The Best Private Schools in Port Washington, Wisconsin
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Port Washington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
University School of Milwaukee
Independent School
University School of Milwaukee is a premier independent college preparatory school serving students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Located approximately 25 miles from Port Washington, USM offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes, exceptional faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities. The school features comprehensive STEM laboratories, extensive arts programs, competitive athletics, and a strong commitment to character education. With a 100% college acceptance rate and numerous merit scholarship recipients, USM consistently ranks among Wisconsin's top private schools.
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St. John Vianney School
Archdiocese of Milwaukee
St. John Vianney School provides a comprehensive Catholic education from 3-year-old preschool through 8th grade. Located about 30 miles from Port Washington, the school offers a balanced curriculum emphasizing faith formation, academic excellence, and character development. The campus features modern classrooms, dedicated science and computer labs, extensive athletic facilities, and vibrant arts programs. SJV maintains small class sizes with dedicated teachers and strong parent community involvement, consistently achieving above-average standardized test scores.
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St. Mary Catholic School
Archdiocese of Milwaukee
St. Mary Catholic School is Port Washington's local Catholic school serving students from 3-year-old preschool through 8th grade. As the only private school directly in Port Washington, it offers a faith-based education with strong academic foundations. The school features updated technology resources, dedicated art and music programs, and a close-knit community atmosphere. With deep roots in the Port Washington community since 1859, St. Mary provides small class sizes, individualized attention, and a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students for success in high school and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Port Washington, Wisconsin
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Port Washington, Wisconsin?
While Port Washington itself is home to a few parochial schools, many families in the area also consider prestigious institutions in the broader Milwaukee metropolitan region. Within Port Washington, St. John Vianney School (PK-8) and St. Mary Catholic School (PK-8) are key faith-based options. For a comprehensive Pre-K through 12th grade independent education, many Port Washington families look to the University School of Milwaukee, located about 30 minutes south in Milwaukee. It's common for parents in this lakeside community to evaluate both local parish schools and nearby elite independent schools, often factoring in the commute along I-43.
How does tuition for private schools in the Port Washington, WI area compare, and are there state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition in the Port Washington area varies significantly based on the type of school. Local Catholic schools like St. John Vianney and St. Mary typically have lower tuition, often ranging from $4,000 to $6,000 annually for parish members, thanks to parish subsidies. In contrast, the University School of Milwaukee has a comprehensive tuition exceeding $25,000 per year. Wisconsin offers the Parental Choice Program (voucher program), which can provide state-funded tuition assistance for eligible families to attend participating private schools, including many religious schools. Eligibility is based on income and residency. It's crucial to check each school's participation status and application deadlines for this program.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Port Washington-area private schools offer that leverage the local community?
Private schools in and serving Port Washington often integrate the unique coastal environment of Lake Michigan into their curricula. Local Catholic schools may emphasize environmental stewardship tied to the lakeshore. The University School of Milwaukee, while not in Port Washington, attracts families from the area with its extensive offerings, including robust marine biology programs that can utilize the lake, competitive sailing teams, and outdoor education that may include trips to nearby Kohler-Andrae State Park. The smaller class sizes in Port Washington's parish schools also allow for community-focused projects, such as partnerships with the Port Washington Historical Society or the local marina.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Port Washington, Wisconsin families?
For the highly competitive independent schools like University School of Milwaukee, the process begins very early, often in the fall a full year before desired enrollment, with applications due in January or February. This requires Port Washington families to plan well ahead. For local Catholic schools (St. John Vianney and St. Mary), timelines are more flexible, but priority is usually given to registered parish families and siblings of current students, with open enrollment periods often in the winter and spring. Tours and shadow days are recommended for all schools. Given the limited seats, especially in the younger grades, initiating contact by October or November is advisable regardless of school type.
For a Port Washington resident, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school option?
The Port Washington-Saukville School District is highly regarded, which makes the decision nuanced. Key considerations include: **Educational Approach:** Public schools offer a broad, standardized curriculum, while private options provide specific religious formation (Catholic schools) or an independent, college-prep focus (USM). **Class Size:** Port Washington private schools typically offer smaller class sizes than the public schools. **Logistics & Cost:** The public district involves no tuition and neighborhood-based schooling. Private choices mean tuition payments and, for schools like USM, a significant daily commute. **Community Connection:** Local Catholic schools foster a tight-knit, parish-based community, whereas the public schools are central to the wider Port Washington community. Many families weigh the strength of the free public system against the specific mission and specialized resources of private institutions.
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