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.
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