The Best Private Schools in Somerset, Wisconsin
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Somerset. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Anne School
Diocese of Superior Catholic Schools
St. Anne School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving the Somerset community with a strong tradition of academic excellence. The school offers comprehensive education from preschool through 8th grade with a balanced curriculum that includes rigorous academics, faith formation, and diverse extracurricular activities. Known for its small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school emphasizes character development alongside academic achievement. Facilities include modern classrooms, a dedicated STEM lab, and athletic facilities. The school maintains strong parent involvement and community connections.
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Trinity Academy
Independent Christian School
Trinity Academy is a highly-rated classical Christian school located in nearby Hudson that serves families throughout the Somerset area. The school offers a rigorous classical education model from kindergarten through 12th grade, focusing on the trivium of grammar, logic, and rhetoric. With small class sizes and experienced faculty, Trinity provides a challenging academic environment complemented by strong arts and athletics programs. The school features modern facilities including science labs, a library, and performance spaces. Known for its strong college acceptance rates and close-knit community atmosphere.
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St. Croix Preparatory Academy
Public Charter School (Tuition-free)
St. Croix Preparatory Academy is a highly-regarded classical education charter school located in nearby Stillwater, Minnesota that serves many Wisconsin families from the Somerset area. As a tuition-free public charter school, it offers a private school-like experience with a rigorous classical curriculum from kindergarten through 12th grade. The academy features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities. With strong academic results, numerous AP course offerings, and comprehensive extracurricular programs, the school has earned recognition for academic excellence and student achievement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Somerset, Wisconsin
What are the main types of private school options available for families in Somerset, Wisconsin?
Somerset, WI, offers a few distinct types of private education. The primary options include Catholic parochial schools like St. Anne School, which provides a faith-based education from Pre-K through 8th grade. Trinity Academy is another Christian school option in the area. For a college-preparatory focus, many Somerset families look to St. Croix Preparatory Academy in nearby Baytown Township, Minnesota, which is a popular choice despite being across the state line due to its rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) program. The selection within Somerset proper is limited, so many families also consider private schools in the broader St. Croix River Valley region.
How does tuition for private schools in the Somerset, WI, area compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Wisconsin?
Tuition varies significantly among the top schools near Somerset. For the 2024-2025 school year, St. Anne School's tuition is approximately $4,500-$5,500 for parishioners, with higher rates for non-parishioners. St. Croix Prep's tuition is higher, around $10,000-$12,000 for grades K-12, reflecting its comprehensive IB program. Wisconsin offers specific financial aid options that Somerset parents can utilize, most notably the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program (WPCP). This program provides state-funded vouchers for eligible families to attend participating private schools, potentially covering all or a significant portion of tuition. It's crucial to check each school's participation status and application deadlines for the WPCP.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools serving Somerset students?
Private schools accessible to Somerset families often have specialized programs that set them apart. St. Croix Preparatory Academy is renowned for its full International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum, from Primary Years to the Diploma Programme, offering a globally-focused curriculum. St. Anne School emphasizes its STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, Math) initiative integrated with Catholic values. Given Somerset's location near the St. Croix River, several schools incorporate environmental science and outdoor education into their programs. Additionally, many schools offer robust arts and athletics, with some competing in the Minnesota State High School League due to proximity.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Somerset, Wisconsin?
The enrollment process for Somerset-area private schools often begins almost a full year in advance. For schools like St. Anne, open houses and registration for the following academic year typically occur in January-February. A critical deadline for families seeking financial aid through the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program is usually in April. St. Croix Prep, due to high demand, has an early application period in winter with a lottery system if applications exceed space. It's highly recommended to contact schools directly by the fall prior to your desired enrollment year, attend open houses, and understand priority enrollment policies (e.g., for siblings or parish members).
For a family living in Somerset, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school?
The key considerations include educational philosophy, cost, and community. Somerset School District (public) offers no-cost education with strong athletics and community integration. Choosing a private school like St. Anne or St. Croix Prep often involves seeking a specific religious foundation or a rigorous, structured curriculum like IB. Transportation is a major factor; while the public district provides buses, private schools may require parents to arrange transportation, which can be significant for schools across the state line in Minnesota. Finally, the investment in private tuition must be weighed against the potential for smaller class sizes and specialized programs. Many Somerset families value the close-knit community feel of the local private options.
Private Education Insights
Top Private High Schools Near Somerset, WI: A Parent's Guide
For families in Somerset, Wisconsin, the search for the "best private high schools near me" is often driven by a desire for a specific educational environment that aligns with family values, academic rigor, and a strong sense of community. Nestled in the scenic St. Croix River Valley, Somerset offers a unique blend of rural charm and access to the broader Twin Cities metro area, which expands the educational landscape considerably. Your search isn't just about rankings; it's about finding a school that feels like an extension of your home, where your teenager can thrive academically, socially, and personally.
When considering options, many Somerset parents look first to institutions with deep local roots. St. Anne School, serving students from preschool through eighth grade, is a cornerstone of the community, often leading families to plan for the high school transition early. While it doesn't have a high school campus, its established partnership and feeder patterns into respected Catholic high schools in the eastern metro area are a key consideration. This highlights an important local dynamic: for some families, the journey to the best private high school begins with a trusted local elementary foundation. Trinity Academy, another local private option, similarly focuses on the foundational years, emphasizing that the definition of "near me" can include schools that prepare your child exceptionally well for their next step, even if that step is a short commute away.
A standout in direct answer to the query for many families is St. Croix Preparatory Academy, located just a short drive from Somerset in nearby Stillwater. As a tuition-free public charter school with a classical, liberal arts curriculum, it occupies a unique space in the private-school conversation for local parents. Its rigorous academic model, character education, and structured environment draw significant interest from Somerset families seeking a private-school alternative without the tuition. Exploring St. Croix Prep is a perfect example of how your search must look beyond traditional labels to find the right fit.
Ultimately, identifying the best private high school near Somerset requires a blend of local insight and personal visitation. The commute is a genuine factor here; traveling east towards the Twin Cities opens up a myriad of prestigious college-preparatory, faith-based, and specialty schools in places like Woodbury, Lake Elmo, and St. Paul. We encourage you to define what "best" means for your child: is it small class sizes, a particular faith tradition, STEM focus, or arts integration? Schedule tours, talk to current parents at the soccer fields or community events, and have your student spend a shadow day. The ideal school is one where the mission resonates with your family's values and your child feels genuinely challenged and supported. Your search in the Somerset area is blessed with quality options close to home and within reach just beyond, ensuring you can find a community where your high schooler will excel.
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