilbert School District (public), which offers a close-knit, community-based K-12 experience. Choosing a private school like Xavier or Notre Dame means committing to a daily commute, which impacts time and transportation logistics. Financially, while public school is tax-funded, private tuition may be offset by Wisconsin's Choice Program or financial aid. Culturally, Hilbert's public schools are integral to village life, whereas private options offer a specific religious affiliation and a potentially wider network across the Fox Valley. Parents should consider their child's needs: some may thrive in Hilbert's smaller public school setting, while others may seek the specialized academic programs, broader extracurriculars, or faith-based environment of the regional private institutions.
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