The Best Private Schools in Neenah, Wisconsin
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Neenah. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary Catholic Schools
St. Mary Catholic Schools
St. Mary Catholic Schools is a highly-regarded PreK-12 private Catholic school system serving the Neenah community. The school offers a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum with strong emphasis on STEM education, fine arts, and competitive athletics. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. The school maintains small class sizes and has a reputation for high academic achievement and strong community values.
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Xavier High School
Xavier Catholic Schools
Xavier High School serves students from Neenah and throughout the Fox Valley region. As part of the Xavier Catholic Schools system, it offers rigorous academic programs including extensive Advanced Placement courses and a specialized STEM Academy. The school is known for its championship athletic programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and comprehensive extracurricular offerings. With a strong focus on faith-based education and college preparation, Xavier consistently ranks among the top private schools in northeastern Wisconsin.
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Fox Valley Lutheran High School
Fox Valley Lutheran High School Association
Fox Valley Lutheran High School has been serving students from Neenah and the broader Fox Valley area for over 50 years. The school provides a comprehensive Christ-centered education with strong college preparatory programs alongside vocational training options. Facilities include modern academic buildings, athletic complexes, and specialized spaces for fine arts and technology education. FVL is known for its strong community atmosphere, dedicated faculty, and successful track record of preparing students for college and careers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Neenah, Wisconsin
What are the primary private school options available for K-12 education within or directly serving Neenah, Wisconsin?
Neenah is served by several prominent private schools, primarily with religious affiliations. St. Mary Catholic Schools offers a continuous Pre-K through 12th-grade education on a single campus in Neenah. For high school, families also commonly consider Xavier High School in nearby Appleton (a Catholic, diocesan school) and Fox Valley Lutheran High School, also in Appleton. While the latter two are not within Neenah city limits, they are major destinations for Neenah families seeking private secondary education. Secular private day schools are less prevalent in the immediate Neenah area, leading many families to look towards the broader Fox Cities region.
How does tuition at Neenah-area private schools compare, and are there Wisconsin-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 year, St. Mary Catholic Schools lists elementary tuition around $5,500 and high school near $9,500 for parishioners, with higher rates for non-parishioners. Xavier and Fox Valley Lutheran have similar ranges. A key Wisconsin-specific benefit is the **Parental Choice Program**, which allows eligible families to receive a state-funded voucher to attend participating private schools, significantly reducing out-of-pocket cost. Eligibility is based on income and residency. All major local private schools participate in this program. Additionally, each school offers its own need-based financial aid and parish subsidies for member families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Neenah area specialize in?
Neenah-area private schools offer distinct programs shaped by their missions. **St. Mary Catholic Schools** emphasizes a faith-integrated, STEM-focused curriculum with a 1:1 technology program and notable fine arts. **Xavier High School** in Appleton is renowned for its strong athletics and academic rigor, consistently ranking among Wisconsin's top Catholic high schools, with extensive AP course offerings and engineering pathways. **Fox Valley Lutheran High School** provides a rigorous college-prep curriculum from a Lutheran perspective, with strong music programs and vocational exploration. A common advantage in this region is smaller class sizes and a focus on character development tied to each school's religious tradition.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools like St. Mary in Neenah?
The process typically begins in the fall or winter prior to the desired school year. For **St. Mary Catholic Schools**, open houses are held in October-January, with application deadlines often in early February for the following fall. The process involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a family interview or student assessment. For kindergarten, age cutoffs are strictly enforced. For the Appleton-based high schools (Xavier and FVL), timelines are similar, with shadow days for prospective students highly encouraged. A critical step for Wisconsin families is applying for the **Parental Choice Program** by the state deadline in April, which is separate from the school's admission application.
As a Neenah resident, how do the local private schools compare academically and culturally to the highly-regarded Neenah Joint School District public schools?
This is a key consideration. The Neenah Joint School District (NJSD) is consistently top-ranked in Wisconsin, offering exceptional facilities, diverse programs, and extensive extracurriculars. The choice often comes down to educational philosophy and environment. Private schools in the area offer a values-based education rooted in specific religious traditions, which is the primary draw for families. They typically have smaller, more close-knit communities and may offer more consistent disciplinary environments. Academically, NJSD provides immense breadth, including specialty charters like the Neenah STEM Academy. Private schools counter with focused college-prep and often comparable, if not smaller, average class sizes. Many Neenah families see it as a choice between the superb, comprehensive public system and a private, mission-driven community aligned with their faith.
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