The Best Private Schools in Lyons, Wisconsin
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lyons. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Montessori School of Racine
American Montessori Society
The Montessori School of Racine is an AMS-accredited institution serving families throughout Racine County, including the Lyons area. This highly-rated school offers authentic Montessori education for children ages 3 through 12, with programs spanning early childhood through elementary levels. The school features beautifully prepared Montessori environments, extensive hands-on learning materials, and a curriculum that includes Spanish language immersion. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the individualized learning approach, experienced Montessori-trained teachers, and the school's focus on developing independent, confident learners. The school community is known for its inclusive atmosphere and strong parent involvement.
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St. Mary's Elementary School
Catholic Schools of Burlington
St. Mary's Elementary School is a highly-regarded Catholic school located just minutes from Lyons in neighboring Burlington. Serving students from preschool through 8th grade, the school offers a comprehensive faith-based education with strong academic foundations. The school features modern classrooms, dedicated STEM labs, and a robust extracurricular program including sports, music, and community service opportunities. Parents consistently praise the small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and strong sense of community. The school maintains high academic standards while emphasizing character development and Catholic values.
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St. Lucy School
Archdiocese of Milwaukee
St. Lucy School is a long-established Catholic elementary school serving the greater Racine area, including families from Lyons. With over six decades of educational excellence, the school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade program rooted in Catholic tradition. The school features modern technology integration throughout classrooms, a strong fine arts program, and comprehensive athletic opportunities. Parents appreciate the school's commitment to academic excellence, safe learning environment, and strong community values. The school maintains small class sizes and offers extensive before and after-school care programs, making it convenient for working families in the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lyons, Wisconsin
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Lyons, Wisconsin, and are they located within the village itself?
Lyons itself is a small village, so most private school options are located in nearby communities. The primary schools serving Lyons families include St. Mary's Elementary School in nearby Racine (a Catholic K-8 school), The Montessori School of Racine (a private, non-sectarian Montessori program), and St. Lucy School in Racine (another Catholic K-8 option). Due to Lyons' size and proximity to Racine, parents typically look to the greater Racine area for private education. Transportation is a key consideration, as most families will need to provide their own.
How does the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program (WPCP) affect tuition costs for private schools accessible to Lyons residents?
The Wisconsin Parental Choice Program is a significant financial consideration. It allows eligible families to receive a state-funded voucher to attend participating private schools, including religious schools. Schools like St. Mary's and St. Lucy are likely participants. Eligibility is based on family income and residency. For a Lyons family, applying for the WPCP can dramatically reduce out-of-pocket tuition costs. It's crucial to check each school's participation status and application deadlines, which are typically in early spring for the following school year.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Lyons/Racine area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools near Lyons offer distinct educational philosophies. The Montessori School of Racine provides a child-led, hands-on learning environment vastly different from a standard public school curriculum. The Catholic schools (St. Mary's and St. Lucy) offer a faith-based education integrated with core academics, which includes daily religion classes and sacramental preparation. These schools often have smaller class sizes than the local public districts (like Waterford Union High School District for older grades), allowing for more individualized attention. Specific extracurriculars may be more limited than in large public schools but are often tightly knit community experiences.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like St. Mary's or The Montessori School of Racine for a family moving to Lyons?
Enrollment timelines for these schools are crucial due to limited seats. Most schools in the area begin accepting applications for the next academic year in January or February, with priority often given to siblings of current students and parishioners (for Catholic schools). For a family moving to Lyons mid-year, it's essential to contact the schools directly about current availability. The process usually involves a school tour, submission of an application and records, and often a family or student interview. We recommend initiating contact with your preferred schools at least 6-12 months in advance, as waiting lists are common.
For a Lyons family considering the choice, what are the practical pros and cons of sending a child to a nearby Racine private school versus the local public schools in the Waterford area?
The decision involves several local factors. Pros for private schools include specific religious or pedagogical values, often smaller class sizes, and a consistent K-8 environment. A major con is the commute to Racine (a 15-20 minute drive from Lyons) and the associated transportation responsibility. Local public schools in the Waterford Union High School District offer proximity, no tuition, a wider array of extracurriculars and facilities, and a seamless transition to the highly-regarded Waterford Union High School. The private school path may require a transition to a different high school, as most local private options end at 8th grade. The WPCP voucher can mitigate the cost con, making the decision more about educational philosophy and community versus convenience.
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