The Best Private Schools in Sister Bay, Wisconsin
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Sister Bay. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. John Bosco Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Green Bay
St. John Bosco Catholic School is a highly-regarded Pre-K through 8th grade institution serving Door County families. Located approximately 20 miles from Sister Bay, the school offers a comprehensive Catholic education with strong academic foundations. The curriculum emphasizes faith formation alongside rigorous academics, featuring dedicated STEM programs, music education, and competitive athletics. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, ensuring personalized attention. Facilities include modern classrooms, a dedicated science lab, and gymnasium. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment and strong community values.
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Notre Dame Academy
Catholic Diocese of Green Bay
Notre Dame Academy is a premier Catholic college preparatory high school serving Northeast Wisconsin, including Door County families. Located approximately 50 miles from Sister Bay, the school offers a comprehensive educational experience with 17 Advanced Placement courses, extensive fine arts programs, and competitive athletics. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts center, and athletic complex. With a 100% college acceptance rate and average ACT scores consistently above state and national averages, the school provides exceptional academic preparation. The school community emphasizes character development and service learning alongside academic excellence.
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Fox Valley Lutheran High School
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
Fox Valley Lutheran High School serves students from across Northeast Wisconsin, including Door County communities. Located approximately 70 miles from Sister Bay, this Christian high school offers comprehensive college preparatory and vocational programs within a Christ-centered environment. The school features modern facilities including technology-enhanced classrooms, science labs, fine arts spaces, and athletic facilities. Academic programs include Advanced Placement courses, dual credit opportunities, and career exploration pathways. The school maintains a strong sense of community with extensive extracurricular offerings and transportation services available for students from outlying areas. Parent reviews highlight the school's strong moral foundation and academic rigor.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Sister Bay, Wisconsin
What are the private school options directly in Sister Bay, Wisconsin, and what are the commuting realities for families?
Sister Bay itself has a very limited number of private schools within its village boundaries. The primary local option is **St. John Bosco Catholic School**, which serves grades Pre-K through 8. For high school, families typically look to schools in the broader Door County and Northeast Wisconsin region, requiring a commute. Popular choices include **Notre Dame Academy** in Green Bay (about a 60-70 minute drive) and **Fox Valley Lutheran High School** in Appleton (about a 75-minute drive). Many families also consider other Door County parochial schools in nearby towns like Sturgeon Bay. The geographic isolation of Door County means committing to a significant commute for most private secondary education.
How does tuition at Sister Bay's St. John Bosco Catholic School compare to other Wisconsin private schools, and are there financial aid options specific to Wisconsin?
Tuition at **St. John Bosco Catholic School** is generally lower than larger urban private schools in Wisconsin, often ranging between $3,000-$5,000 annually for parishioners, with a higher rate for non-parishioners. This is competitive for a Wisconsin private elementary/middle school. Importantly, Wisconsin offers the **Parental Choice Program**, a state-funded voucher system that can significantly reduce tuition costs for eligible families. Eligibility is based on income and residency, and St. John Bosco participates in this program. For the commuting high schools like Notre Dame Academy or Fox Valley Lutheran, tuition is higher (often $8,000-$12,000+), but they also offer their own financial aid, scholarships, and may participate in the statewide choice programs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving Sister Bay students offer, reflecting the Door County environment?
Schools serving Sister Bay students often integrate the unique cultural and natural resources of Door County into their programs. **St. John Bosco** may emphasize environmental science and local history tied to the peninsula. The commuting high schools offer robust programs that, while not in Sister Bay, are accessible to dedicated students. **Fox Valley Lutheran** offers strong agricultural science and music programs, appealing to a rural demographic. **Notre Dame Academy** provides extensive Advanced Placement courses and college-prep resources. A key consideration for Sister Bay families is the logistical challenge of participating in after-school sports or clubs at these distant schools, given the long commute times.
What is the enrollment timeline and process like for St. John Bosco Catholic School, and how early should Sister Bay families apply?
For **St. John Bosco Catholic School**, the enrollment process typically begins in January or February for the following fall. The school holds open houses and requires submission of an application form, birth certificate, baptismal certificate (if applicable), and previous school records. Due to its small size and role as the only local private elementary school, it is advisable for Sister Bay families to apply early, especially for Pre-K and Kindergarten spots, as classes fill quickly. For the regional high schools, application deadlines are often in the fall (October-November) of a student's 8th-grade year, with placement tests required. Sister Bay families must plan these logistics well in advance.
How do the private school options for Sister Bay families differ from the public Gibraltar Area Schools, especially regarding community and class size?
The **Gibraltar Area School District** (the public district for Sister Bay) is a consolidated district serving multiple Door County communities, offering a K-12 campus in Fish Creek. The main differences are scale and focus. Gibraltar provides a comprehensive public school experience with a wider array of electives, sports, and arts, all within a ~15-minute commute. Private options offer a specific value-based education. **St. John Bosco** provides a small, faith-based community with very small class sizes (often 10-15 students), which is a stark contrast to Gibraltar's larger classes. Choosing a commuting high school means trading the convenience and embedded social network of the local public school for a specialized religious or academic environment, but it comes with a major time commitment for daily travel.
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