The Best Private Schools in Manawa, Wisconsin
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Manawa. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary Magdalene School
Catholic Diocese of Green Bay
St. Mary Magdalene School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving the Manawa area from nearby Waupaca. The school offers comprehensive education from Pre-K through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on faith-based learning combined with rigorous academics. Features include modern classrooms, dedicated faculty with an average of 15+ years teaching experience, robust STEM programs, competitive sports teams, and extensive extracurricular activities. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, strong community values, and excellent academic preparation for high school.
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Most Precious Blood School
Catholic Diocese of Green Bay
Most Precious Blood School in New London serves families throughout the region including Manawa. This established Catholic school provides education from Pre-K through 8th grade with a reputation for academic excellence and character development. The school features small class sizes, individualized attention, modern technology integration across all grade levels, and comprehensive athletic programs. The curriculum emphasizes strong foundational skills in mathematics and language arts while incorporating faith formation. Parents highlight the school's strong sense of community and excellent teacher-student relationships.
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Xavier High School
Catholic Diocese of Green Bay
Xavier High School in Appleton is a premier Catholic college-preparatory school that serves students from Manawa and surrounding communities. The school offers a comprehensive high school education with over 20 Advanced Placement courses, specialized STEM academies, competitive athletics across 20+ sports, and extensive fine arts programs. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, modern athletic complex, and technology-enhanced classrooms. With a 100% college acceptance rate and numerous National Merit Scholars, Xavier consistently ranks among Wisconsin's top private high schools. The school provides transportation options for students from the Manawa area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Manawa, Wisconsin
What are the private school options for K-12 education within or very close to Manawa, Wisconsin?
Within the immediate Manawa area, private school options are primarily Catholic-affiliated institutions. St. Mary Magdalene School (PreK-8) and Most Precious Blood School (K-6) serve elementary and middle school students. For high school, families typically look to nearby Appleton, where Xavier High School (9-12) is a major Catholic college-preparatory option. Due to Manawa's smaller size, there are no large independent private school campuses within the city limits, making these parish-based schools and the regional high school the core options. Transportation to Xavier is often a family responsibility.
How does tuition at Manawa-area private schools compare to the Wisconsin state average, and are there financial aid options specific to Wisconsin?
Tuition at local parish schools like St. Mary Magdalene and Most Precious Blood is typically below the Wisconsin private school average due to parish subsidies for member families. Non-parishioner rates are higher. Xavier High School's tuition is more aligned with statewide averages for private high schools. Wisconsin offers specific financial aid programs that benefit Manawa families, most notably the **Parental Choice Program (voucher system)**, which allows eligible families to receive state aid to attend participating private schools. Additionally, many schools offer parish-based assistance and diocesan scholarships. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school about their participation in state programs and internal aid.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Manawa, WI, area offer that leverage the local community?
Private schools in the Manawa area often integrate the region's strong agricultural, manufacturing, and close-knit community values into their programs. For example, science and environmental studies may include local ecology projects related to the Wolf River or local farming. Xavier High School in Appleton offers robust STEM programs and trades partnerships that align with the Fox Valley's industrial base. The smaller parish schools emphasize community service projects within Manawa and neighboring towns. Unlike larger urban private schools, these institutions often have a distinctive focus on character education rooted in the local community's ethos.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Manawa, Wisconsin families?
Enrollment timelines for Manawa-area private schools are crucial due to limited seats, especially in the smaller parish schools. The primary enrollment period for the following academic year usually opens in January or February, with priority given to registered parishioners and siblings of current students. Open houses often occur in the fall and winter. For Xavier High School, the process includes an application, placement test, and shadow day, typically in the fall of a student's 8th-grade year. Given the limited options, Manawa parents are advised to initiate contact with schools at least a year in advance, particularly for kindergarten and 9th-grade entry points.
For a family in Manawa, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district (Little Wolf) and the available private school options?
The decision between the Little Wolf Public School District and private options in Manawa hinges on several local factors. Private schools offer a specific religious education (Catholic) and typically smaller class sizes, which is a draw for some families in this community. The public district provides a comprehensive K-12 continuum in one location, broader extracurricular offerings, and no tuition. A major practical consideration is transportation and logistics; the private high school option (Xavier) requires a daily commute to Appleton. Financially, the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program may make private school tuition feasible for qualifying families. Ultimately, the choice often centers on values alignment, desired class size, and the willingness to manage logistics for a religious-based education.
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