The Best Private Schools in Saint Francis, Wisconsin
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Saint Francis. 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 the greater Milwaukee area, including Saint Francis. Founded through the merger of three established schools, USM offers a comprehensive educational experience from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. With small class sizes and a student-teacher ratio of 9:1, USM provides personalized attention and rigorous academic preparation. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, global awareness, and character development, with 100% of graduates attending four-year colleges and universities.
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St. Thomas Aquinas Academy
Catholic Schools
St. Thomas Aquinas Academy is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving families throughout Milwaukee County, including Saint Francis. The school provides a faith-based education from preschool through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and moral development. The curriculum integrates traditional Catholic values with modern educational practices, featuring dedicated programs in STEM, fine arts, and athletics. The school maintains small class sizes and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities. Parents consistently praise the supportive community, dedicated faculty, and the school's commitment to developing well-rounded students prepared for high school success.
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St. John the Evangelist Catholic School
Archdiocese of Milwaukee
St. John the Evangelist Catholic School serves families throughout southern Milwaukee County, including Saint Francis residents. This established parochial school offers education from 3-year-old preschool through 8th grade with a comprehensive curriculum rooted in Catholic traditions. The school features modern technology integration across all grade levels, dedicated music and art programs, and competitive athletic teams. With a strong focus on academic achievement and faith formation, St. John's prepares students for success in high school and beyond. The school community is known for its welcoming atmosphere, active parent involvement, and commitment to developing students' spiritual, academic, and social growth.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Saint Francis, Wisconsin
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Saint Francis, Wisconsin, and are there any located directly within the city?
While Saint Francis itself is a smaller residential city, families have access to several highly-regarded private schools in the immediate Milwaukee metro area. Directly within Saint Francis, you will find St. John the Evangelist Catholic School (PreK-8), which is a parish school. For broader options, nearby schools include University School of Milwaukee (PreK-12) in Milwaukee and St. Thomas Aquinas Academy (9-12) in Milwaukee. Many Saint Francis families also consider other Catholic and independent schools in adjacent suburbs like Cudahy, South Milwaukee, and St. Francis. Transportation is a key consideration, as most schools outside Saint Francis do not provide district busing.
How does tuition for private schools in the Saint Francis, WI area typically compare, and what financial aid options are available to Wisconsin residents?
Tuition in the Saint Francis area varies significantly by school type and grade level. Parish-based schools like St. John the Evangelist Catholic School often have the lowest tuition, especially for active parish members, typically ranging from $4,000-$7,000 annually. Independent schools like University School of Milwaukee have substantially higher tuition, often exceeding $25,000 per year for upper grades. Wisconsin residents can apply for the statewide Parental Choice Program (voucher program), which provides state-funded tuition assistance for eligible families to attend participating private schools. Income limits apply, and not all private schools participate. Additionally, most schools offer their own need-based financial aid and merit scholarships.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Saint Francis, Wisconsin, that might not be available in local public schools?
Private schools in the Milwaukee area accessible to Saint Francis families often provide specialized programs. University School of Milwaukee boasts extensive global studies initiatives, advanced STEM labs, and a renowned arts program. St. Thomas Aquinas Academy offers a classical, Great Books curriculum with a strong emphasis on Catholic intellectual tradition. St. John the Evangelist provides a faith-based education with sacramental preparation integrated into the school day. Many of these schools also have distinctive offerings like longer world language sequences starting in lower grades, competitive robotics teams, and outdoor education programs that leverage Wisconsin's natural environment, which can differ from the standard public school curriculum.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Saint Francis, Wisconsin, and when should parents start applying?
The enrollment process for most private schools in the Milwaukee area begins in the fall, approximately a year before the desired start date. For the most competitive schools like University School of Milwaukee, applications for the following academic year often open in August/September with deadlines in January or February. Parish schools like St. John the Evangelist may have more rolling admissions but prioritize parish members. Key steps usually include: attending open houses (often held in the fall), submitting an application, providing records, student assessments/interviews (for some schools), and completing financial aid or voucher applications. Parents are strongly advised to start research and school visits 12-18 months in advance, especially for middle or high school entry.
For a family in Saint Francis weighing options, what are the notable advantages of choosing a local private school versus the Saint Francis School District public schools?
The decision often centers on educational philosophy, class size, and specific program offerings. The Saint Francis School District is a single, small K-12 public district. Advantages of local private schools can include smaller average class sizes, a specific religious or values-based education (e.g., Catholic teachings at St. John the Evangelist), and specialized curricular approaches (e.g., classical or project-based learning). Private schools may also have more flexibility in curriculum pacing. The public district offers the advantages of no tuition, proximity, and a consistent community from kindergarten through graduation. For families seeking a particular religious foundation or an alternative pedagogical approach not available in the public system, the private schools in the region provide those focused options, though often with a commute and significant financial investment.
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