The Best Private Schools in Porterfield, Wisconsin
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Porterfield. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Notre Dame Academy
Green Bay Area Catholic Education
Notre Dame Academy is a premier Catholic college preparatory school serving Northeast Wisconsin, including the Porterfield area. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 19 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM initiatives, and extensive fine arts opportunities. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complex. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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Bay Port High School
Howard-Suamico School District
While technically a public school, Bay Port High School offers private school-level academic opportunities through its International Baccalaureate programme and extensive Advanced Placement offerings. The school serves students from the broader Green Bay area, including Porterfield residents. Features include a comprehensive career and technical education center, state championship athletic programs, and outstanding fine arts facilities. The school consistently ranks among Wisconsin's top high schools for academic achievement.
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St. Thomas More Academy
Catholic Diocese of Green Bay
St. Thomas More Academy provides a classical Catholic education serving families throughout Northeast Wisconsin, including Porterfield. The school follows a Socratic method and integrated humanities approach with small class sizes and individualized attention. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, virtue formation, and academic excellence within a faith-based environment. The school features a beautiful campus with modern facilities while maintaining traditional educational values, preparing students for college success and lifelong learning.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Porterfield, Wisconsin
What are the primary private school options serving families in Porterfield, Wisconsin, and what are their educational approaches?
Porterfield itself is a small community, so families typically look to private schools in the broader Green Bay area. The notable schools include Notre Dame Academy (a Catholic, co-ed college-preparatory school for grades 9-12), Bay Port High School (which is actually a public school, not private), and St. Thomas More Academy (a private Catholic school for grades Pre-K through 8). For high school, Notre Dame Academy is the primary private option, emphasizing a faith-based, rigorous academic curriculum. Parents in Porterfield should also explore other nearby Catholic systems like the Green Bay Area Catholic Education (GRACE) schools for younger grades, as private options are integrated into the regional landscape rather than being hyper-local to Porterfield.
How does tuition for private schools in the Porterfield, WI area compare, and are there state-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. Thomas More Academy (Pre-K-8) has tuition ranging from approximately $4,500 to $5,500 annually for parishioners. Notre Dame Academy (9-12) tuition is roughly $10,000-$11,000 per year. Wisconsin offers the Parental Choice Program (voucher program), which can significantly reduce costs for eligible families. This program allows students from families meeting certain income requirements to receive state funding to attend participating private schools, including many in the Green Bay area. It's crucial to apply for the Choice program early, as deadlines and seats are limited, and to check each school's specific participation status.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Porterfield, WI offer that differentiate them from public options?
Private schools in the Green Bay/Porterfield area often provide specialized programs rooted in their missions. Notre Dame Academy offers a distinctive House System for student mentorship, extensive Advanced Placement (AP) and honors courses, and a strong focus on service learning aligned with its Catholic identity. St. Thomas More Academy provides a classical education model in the younger grades, emphasizing phonics, grammar, and Latin roots. Many area private schools also have robust partnerships with local industries and colleges in Northeast Wisconsin, offering unique STEM, agriculture, and business pathways that leverage the regional economy, which may be more streamlined than the broader offerings of the large public school districts.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Porterfield, Wisconsin families?
The enrollment process for schools like St. Thomas More Academy and Notre Dame Academy usually begins in the winter for the following fall. Open houses are typically held between January and March. For families seeking Wisconsin Parental Choice Program funding, the application window is critical and usually opens in February and closes in April. Admission decisions often involve submission of records, a family interview, and for Notre Dame, a placement exam. Due to Porterfield's location, transportation is a key consideration; most private schools do not provide district busing, so parents should plan for carpools or private transportation. Early inquiry is recommended, especially for sought-after grades.
For a family living in Porterfield, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school (like Pulaski Community School District) and a private school in the Green Bay area?
The decision hinges on several Porterfield-specific factors. Academically, the Pulaski public district is highly rated and offers a comprehensive K-12 pathway within the community, including specialized programs. Choosing a private school like Notre Dame Academy involves a commute to Green Bay (20-30 minutes) and a significant financial investment, but offers a faith-based environment and often smaller class sizes. The Wisconsin Parental Choice Program can bridge the cost gap for eligible families. Culturally, private schools provide a specific value-based community, while public schools offer a broader, geographically defined peer group. Parents should also consider extracurricular logistics, as attending a private school outside the district may impact participation in local community sports or activities.