The Best Private Schools in Omro, Wisconsin
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Omro. 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 just 10 miles from Omro in Oshkosh, the school offers a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and individualized attention. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes. Lourdes emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with strong programs in athletics, fine arts, and community service. The school has a proven track record of college acceptance and maintains high parent satisfaction ratings.
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St. Mary Catholic Schools
Catholic Diocese of Green Bay
St. Mary Catholic Schools is a prestigious private institution located approximately 15 miles from Omro in Neenah. The school offers an International Baccalaureate program alongside traditional college-preparatory tracks, serving students from early childhood through high school. With state-of-the-art facilities including modern classrooms, science laboratories, and performing arts centers, St. Mary's provides a well-rounded education. The school is known for its strong academic performance, extensive extracurricular offerings, and commitment to faith-based education. Parents consistently rate the school highly for teacher quality and student support services.
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Fox Valley Lutheran High School
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
Fox Valley Lutheran High School serves families throughout the Fox Valley region, including Omro residents. Located approximately 20 miles away in Appleton, this Lutheran-affiliated school offers a comprehensive educational program grounded in Christian values. The school features modern academic facilities, extensive athletic complexes, and specialized spaces for vocational and technical education. FVL provides a robust college-preparatory curriculum alongside career-focused programs, with strong emphasis on character development and community involvement. The school maintains high academic standards and receives positive reviews from parents for its supportive environment and dedicated faculty.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Omro, Wisconsin
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Omro, Wisconsin?
Omro itself is a smaller community, so most private school options are located in nearby cities but serve the Omro area. The primary institutions include Lourdes Academy (a Catholic PK-12 system with campuses in Oshkosh), St. Mary Catholic Schools (a Neenah-Menasha based Catholic system), and Fox Valley Lutheran High School in Appleton. Many Omro families commute to these schools, which are within a 20-30 minute drive. There are very few, if any, private schools physically located within Omro's city limits, so transportation is a key consideration for parents.
How does tuition at private schools serving Omro, WI, compare, and are there Wisconsin-specific financial aid options?
Tuition varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-25 year, elementary tuition at Lourdes Academy or St. Mary is approximately $4,000-$6,000 annually for parishioners, with high school around $8,000-$10,000. Fox Valley Lutheran High School tuition is typically over $9,000. A critical Wisconsin-specific benefit is the Parental Choice Program (voucher system). Families in Omro may qualify for the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program (WPCP) or the Special Needs Scholarship Program (SNSP), which can cover all or a significant portion of tuition at participating private schools based on income and other eligibility requirements. It's essential to apply for these programs during the open enrollment period (usually February-April).
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools serving Omro offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools in the Fox Valley region emphasize faith-based education alongside strong academics. Lourdes Academy offers a 1:1 technology program and a notable engineering track. Fox Valley Lutheran provides extensive vocational exploration through its FVL Jobs program and strong music ministries. St. Mary Catholic Schools highlight personalized learning and STEM initiatives. A common differentiator is the religious education component and often smaller class sizes compared to Omro's public schools. Many also offer unique travel opportunities and language programs rooted in their religious traditions.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for families in Omro applying to schools like Lourdes Academy or Fox Valley Lutheran?
The process typically begins a full year in advance. For fall enrollment, open houses and tours are held from September to January. Application deadlines for general admission are often in January or February. A critical parallel timeline is the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program application window, which runs from early February to late April. Since these schools draw from a wide region, applying early is advised, especially for specific grade levels with limited seats. The process usually includes submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a family interview or student assessment. Schools communicate admissions decisions in the spring.
For an Omro family, what are the practical considerations of choosing a private school over the Omro School District?
Key considerations include commute, cost, and educational philosophy. The Omro School District offers the convenience of a local K-12 education with no tuition. Choosing a private school like Lourdes or FVL involves a daily commute to Oshkosh or Appleton, impacting family logistics and transportation costs. Financially, even with vouchers, there may be additional fees for activities, technology, and transportation. Educationally, it's a choice between Omro's public curriculum and the faith-based, values-integrated education of the private options. Many families weigh the community aspect—being part of a local Omro public school versus joining a regional private school community centered on shared religious beliefs.
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