The Best Private Schools in Montello, Wisconsin
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Montello. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. John's Lutheran School
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
St. John's Lutheran School is a highly-regarded Christian private school serving the Montello community with a comprehensive elementary education program. The school provides a faith-based curriculum integrated with strong academic foundations in core subjects. With small class sizes and dedicated teachers, students receive personalized attention in a nurturing environment. The school features modern facilities, including technology-enhanced classrooms, a gymnasium for physical education and sports, and dedicated music and art spaces. Extracurricular activities include choir, sports teams, and community service projects, fostering well-rounded development.
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St. Stephen's Lutheran School
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
Serving families from Montello and the surrounding region, St. Stephen's Lutheran School in Horicon (approximately 25 minutes away) provides a Christ-centered education with strong academic foundations. The school features a comprehensive elementary program with emphasis on core academic subjects, character development, and spiritual growth. Facilities include modern classrooms with technology integration, science lab, music room, gymnasium, and outdoor play areas. The school is particularly noted for its dedicated teaching staff, strong parent community, and well-rounded program that includes athletics, music ensembles, and various clubs. The school maintains small class sizes to ensure individual student attention and academic success.
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St. Mary's School
Catholic Diocese of Madison
Located in nearby Portage (approximately 15 minutes from Montello), St. Mary's School offers a comprehensive Catholic education from preschool through 8th grade. The school is known for its strong academic program that integrates faith with learning, featuring dedicated STEM labs, modern technology resources, and a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for high school success. The campus includes well-maintained classrooms, a library, gymnasium, and playground facilities. The school maintains high parent satisfaction through its committed faculty, active parent-teacher organization, and diverse extracurricular offerings including sports, music programs, and academic competitions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Montello, Wisconsin
What are the private school options available for K-12 education in Montello, Wisconsin?
Montello, WI, offers a small but dedicated selection of private schools, all with a religious affiliation. The primary options are St. John's Lutheran School (Lutheran - WELS), St. Mary's School (Catholic), and St. Stephen's Lutheran School (Lutheran - WELS). These schools typically cover grades from early childhood (Pre-K or 4K) through 8th grade. For high school, families in Montello generally need to look at private options in larger nearby communities like Portage, Westfield, or even Madison, as there are no private high schools within Montello itself. Transportation to these out-of-town schools is typically the family's responsibility.
How does tuition at Montello's private schools compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Wisconsin?
Tuition at Montello's private schools is generally modest compared to urban private schools, often ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 per year for parishioners, with higher rates for non-members. Exact figures vary by school and parish subsidy. A key Wisconsin-specific financial aid program is the Parental Choice Program (voucher program). However, eligibility and participation can be complex. For the 2023-24 school year, St. Mary's School in Montello is listed as a participating school in the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program for grades K-8, which can significantly reduce costs for eligible families. It's crucial to contact each school directly for current tuition and to discuss application procedures for state aid.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Montello's private schools offer that leverage the local environment?
Montello's private schools often integrate the region's natural resources and community-focused values into their programs. Given Montello's location near the Buffalo Lake and the Fox River, schools may incorporate local ecology, conservation, and Wisconsin history into their science and social studies curricula. Furthermore, these small, faith-based schools emphasize close-knit community service, with students frequently participating in local events and charitable projects within Montello. Agricultural science and an understanding of rural life are also implicit parts of the educational experience. Extracurriculars are typically centered around athletics, music, and church-related activities, with a strong emphasis on character development aligned with their religious missions.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Montello, and is preference given to local residents?
Enrollment for the following academic year typically opens in early winter (January-February) for Montello's private schools. The process usually involves submitting an application, providing birth and baptismal records (if applicable), and often a family interview or meeting with the pastor and principal. Priority enrollment is almost universally given to active members of the supporting church congregation and to siblings of currently enrolled students. After those groups, openings are offered to other families, with local Montello residents often given consideration due to the community-centric nature of the schools. It's highly advisable to contact the school office by late fall to express interest and get on their mailing list for exact dates.
For a family considering both, what are the key differences between Montello's public school (Montello School District) and its private school options?
The key differences center on class size, curriculum, and religious education. Montello's public school (Montello Elementary, Middle, and High School) offers a comprehensive K-12 continuum in one district, with a wider array of elective courses, sports, and extracurricular activities at the secondary level. The private schools in Montello offer much smaller class sizes (often 15 students or fewer) and a curriculum infused with religious values (Lutheran or Catholic). The private school experience is deeply integrated with a specific faith community. Academically, the public school may have more specialized resources, while private schools offer a consistent, values-based environment from teachers who often share the family's faith. Transportation is provided by the public district, whereas private school families usually arrange their own.
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