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The Best Private Schools in Lodi, Wisconsin

Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lodi. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.

3
Private Schools
4.7
Average Rating
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Total Students
3
School Types

School Overview

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Religious Schools
3
Secular Schools
3
Different Types

Top-Rated Private Schools

Waunakee Community Montessori

Independent Montessori School

4.8

Waunakee Community Montessori, located just 15 minutes from Lodi, offers authentic Montessori education serving children from toddler age through elementary grades. The school features mixed-age classrooms, hands-on learning materials, and individualized educational paths. Their curriculum emphasizes practical life skills, sensorial development, language arts, mathematics, and cultural studies. The school is particularly noted for its strong outdoor education component, beautiful natural playground, and highly qualified Montessori-trained teaching staff with excellent parent satisfaction ratings.

100 N Klein Dr, Waunakee, WI 53597, Lodi, Wisconsin WI 53597
Grades: K-12
Founded 2009

Programs:

Montessori EducationToddler through Elementary ProgramsOutdoor Education

St. Mary's School

Catholic Diocese of Madison

4.7

St. Mary's School is Lodi's premier private educational institution offering a comprehensive Catholic education from kindergarten through 8th grade. The school emphasizes faith-based learning combined with strong academic fundamentals, featuring small class sizes and individualized attention. Their curriculum includes robust STEM programs, music education, and arts integration. The school community is known for its strong parent involvement and family-oriented atmosphere, with many graduates successfully transitioning to area high schools.

226 S Main St, Lodi, WI 53555, Lodi, Wisconsin WI 53555
Grades: K-12
Founded 1999

Programs:

K-8 Catholic EducationSTEM CurriculumMusic & Arts Program

Edgewood High School

Edgewood Schools

4.5

Located in nearby Madison, Edgewood High School serves students from Lodi and surrounding communities with an exceptional college preparatory education. As part of the Sinsinawa Dominican tradition, the school offers a rigorous academic program with numerous Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive athletic programs, and extensive arts offerings. The 40-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. Edgewood maintains strong college acceptance rates and provides extensive student support services.

2219 Monroe St, Madison, WI 53711, Lodi, Wisconsin WI 53711
Grades: K-12
Founded 1927

Programs:

College Preparatory CurriculumAdvanced Placement CoursesAthletics & Arts

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about private schools in Lodi, Wisconsin

What are the primary private school options available for families residing in or near Lodi, Wisconsin?

While Lodi itself is a smaller community, families have access to several well-regarded private schools in the surrounding Dane County area. The most prominent local option is St. Mary's School in Lodi, which offers a Catholic education from Pre-K through 8th grade. For high school, many Lodi students commute to Edgewood High School in Madison, a comprehensive Catholic high school. Additionally, Waunakee Community Montessori in nearby Waunakee offers an alternative, child-centered educational model. It's important for Lodi parents to consider the commute to schools in Madison, Waunakee, or other neighboring towns when evaluating options.

How does the tuition for private schools near Lodi, WI, compare, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs?

Tuition varies significantly based on the school and grade level. St. Mary's School in Lodi typically has lower tuition than larger institutions in Madison, reflecting its community-based model. Edgewood High School's tuition is higher, aligning with its comprehensive high school programming. Wisconsin offers the Parental Choice Program (voucher program), which can provide significant tuition assistance for qualifying families to attend participating private schools. Eligibility is based on income and residency. It is crucial to check each school's participation status, as not all private schools in the area accept vouchers. Additionally, most schools offer their own need-based financial aid and payment plans.

What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Lodi area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?

Private schools in the Lodi area often provide specialized programs that may not be as readily available in the public district. St. Mary's School integrates faith-based education and character development throughout its curriculum. Edgewood High School offers a wide array of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, extensive arts programs, and competitive athletics at the Division 1 level within the Badger Conference. Waunakee Community Montessori provides a hands-on, multi-age classroom experience focused on individual student pacing. These schools often have smaller class sizes, which can allow for more individualized attention, a key differentiator for some families compared to the Lodi School District.

What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Lodi, WI, families?

Timelines can differ, but a general process is consistent. For schools like St. Mary's, Edgewood, and Waunakee Community Montessori, the main application period often opens in the fall (September-October) for the following academic year, with deadlines in winter (January-February). Edgewood High School, due to its competitive nature, has a firm application deadline and may require entrance exams, interviews, and submission of records. Many schools host open houses in the fall. It is highly advisable for Lodi parents to begin research and visits a full year in advance, especially for high school or for schools with limited seats. Early inquiry is key, as some grades may have waiting lists.

For a family in Lodi, what are the main considerations when choosing between the Lodi public schools and a private school option?

The decision hinges on several local factors. The Lodi School District is highly rated, offering a strong, tuition-free K-12 education within the community. Choosing a private school often involves a desire for a specific educational philosophy (e.g., religious, Montessori), perceived academic rigor, or smaller class sizes. The major trade-off is cost and logistics. Private school requires paying tuition and potentially a significant daily commute to Madison or Waunakee, which impacts family time and transportation logistics. Families should deeply consider their educational values, budget, and the importance of community-based schooling versus a specialized program not available locally. Visiting both the Lodi public schools and the private options is essential for a direct comparison.

Private Education Insights

Finding the Right Fit: Your Guide to Private Kindergarten Options in Lodi, WI

For families in Lodi, Wisconsin, the decision about where to begin your child’s formal education is a significant one. The choice of a private kindergarten offers a distinct pathway, one that prioritizes small class sizes, a values-based environment, and a tailored approach to early learning that can set a powerful foundation. In our close-knit community, this isn't just about academics; it's about finding a school that feels like an extension of your family's values and aspirations for your child. The journey often starts right here in Lodi or in the surrounding areas of Columbia County, with options that provide a meaningful alternative to the public system.

One of the most immediate benefits parents in Lodi appreciate is the intimate learning environment. In a private kindergarten classroom, often with a student-teacher ratio far lower than typical public schools, your child receives individualized attention. This means teachers can quickly identify a child’s unique strengths, whether in early literacy, mathematical reasoning, or social development, and nurture them from day one. This personalized focus is crucial in kindergarten, where foundational skills in reading and numeracy are established. Schools like St. Mary's School in Lodi exemplify this, integrating faith-based principles with a strong academic curriculum, allowing learning to be framed within a context of community and character development that resonates with many local families.

The local context in Lodi also means that private kindergartens often leverage our beautiful natural surroundings and community assets. Learning extends beyond the classroom walls, incorporating local field trips to the Lodi Agricultural Fair or the Ice Age Trail, blending hands-on science and social studies with a deep appreciation for our region. Furthermore, the continuity offered by many local private institutions is a compelling factor. While Edgewood High School in nearby Madison is a secondary school, its associated feeder schools highlight a long-term educational philosophy that some families seek, aiming for a consistent, values-aligned education from kindergarten through twelfth grade. Similarly, exploring options like Waunakee Community Montessori, though a short drive away, introduces a specific, child-led pedagogical approach that attracts parents from Lodi seeking an alternative, self-directed start for their young learner.

Financially, it's important to plan. While tuition is an investment, many private schools in the area offer tuition assistance, parish subsidies for affiliated families, or payment plans to make this education accessible. We encourage you to visit, ask about the kindergarten daily schedule, and observe the classroom culture. Notice how teachers interact with students—is it warm and encouraging? Does the curriculum balance structured learning with play, which is essential for five- and six-year-olds? Choosing a private kindergarten in Lodi is about partnering with educators who share your commitment to nurturing not just a student, but the whole child: intellectually, socially, and ethically. It’s the first, and perhaps one of the most important, steps in a lifelong educational journey, rooted in the supportive fabric of our Wisconsin community.

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