The Best Private Schools in Phelps, Wisconsin
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Phelps. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary's Catholic School
Diocese of Superior
St. Mary's Catholic School serves the Phelps area as the closest Catholic private school option, located approximately 15 miles away in Eagle River. The school provides a faith-based education from Pre-K through 8th grade with small class sizes and individualized attention. Their curriculum emphasizes core academic subjects integrated with Catholic values, along with technology integration and extracurricular activities including sports and music programs. The school maintains strong community ties and has served families throughout Vilas County for over six decades.
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Three Lakes Elementary & High School (Private Academy)
Three Lakes School District (Private Academy Program)
Located approximately 20 miles from Phelps, Three Lakes School District offers a comprehensive private academy program within their public school system, serving as a regional educational hub. The school features strong academic programs with Advanced Placement courses, dedicated college counseling, and vocational training opportunities. Facilities include modern science labs, technology centers, and extensive athletic facilities. The school is known for its strong teacher-student relationships and community involvement, making it a popular choice for families throughout the Northwoods region.
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Nativity of Our Lord Catholic School
Diocese of Superior
Serving the broader Northwoods region including Phelps families, Nativity of Our Lord Catholic School in Rhinelander (approximately 35 miles away) offers a classical education approach from Pre-K through 8th grade. The school emphasizes rigorous academics within a faith-filled environment, featuring dedicated art and music programs, technology integration, and character formation. With experienced faculty and strong parent involvement, the school maintains a reputation for academic excellence and community service. Transportation options and extended care programs make it accessible to families from surrounding communities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Phelps, Wisconsin
What are the private school options available for families living in or near Phelps, Wisconsin?
Phelps, WI, is served by a small number of private institutions, primarily faith-based schools. The notable options include St. Mary's Catholic School (PreK-8) in Phelps itself, and Nativity of Our Lord Catholic School (PreK-8) in the nearby town of Rhinelander. For high school, families often consider Three Lakes Elementary & High School (Private Academy) in Three Lakes, which is a non-denominational private option. Due to the rural nature of the Northwoods, many families also look at private schools in larger surrounding communities like Eagle River or Rhinelander, which may involve a commute. Availability can be limited, so early inquiry is recommended.
How does tuition at private schools in the Phelps, WI, area compare, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition in the Phelps area varies by school and grade level. Parish-supported Catholic schools like St. Mary's or Nativity of Our Lord often have lower tuition rates for active parish members, typically ranging from $2,000 to $4,000 annually, with multi-child discounts. The private academy in Three Lakes may have higher tuition, potentially ranging from $5,000 to $8,000. Wisconsin offers the Parental Choice Program (voucher program), but eligibility and participation are complex. For the 2023-24 school year, the program was primarily for families in specific larger districts or meeting income requirements; schools in very rural areas like Phelps may not be participating providers. It's crucial to contact each school directly to discuss current tuition, fees, and any available local scholarships or diocesan aid.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Phelps area offer that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in the Phelps region often integrate the unique Northwoods environment into their curricula. This can include robust outdoor education programs focusing on local ecology, forestry, and conservation. Schools may organize field trips to the nearby Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest or participate in fishing, skiing, or maple sugaring activities. Faith-based schools incorporate religious education and community service projects tailored to the local community's needs. Smaller class sizes, a hallmark of these schools, allow for personalized learning and strong student-teacher relationships, which is particularly valued in this tight-knit rural area.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools like St. Mary's in Phelps?
The enrollment process for private schools in Phelps, such as St. Mary's Catholic School, typically begins in the winter or early spring for the following fall semester. Key steps include: 1) Scheduling a tour and meeting with the principal (highly encouraged due to the personal community focus), 2) Submitting an application form along with records from the previous school, 3) For Catholic schools, providing baptismal certificates and possibly meeting with the pastor. Deadlines can be flexible given the small size, but spaces are limited. It's advisable to initiate contact by January or February. Some schools may have rolling admission if spots remain open, but waiting lists can form for specific grades.
For families new to the area, how do the private school options in Phelps, WI, compare to the local public school district?
The Phelps School District is a single K-12 public school known for its strong community integration and likely smaller class sizes similar to private options. The key differences lie in curriculum and environment. Private options offer a specific religious education (Catholic) or a particular independent academic philosophy. The private academy in Three Lakes may offer different curricular tracks or extracurriculars. The public school is tuition-free and provides all mandated services, including special education. For some families in this remote area, the decision may come down to a desire for faith-based education, a specific academic approach, or the ability to choose a school outside their designated public district boundaries, which may involve a longer daily commute to a private school in a neighboring town.
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