The Best Private Schools in Sharon, Wisconsin
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Sharon. 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
University School of Milwaukee is a premier independent day school serving students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. While located in Milwaukee, it serves families throughout southeastern Wisconsin with its rigorous college preparatory curriculum. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities. With small class sizes and a student-teacher ratio of 9:1, the school emphasizes personalized learning and character development. The curriculum includes Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive arts programs, and competitive athletics.
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Lake Geneva Christian School
Non-denominational Christian
Lake Geneva Christian School serves students from preschool through 12th grade and draws families from the Sharon area and surrounding Walworth County. The school provides a comprehensive Christian education with a strong academic foundation, offering college preparatory courses alongside biblical integration across all subjects. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, a gymnasium, and athletic fields. The school emphasizes character development and community service while maintaining small class sizes for individualized attention.
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St. Francis de Sales Elementary School
Catholic
St. Francis de Sales Elementary School provides Catholic education for students in pre-kindergarten through 8th grade, serving families in the Lake Geneva region including Sharon. The school offers a strong core curriculum integrated with Catholic values and traditions. Facilities include technology-enhanced classrooms, a library, gymnasium, and playground. The school focuses on developing the whole child through academic excellence, spiritual formation, and community involvement. Extracurricular activities include sports, music, and various clubs to complement the academic program.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Sharon, Wisconsin
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in or near Sharon, Wisconsin?
While Sharon itself is a small village, families typically look to schools in the broader region. Notable options include St. Francis de Sales Elementary School in nearby Lake Geneva, which offers a Catholic education for grades K-8. For a Pre-K through 12th grade independent school experience, many families consider the University School of Milwaukee, though it is a significant commute (about 50 miles to the north). Lake Geneva Christian School in Walworth provides a Protestant Christian education. It's important for Sharon residents to factor in transportation, as most private options require travel to neighboring communities like Walworth, Lake Geneva, or even the Milwaukee metro area.
How does tuition for private schools in the Sharon, WI area compare to state averages, and are there financial aid options specific to Wisconsin?
Tuition in the Sharon area varies widely. Parish-supported schools like St. Francis de Sales typically have lower tuition (often $4,000-$7,000 annually), while independent schools like University School of Milwaukee are significantly higher (over $25,000). Wisconsin offers specific financial advantages for private school parents. The state's Parental Choice Program (voucher program) is available in certain districts, though Walworth County is not currently a participating district. However, the Wisconsin Tuition Deduction allows parents to deduct up to $4,000 per K-8 student and $10,000 per high school student from their state taxable income for private school tuition. All major schools offer their own need-based financial aid.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Sharon, WI offer that leverage the local environment?
Schools in the scenic Walworth County area often incorporate the local environment into their programs. For example, Lake Geneva Christian School and others may emphasize outdoor education and environmental science, taking advantage of nearby lakes and rural landscapes. University School of Milwaukee, while further away, offers extensive college-prep programs, global studies, and advanced STEM facilities that attract families seeking a metropolitan-level curriculum. St. Francis de Sales integrates faith-based learning with community service projects specific to the Lake Geneva region. The smaller class sizes common in these schools also allow for more personalized learning, which is a key draw for Sharon-area families.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving the Sharon, Wisconsin community?
Enrollment timelines are crucial due to limited seats. For the 2024-25 school year, most schools began their application processes in fall 2023. Key dates: Applications for University School of Milwaukee are often due in January, with decisions in March. Parish schools like St. Francis de Sales may have rolling admissions but prioritize parish members, so registering with the parish early is advised. Open houses typically occur in the fall. For Sharon residents, an important first step is contacting schools directly to schedule a visit and understand their specific requirements, which may include entrance exams (for upper grades), interviews, and submission of records from previous schools.
For a family in Sharon, what are the main considerations when choosing between the local public school (Sharon Community School) and a private school option?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, cost, and commute. Sharon Community School (a public K-12 school) offers the convenience of a single, local campus with no tuition. Private options offer alternative curricula (e.g., religious education, accelerated college-prep) and typically smaller class sizes. The trade-off is cost and travel time—attending a private school often means a daily commute of 20-60 minutes to Lake Geneva, Walworth, or beyond. Families must weigh the value of a specific educational approach against the financial investment and logistical commitment. Additionally, private schools may offer more specialized support or programs that are not available in a smaller rural public school district.
Private Education Insights
Discover Top-Rated Private Pre-K Programs in Sharon, Wisconsin
As a parent in Sharon, Wisconsin, beginning the search for a "private pre k near me" can feel both exciting and overwhelming. You’re looking for more than just daycare; you’re seeking a foundational educational experience that aligns with your family’s values and sets your child on a positive path. The good news is that the Sharon area, while maintaining its small-town charm, offers access to several distinguished private pre-kindergarten programs, each with its own unique approach. Understanding the local landscape is the first step in finding the right fit for your little one.
When considering options, it’s helpful to think about the daily logistics and the type of community you want for your family. A search for "private pre k near me" in Sharon often leads families to explore programs in nearby communities, as many of the region's established private schools are located a short drive away. For instance, St. Francis de Sales Elementary School in Lake Geneva provides a faith-based, nurturing environment that emphasizes character development alongside early academics. This can be a compelling choice for families seeking to integrate spiritual values into their child's daily learning from the very start.
Another excellent option within a reasonable commute is Lake Geneva Christian School. Their early childhood program is designed to foster curiosity and a love for learning in a supportive Christian setting. For parents in Sharon, this represents an opportunity to connect with a close-knit educational community that often feels like an extension of the family. Visiting these schools allows you to see their philosophies in action—observe how teachers interact with students, notice the balance between structured learning and play, and get a feel for the classroom environment. These visits are crucial, as they move your search beyond a simple online query into a tangible understanding of what each "private pre k near me" can offer.
For families considering a broader range of academic preparatory programs, the renowned University School of Milwaukee, though a longer commute, is frequently part of the regional conversation. Its pre-primary program is highly regarded for its innovative curriculum and focus on developing the whole child. While the drive from Sharon requires planning, many families find the specialized programming and resources to be worth the journey. Ultimately, your decision will hinge on what you prioritize: a strong faith foundation, a specific educational pedagogy like Montessori or Reggio Emilia (offered by some area schools), academic rigor, or the convenience of a shorter commute.
The journey to find the perfect private pre-k in the Sharon area is a personal one. We recommend starting early, as many programs have waiting lists. Schedule tours, ask detailed questions about daily schedules, teacher qualifications, and parent involvement opportunities. Talk to other local parents at the Sharon Community Park or the Darien Public Library for firsthand insights. By investing time in this search, you are doing more than just finding a school; you are choosing the first chapter of your child’s educational story, right here in our corner of Wisconsin.