The Best Private Schools in Markesan, Wisconsin
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Markesan. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Lourdes Academy
Catholic Diocese of Green Bay
Lourdes Academy is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving students from preschool through 12th grade. Located approximately 30 minutes from Markesan, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with strong emphasis on academic excellence and character development. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes. The school maintains small class sizes and offers extensive extracurricular programs including competitive sports, music, theater, and community service opportunities. Parent satisfaction is exceptionally high with praise for the dedicated faculty and strong community atmosphere.
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Wayland Academy
Independent
Wayland Academy is Wisconsin's oldest independent college preparatory boarding and day school, located about 20 minutes from Markesan. This prestigious institution offers a rigorous academic program with Advanced Placement courses and International Baccalaureate options. The 55-acre campus features historic buildings alongside modern academic facilities, including state-of-the-art science centers and athletic facilities. The school emphasizes global education with diverse student body and international programs. Wayland is known for its exceptional college placement record and personalized attention with an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
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St. Mary's Springs Academy
Catholic
St. Mary's Springs Academy is a comprehensive Catholic private school serving students from early childhood through high school, located approximately 25 minutes from Markesan. The school offers a faith-based education with strong academic programs and excellent college preparation. Facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and extensive athletic facilities. The school is particularly noted for its strong sense of community, dedicated faculty, and successful athletic programs. Academic offerings include honors and advanced placement courses, with graduates consistently gaining admission to top colleges and universities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Markesan, Wisconsin
What are the primary private school options available for families in or near Markesan, Wisconsin?
While Markesan itself is a smaller community, families have access to several well-regarded private schools in the surrounding Fond du Lac and Beaver Dam areas. The most prominent options include Lourdes Academy in Oshkosh (K-12, Catholic), Wayland Academy in Beaver Dam (9-12, independent college-preparatory boarding/day school), and St. Mary's Springs Academy in Fond du Lac (PreK-12, Catholic). Many Markesan families consider these schools for their strong academic reputations and specialized programs, accepting students from across the region. Transportation is often a key consideration, as these schools are a commute from Markesan.
How does the tuition for private schools near Markesan, WI, compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Wisconsin?
Tuition varies significantly among the top schools near Markesan. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. Mary's Springs Academy and Lourdes Academy typically have lower tuition ranges (approximately $4,000-$8,000 for parishioners, higher for non-parishioners) due to their Catholic diocesan support. Wayland Academy, as a prestigious independent boarding school, has a substantially higher tuition (over $40,000 for boarding, around $20,000+ for day students). Importantly, Wisconsin offers the Parental Choice Program (voucher program), which can provide significant tuition assistance for eligible families to participating private schools, including some of these institutions. Each school also has its own need-based financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Markesan offer that differentiate them?
The schools near Markesan provide distinct specializations. Wayland Academy is renowned for its rigorous college-prep curriculum, global focus, and extensive residential life programs, including advanced STEM and arts opportunities. St. Mary's Springs Academy offers a strong faith-based education with notable athletics and a dedicated LEAD (Lead, Excel, Achieve, Dream) program for student development. Lourdes Academy is recognized for its comprehensive K-12 continuum, robust fine arts, and competitive sports programs within the FRCC conference. For Markesan students interested in agriculture or FFA, the proximity to these programs varies, making it a specific point of inquiry when comparing schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving the Markesan area?
Enrollment processes and deadlines are school-specific. Generally, for schools like St. Mary's Springs and Lourdes, application periods for the following academic year open in the fall/winter, with priority deadlines often in January or February. Wayland Academy, with its boarding component, has a more complex process involving interviews, testing, and earlier deadlines, sometimes over a year in advance. Open houses are typically held in the fall. A critical step for Markesan families is to contact admissions offices directly to schedule a visit, as travel time is a factor. For Wisconsin's Choice Program, separate application deadlines (usually in April) must be strictly met for voucher eligibility.
For a family in Markesan, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school in a neighboring city?
The decision involves weighing several local factors. The Markesan School District offers the convenience of proximity and no tuition. Opting for a private school like those in Fond du Lac, Oshkosh, or Beaver Dam involves a daily commute (15-45 minutes), tuition costs, and potential transportation logistics. However, parents often consider private schools for smaller class sizes, specific religious education, specialized college-prep curricula (especially at Wayland), or different athletic/arts opportunities. The community environment is also different; Markesan public schools offer a tight-knit local community, while the private options provide a regional network. Utilizing Wisconsin's voucher program can make the financial aspect of this choice more feasible for eligible families.
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