The Best Private Schools in Long Lake, Wisconsin
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Long Lake. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Three Lakes Elementary School (Private Program)
Three Lakes School District (Private Partnership Program)
While part of the public school district, Three Lakes Elementary offers a highly-regarded private Montessori program that serves families throughout the Northwoods region, including Long Lake. The school features small class sizes, individualized learning plans, and strong community involvement. Their project-based learning approach integrates environmental science and outdoor education, taking advantage of the natural Northwoods setting. The program has earned recognition for its innovative teaching methods and strong parent satisfaction ratings.
Programs:
Trinity Evangelical Lutheran School
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
Serving families across Lincoln County and surrounding regions, Trinity Lutheran provides Christ-centered education to students from preschool through 8th grade. The school offers a rigorous academic program integrated with religious instruction and values. Facilities include modern classrooms, technology integration, and athletic programs. The school has maintained consistent enrollment and strong parent satisfaction through its balanced approach to spiritual development and academic preparation for high school.
Programs:
Nativity of Our Lord Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Superior
Located in nearby Rhinelander, Nativity of Our Lord serves students from throughout Oneida County and surrounding areas including Long Lake. The school provides a comprehensive Catholic education with a classical curriculum foundation. Features include dedicated religion instruction, strong academic fundamentals, music and art programs, and community service opportunities. The school maintains small class sizes and has built a reputation for academic excellence and character development over three decades of operation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Long Lake, Wisconsin
What are the specific private school options available for families residing in or near Long Lake, Wisconsin?
Long Lake, WI, is served by a small number of private institutions, primarily with religious affiliations. The notable options include Nativity of Our Lord Catholic School in Rhinelander (approximately 20 miles away), which offers a Pre-K through 8th-grade education rooted in Catholic values. Trinity Evangelical Lutheran School, also in Rhinelander, provides a Christ-centered education from preschool to 8th grade. Additionally, the Three Lakes Elementary School Private Program represents a unique model, potentially offering an alternative within the public school framework. Given the rural nature of the Northwoods, most private options require a commute to nearby towns, and availability is limited compared to urban areas.
How does tuition at private schools in the Long Lake, WI, area compare, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition for private schools near Long Lake varies. For example, Nativity of Our Lord Catholic School and Trinity Evangelical Lutheran School typically have annual tuition ranging from $3,000 to $5,000 per student for parishioners, with higher rates for non-members. A key Wisconsin-specific financial consideration is the Parental Choice Program, which allows eligible families to receive a state-funded voucher to attend participating private schools. However, eligibility and participation vary by school and income level. It's crucial to contact each school directly for their current tuition rates and to inquire about their status in the Wisconsin Choice programs, as well as any local parish subsidies or sibling discounts they may offer.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Long Lake region offer that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in the Northwoods area often integrate the unique natural and cultural resources of Wisconsin into their programs. While specific offerings vary, it's common for schools like Nativity of Our Lord and Trinity Lutheran to emphasize environmental science and outdoor education, potentially incorporating field studies related to the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest and the many lakes. Their curricula are strongly shaped by their religious missions, with daily religion classes and faith-based character education being a cornerstone. Extracurriculars may be more limited than in large urban schools but often include community-focused activities, choir, and athletics that involve cooperation with other small local schools.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools serving Long Lake, Wisconsin families?
The enrollment process for private schools in this region often begins early in the calendar year (January-March) for the following fall semester, especially for limited spots in younger grades. The process typically involves: 1) Submitting an application form, 2) Providing records from a previous school, 3) A family interview or meeting with the principal, and 4) For Catholic schools, often providing proof of baptism and parish registration. Many schools in Wisconsin give priority to siblings of current students and active members of the supporting church congregation. Given the small size of these schools, it is highly advisable to initiate contact by the winter prior to your desired enrollment date to secure a spot and complete any necessary financial aid or voucher paperwork.
For a family in Long Lake, what are the primary considerations when choosing between the local public school (Three Lakes School District) and a private school option?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. The Three Lakes Public School District offers a comprehensive K-12 continuum in one location, often with broader elective and advanced placement course offerings in the high school years. Private options like Nativity of Our Lord or Trinity Lutheran provide a smaller, faith-based environment for grades Pre-K-8, after which students typically transition to the public high school or a boarding school. Therefore, a key consideration is whether you seek a religious education for the elementary/middle years. Additionally, practical logistics are major: private choices require a daily commute to Rhinelander (a 25-30 minute drive from Long Lake), while the public school is within the community. Finally, cost is a factor—weighing public school's no-tuition model against private tuition, potentially offset by Wisconsin's voucher programs.