The Best Private Schools in Oregon, Wisconsin
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Oregon. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Maria Goretti Catholic School
Diocese of Madison Catholic Schools
St. Maria Goretti Catholic School serves families throughout the Oregon area with a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade Catholic education. The school emphasizes faith formation, academic excellence, and character development. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, students receive personalized attention in core subjects while also benefiting from robust art, music, and technology programs. The school maintains strong community partnerships and offers extensive extracurricular activities including sports teams, choir, and academic competitions.
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Queen of Peace School
Diocese of Madison Catholic Schools
Queen of Peace School provides a nurturing Christian environment for students from Pre-K through 8th grade, serving families in Oregon and surrounding communities. The school focuses on developing the whole child through rigorous academics, spiritual growth, and social development. Their curriculum includes advanced mathematics, comprehensive language arts, and science programs enhanced by modern technology integration. The school features dedicated reading specialists, Spanish instruction, and numerous extracurricular opportunities including athletics and performing arts.
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Madison Country Day School
Independent School
Madison Country Day School is an independent, college-preparatory school serving students from Oregon and throughout the greater Madison area. As Wisconsin's only International Baccalaureate World School offering all three IB programs (Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma), the school provides a globally-focused education for Pre-K through 12th grade. The 40-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. The school emphasizes critical thinking, multilingual education, and character development through a challenging academic program complemented by extensive arts, athletics, and community service opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Oregon, Wisconsin
What are the primary private school options available within or very close to Oregon, Wisconsin, and what are their educational philosophies?
Within the Oregon, WI community, the main private options are St. Maria Goretti Catholic School (PreK-8) and Queen of Peace School (PreK-8), both offering faith-based, Catholic education. A prominent nearby option is Madison Country Day School (PreK-12), located just north in Waunakee, which provides a secular, International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum focused on global education and rigorous academics. This gives Oregon parents a clear choice between local parish-based schools and a college-preparatory IB World School, all within a short commute.
How does tuition for private schools in the Oregon, WI area compare, and are there Wisconsin-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-25 year, parish-supported Catholic schools like St. Maria Goretti and Queen of Peace typically have lower tuition rates, often ranging from $4,000 to $6,000 annually, with active parish member discounts. Madison Country Day School's tuition is higher, reflecting its IB program and facilities, ranging from approximately $15,000 to $20,000+. Importantly, Wisconsin parents can apply for the statewide Parental Choice Program (voucher), which provides state-funded aid to eligible families for participating private schools, potentially covering a significant portion of tuition at qualifying institutions.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Oregon-area private schools offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Oregon's private schools offer specialized programs not universally available in the public district. Madison Country Day School is distinguished as the only IB Continuum School in the region, offering the IB program from Primary Years through Diploma. The Catholic schools integrate religious education and character formation into daily learning. Additionally, schools like Madison Country Day often have smaller class sizes, world language instruction starting in lower grades, and unique offerings like competitive robotics or extensive arts programs that may differ from the Oregon School District's offerings.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Oregon, WI families, and when should we apply?
The enrollment process for Oregon-area private schools generally begins in the winter for the following fall. For Catholic schools like St. Maria Goretti and Queen of Peace, priority registration for parish members often opens in January, with open registration in February. Madison Country Day School typically has application deadlines in early winter (January/February) for first-round consideration. It's crucial to contact schools by the prior fall, as some grades have waitlists. Most schools require application forms, student records, teacher recommendations, and a family interview or student assessment.
For families living in Oregon, what are the transportation options and considerations for attending these private schools?
Transportation is a key logistical consideration. The Oregon School District does not typically provide busing to private schools. For the local Catholic schools, many families carpool or arrange private transportation. Madison Country Day School, while farther, offers a fee-based bus service with routes that may include stops in the Oregon area. Planning for daily commuting to Waunakee (approximately 15-20 minutes) is necessary for MCDS. When comparing private and public options in Oregon, the lack of free district-provided transportation is a significant practical difference parents must factor into their decision.
Private Education Insights
Discover Top Private High Schools Near Oregon, WI: A Parent's Guide
When you begin searching for "private high schools near me" as a parent in Oregon, Wisconsin, you’re embarking on a journey that balances the desire for a close-knit community with access to the broader educational resources of the Madison metropolitan area. Oregon itself, while maintaining a distinct village charm, is uniquely positioned to offer families several pathways for private secondary education, each with its own philosophy and strengths. Understanding the local landscape is the first step in finding the right fit for your student’s high school years.
It’s important to note that the immediate Oregon area is home to excellent private elementary and middle schools, such as St. Maria Goretti Catholic School and Queen of Peace School, which provide foundational educations rooted in faith and community. For the high school level, however, families often look to the surrounding region, where options expand significantly. This search for "private high schools near me" naturally extends into Madison and Dane County, turning a short commute into access to a diverse array of rigorous academic environments. This regional approach is a common and practical consideration for Oregon families seeking specialized programs, advanced college preparatory tracks, or particular educational philosophies for their teenagers.
One standout option that draws many Oregon families is the Madison Country Day School, located just a short drive away in Waunakee. This school offers a continuous, challenging International Baccalaureate program from preschool through 12th grade, representing a compelling choice for families seeking a consistent, globally-focused education. The IB Diploma Programme in high school is particularly renowned for preparing students for top-tier universities. Other nearby institutions include Edgewood High School in Madison, with its strong college-prep curriculum and vibrant campus life, and St. Ambrose Academy, also in Madison, which offers a classical, liberal arts education. These schools, while not within Oregon’s village limits, are very much part of the local private school ecosystem for families here.
Your search should involve considering the daily logistics. The commute from Oregon to schools in Madison or Waunakee is typically manageable, often against the flow of heavier traffic, and many schools offer transportation or carpool networks specifically for families in outlying communities like ours. Visiting these campuses is crucial; you’ll want to sense the community ethos and see if it aligns with your family’s values. Talk to current parents, especially those from Oregon, about their experiences with the commute, student involvement, and how the school fosters a sense of belonging for students who may not live in the immediate neighborhood. Ultimately, finding the right private high school near Oregon means looking at the whole picture: the academic rigor, the community values, the extracurricular opportunities, and the practical reality of integrating that school into your family’s life in our wonderful village.
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