The Best Private Schools in Readfield, Wisconsin
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Readfield. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary Magdalene School
Catholic Diocese of Green Bay
St. Mary Magdalene School is a highly-rated Catholic private school serving the Readfield area from Waupaca. The school offers comprehensive education from Pre-K through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on faith-based learning combined with rigorous academics. Features include small class sizes, individualized attention, modern technology integration, and a well-rounded curriculum that includes STEM programs, music, arts, and competitive sports. The school maintains strong community ties and has earned excellent parent satisfaction ratings for its nurturing environment and academic excellence.
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Fox Valley Lutheran High School
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
Fox Valley Lutheran High School is a premier Christian high school serving students from Readfield and throughout the Fox Valley region. The school offers a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum with advanced placement courses, a robust STEM academy, and extensive fine arts programs. Campus facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. With a strong focus on spiritual development and academic excellence, FVL has maintained a reputation for high graduation rates and successful college placements. The school provides transportation services for students from surrounding communities.
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Pacelli Catholic Schools
Catholic Diocese of La Crosse
Pacelli Catholic Schools serves the Readfield area from Stevens Point with a comprehensive Pre-K through 12th grade education program. The school is distinguished by its International Baccalaureate program and strong college preparatory track. Facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. The school emphasizes character development, community service, and academic achievement, with a proven track record of student success in college admissions. Pacelli offers bus transportation from surrounding communities and maintains small class sizes for personalized learning experiences.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Readfield, Wisconsin
What are the private school options for families living in Readfield, Wisconsin, and are there schools within the town itself?
Readfield is a small, rural town, so most private school options are located in nearby communities. The most prominent local options include St. Mary Magdalene School (a Catholic K-8 school in nearby Clintonville), Fox Valley Lutheran High School in Appleton (about a 30-minute drive), and Pacelli Catholic Schools (a PreK-12 system in Stevens Point, roughly 40 minutes away). There are no private school campuses physically within Readfield's town limits. Families in Readfield typically commute to these surrounding cities, making transportation an important factor in school choice.
How does Wisconsin's Parental Choice Program affect tuition for private schools near Readfield?
Wisconsin's statewide Parental Choice Programs can significantly reduce tuition costs for eligible families. The schools near Readfield, like Fox Valley Lutheran High School and Pacelli Catholic Schools, participate in these programs. Eligibility is based on family income and residency. For the 2024-25 school year, income limits for a family of four are approximately $113,000 for the statewide program. It's crucial to apply during the open application period (typically February-April) directly through the school or the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. This program makes private education more accessible for many Readfield-area families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving the Readfield area offer that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in this region of Wisconsin often integrate the area's strong agricultural, natural, and faith-based communities into their programs. For example, many have robust environmental science and outdoor education programs that utilize the local forests, lakes, and farms for hands-on learning. Fox Valley Lutheran High School offers extensive agricultural science and FFA chapters. Additionally, schools like St. Mary Magdalene and Pacelli emphasize community service projects within the Fox Valley and Central Wisconsin regions, connecting students to local needs and organizations, which is a hallmark of education in this part of the state.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools like Fox Valley Lutheran that serve Readfield students?
For Fox Valley Lutheran High School (FVL), the enrollment process for incoming freshmen typically begins in the fall of a student's 8th-grade year with open houses and shadow visits. Application deadlines are usually in early winter (January/February), with acceptance notifications sent by spring. A key step is taking the High School Placement Test, which FVL administers on several dates. For families in Readfield, it's important to plan for the commute and explore transportation options, as some families carpool. We recommend contacting the admissions office by September of your child's 8th-grade year to get specific dates and arrange a visit from your rural community.
For a family in Readfield comparing local public schools to private options, what are the primary considerations specific to this area?
The primary considerations for Readfield families are educational philosophy, class size, commute, and cost. The public school option is typically the Marion School District, a small, rural public system. Private options offer a faith-based education (Lutheran or Catholic) and often smaller class sizes, but require a commute of 30-45 minutes to Appleton, Clintonville, or Stevens Point. Academically, private schools like Pacelli and FVL may offer more specialized college-prep tracks or consistent extracurriculars, while a small public school offers proximity and deep community integration. The Wisconsin Parental Choice Program can offset tuition, making the financial comparison more viable. Ultimately, the decision hinges on how much a family values a religious education and is willing to manage transportation.
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