The Best Private Schools in Oakdale, Wisconsin
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Oakdale. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Aquinas Catholic Schools
Diocese of La Crosse
Aquinas Catholic Schools serves the broader region including Oakdale families seeking exceptional private education. As the largest Catholic school system in western Wisconsin, Aquinas offers comprehensive Pre-K through 12th grade education with outstanding college preparation. The high school features International Baccalaureate programs, advanced placement courses, and state championship athletic programs. Families consistently rate the school highly for academic excellence, dedicated faculty, and extensive extracurricular opportunities including renowned music programs and competitive sports teams.
Programs:
St. Mary's Catholic School
Diocese of La Crosse
St. Mary's Catholic School serves the Oakdale area as part of the Tomah community, providing faith-based education with strong academic foundations. The school offers comprehensive curriculum from Pre-K through 8th grade with small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and modern facilities. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment, strong community values, and excellent academic preparation for high school. The school features updated technology resources, music and art programs, and extensive extracurricular activities including sports and academic competitions.
Programs:
St. Patrick's School
Diocese of La Crosse
Located in nearby Sparta, St. Patrick's School serves families throughout Monroe County including Oakdale. This established Catholic school provides rigorous academic programs combined with character development and faith formation. The school features smart classroom technology, comprehensive STEM programs, and competitive sports teams. Parent reviews highlight exceptional teacher dedication, strong test scores, and a supportive community atmosphere that extends beyond the classroom through various family events and service opportunities.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Oakdale, Wisconsin
What are the primary private school options available for families living in Oakdale, Wisconsin?
Oakdale, WI, is served by a small, faith-based private school community, primarily through the Aquinas Catholic Schools system. The main options include St. Mary's Catholic School and St. Patrick's School, which are both part of the Aquinas network. These schools typically offer education from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade. For high school, families often consider Aquinas Middle/High School in La Crosse, which is a short commute from Oakdale. There are no large independent secular private schools within Oakdale itself, making Catholic education the dominant private option in the immediate area.
How does tuition at Oakdale's private Catholic schools compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Wisconsin?
Tuition for schools like St. Mary's and St. Patrick's is generally more affordable than larger independent private schools, with rates often structured with discounts for parish members and multiple children. For the 2024-2025 academic year, families can expect base tuition to range approximately from $3,500 to $5,500 per child for parishioners. Wisconsin offers specific financial aid programs that Oakdale families can utilize, most notably the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program (WPCP), which provides state-funded vouchers for eligible families to attend participating private schools, including these Aquinas schools. Additionally, local parishes and the Aquinas system itself offer need-based scholarships.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Oakdale-area private schools offer that leverage their local context?
Aquinas Catholic Schools in the Oakdale area integrate faith-based learning with a standard curriculum and often emphasize community service projects tied to the local region. Given Oakdale's location in the Driftless Area, some schools may incorporate environmental science and outdoor education related to the unique geography and Mississippi River watershed. Programs like STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, and Math) are common. Extracurriculars often include parish-based sports teams (like CYO basketball), music programs, and academic competitions that connect students from the small Oakdale community with the larger Aquinas network in La Crosse.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for St. Mary's or St. Patrick's School in Oakdale?
The enrollment process for these schools usually begins in January or February for the following fall, with priority given to existing families and registered parishioners. The process involves submitting an application, providing birth and baptismal certificates, recent report cards (for transferring students), and a registration fee. Many families attend an open house or schedule a shadow day. A key local consideration is the affiliation with a supporting parish; non-parishioners are welcome but may pay a higher tuition rate. It's advisable to contact the school office directly by early winter to ensure a spot, as classes in these small, community-oriented schools can fill quickly.
For an Oakdale resident, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private Catholic school?
The main considerations involve educational philosophy, cost, and logistics. Oakdale is part of the Tomah Area School District. Choosing a private school like St. Mary's means opting for a faith-based education with smaller class sizes in a close-knit community, but it requires tuition (potentially offset by the Wisconsin Choice voucher) and likely a commute to the school building. The public district offers a tuition-free, comprehensive K-12 pathway within a larger system, with broader elective and athletic options in later grades. For daily life, private school families often have more direct involvement in a single-campus community, while public school families may be integrated into a wider district. Transportation is also a key factor, as private schools in Wisconsin do not provide district busing, so parents must arrange their own transportation from Oakdale.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities