The Best Private Schools in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in South Milwaukee. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. John's Lutheran School
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
St. John's Lutheran School is a highly-regarded Christian private school serving South Milwaukee with a strong academic foundation rooted in Lutheran values. The school offers comprehensive education from preschool through 8th grade with small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a family-oriented environment. Their curriculum emphasizes core academic subjects while integrating technology, music, art, and physical education. The school maintains excellent parent satisfaction ratings and provides a safe, nurturing learning environment with modern facilities and extensive extracurricular opportunities including sports teams and academic competitions.
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St. Roman Catholic School
Archdiocese of Milwaukee
Located just north of South Milwaukee in Milwaukee's Burnham Park neighborhood, St. Roman Catholic School serves families throughout the southern Milwaukee metro area. This accredited Catholic school offers exceptional academic programs from Pre-K through 8th grade with a focus on faith-based education and academic excellence. The school features modern STEM laboratories, comprehensive technology integration, and strong arts programs. Parent reviews consistently praise the dedicated faculty, strong community atmosphere, and excellent preparation for high school. The school maintains small class sizes and offers extensive extracurricular activities including sports, choir, and academic clubs.
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St. Thomas More High School
Archdiocese of Milwaukee
St. Thomas More High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school serving South Milwaukee and surrounding communities in southern Milwaukee County. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with numerous Advanced Placement courses, a dedicated STEM academy, and outstanding fine arts programs. With state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complex, the school provides comprehensive educational opportunities. Parent and student reviews highlight the exceptional college counseling, dedicated faculty, and strong sense of community. The school boasts high college acceptance rates and offers extensive extracurricular programs including championship athletic teams, theater productions, and academic competitions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin
What are the main private school options available for K-8 education in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin?
South Milwaukee offers a few established K-8 private school options, primarily faith-based institutions. The two main choices are St. John's Lutheran School (Lutheran, LCMS) and St. Roman Catholic School (Catholic, Archdiocese of Milwaukee). These schools provide a core academic curriculum integrated with religious education. For families seeking a non-religious private elementary or middle school, options within South Milwaukee city limits are very limited, and parents often look at independent schools in nearby suburbs like Milwaukee, Cudahy, or Oak Creek, which may involve a commute.
How does the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program (WPCP) affect tuition for private schools in South Milwaukee?
The Wisconsin Parental Choice Program is a critical financial consideration. Both St. John's Lutheran School and St. Roman Catholic School are likely participants in this program, which provides state-funded vouchers for eligible families to attend participating private schools. Eligibility is based on family income and residency. For the 2024-25 school year, the income limit for a family of four is $113,775. This program can make private school in South Milwaukee significantly more affordable. It's essential to contact the schools directly for their specific participation status, application deadlines (typically in April), and any remaining tuition gaps or fees not covered by the voucher.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do South Milwaukee's private high schools offer, particularly St. Thomas More High School?
While South Milwaukee itself is home to St. Thomas More High School (a Catholic, co-ed institution), it serves a wider regional area. Its notable programs include a strong emphasis on college preparatory academics, with a high percentage of graduates attending four-year universities. Unique offerings may include specialized courses in theology, robust service-learning requirements, and partnerships with local industries for career exploration. For athletics and some specialized clubs, St. Thomas More often collaborates with other South Milwaukee community resources. Unlike larger private academies in Milwaukee, South Milwaukee's private school environment often emphasizes close-knit community and character formation as a key part of its programming.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like St. John's or St. Roman in South Milwaukee?
Enrollment timelines for South Milwaukee's private elementary schools generally begin in January or February for the following fall, with priority often given to parish members (for Catholic schools), siblings of current students, and then new families. The process typically involves a school tour, submission of an application, student assessment or shadow day, and registration. Due to the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program, there is a crucial separate application window for the voucher (usually in February-April) that runs concurrently with school admissions. Missing the WPCP deadline can mean losing voucher eligibility for that year, so planning ahead is essential. St. Thomas More High School follows a similar timeline, with open houses often held in the fall.
How do the class sizes and community environment in South Milwaukee private schools compare to the local public school district?
South Milwaukee private schools typically offer significantly smaller class sizes than South Milwaukee Public Schools. Where public elementary classes may average 20-25 students, private classes at St. John's or St. Roman often range from 15-20 students, allowing for more individualized attention. The community environment is distinctly shaped by shared religious values and often features strong parent involvement through church affiliations. The public school district offers a broader range of specialized programs, advanced placement courses (at the high school level), and extensive extracurricular activities due to its larger size. The choice often hinges on a family's priority for a faith-based, close-knit environment versus a larger, more diverse secular system with greater program variety.
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