The Best Private Schools in Montfort, Wisconsin
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Montfort. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Holy Ghost Elementary School
Holy Ghost Parish
Holy Ghost Elementary School is a highly-regarded Catholic school serving southwestern Wisconsin communities including Montfort. With over 70 years of educational excellence, the school provides a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education with strong emphasis on faith formation, academic rigor, and character development. The school features modern classrooms, dedicated faculty with low student-teacher ratios, and robust extracurricular programs including sports, music, and community service. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment and strong academic preparation for high school.
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St. Mary's School
St. Mary's Parish
St. Mary's School in Platteville serves families throughout Grant County, including Montfort residents. This established Catholic school offers Pre-K through 8th grade education with a strong academic foundation and faith-based learning environment. The school features updated technology resources, dedicated science labs, and comprehensive athletic programs. With small class sizes and experienced teachers, St. Mary's provides individualized attention and has earned recognition for academic excellence and student achievement. The school community is known for its strong parent involvement and family-oriented atmosphere.
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Iowa-Grant Elementary & Middle School
Iowa-Grant School District
Iowa-Grant Elementary & Middle School serves students from multiple rural communities in the region, including Montfort. While technically a public school, it operates as the primary educational institution for the area and offers private school-level educational quality with small class sizes and personalized attention. The school features modern facilities, comprehensive technology integration, and diverse extracurricular opportunities including music programs, sports teams, and academic clubs. With strong community support and dedicated faculty, the school consistently achieves above-average test scores and prepares students exceptionally well for high school and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Montfort, Wisconsin
What are the private school options for families living in or near Montfort, Wisconsin?
Montfort, WI, is a small rural community, so private school options within the village itself are limited and primarily faith-based. The main institutions are Holy Ghost Elementary School (a Catholic school) and St. Mary's School. It's important to note that Iowa-Grant Elementary & Middle School is part of the public Iowa-Grant School District, not a private institution. Many families in the area also consider private schools in larger nearby communities like Platteville, Dodgeville, or even Madison for a broader range of options, including non-religious independent schools. Transportation to these schools would be a key consideration for Montfort residents.
How does tuition at Montfort's private schools compare to state averages, and are there financial aid options specific to Wisconsin?
Tuition at small, rural private schools like those in Montfort is often lower than the state average for private schools, which is heavily influenced by higher-cost urban institutions. For the 2023-2024 school year, tuition at local Catholic elementary schools typically ranges from $3,000 to $5,000 per student. Wisconsin offers specific financial aid programs that Montfort families can utilize, most notably the **Parental Choice Program** (voucher program). Eligible families can apply for a state-funded voucher to help cover tuition at participating private schools, significantly reducing out-of-pocket costs. It's crucial to check each school's participation status and application deadlines for this program.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Montfort area offer that differentiate them from the public district?
The private schools in the Montfort area, such as Holy Ghost and St. Mary's, emphasize a faith-based education integrated into the core curriculum, which is their primary differentiator. They often feature smaller class sizes, allowing for more individualized attention. While their extracurricular offerings may be more limited than a large public district due to size, they frequently foster strong community involvement and may partner with local parishes for activities. Their academic focus is on a standardized, values-based curriculum rather than specialized vocational or advanced placement tracks, which are more commonly found in larger public or private high schools outside the immediate area.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools like Holy Ghost Elementary in Montfort, WI?
Enrollment for Montfort's private schools typically begins in early winter (January-February) for the following academic year, with priority often given to registered parishioners and siblings of current students. The process usually involves submitting an application, providing birth and baptismal certificates (for Catholic schools), academic records, and possibly a family interview. Due to the small size of these schools, spaces can be limited, so early inquiry is recommended. For families interested in the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program, the application window is usually in February, and this must be completed separately from the school's enrollment paperwork.
For a family in Montfort, what are the key practical considerations when choosing between the local public school (Iowa-Grant) and a private school?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. **Transportation:** The Iowa-Grant public district provides busing within its boundaries, while private schools typically require parents to arrange transportation, which can be a significant hurdle in rural Montfort. **Cost:** Public school is tuition-free. Private school requires tuition, though vouchers may offset this. **Community & Values:** Private schools offer a close-knit, faith-based community. The public district offers a broader social environment and potentially more diverse extracurricular and academic programs due to its larger size. **Logistics:** Consider the daily commute to a private school, which may be in a neighboring town, versus the centralized bus route to Iowa-Grant schools. Many Montfort families value the deep local roots and continuity offered by the community-focused private schools.
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