The Best Private Schools in Stevens Point, Wisconsin
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Stevens Point. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Pacelli Catholic Schools
Diocese of La Crosse Catholic Schools
Pacelli Catholic Schools is a comprehensive PreK-12 Catholic school system serving central Wisconsin with a strong academic reputation. The school offers rigorous college preparatory curriculum with advanced placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and extensive extracurricular activities including championship athletic teams. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. The school emphasizes character development and faith formation alongside academic excellence, with small class sizes and dedicated faculty providing personalized attention.
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Newman Catholic Schools
Diocese of La Crosse Catholic Schools
Located in nearby Wausau, Newman Catholic Schools serves students from throughout central Wisconsin including Stevens Point families. The school offers a comprehensive PreK-12 education with strong college preparatory programs, including Advanced Placement courses and dual credit opportunities. The STEM curriculum is particularly robust with modern laboratory facilities and technology integration. Extracurricular programs include championship athletic teams, extensive arts programs, and community service initiatives. The school maintains small class sizes and has a reputation for high academic achievement and college acceptance rates.
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Wausau Academy of Science
Independent Charter School
Wausau Academy of Science is a highly-regarded STEM-focused charter school serving students from throughout central Wisconsin, including Stevens Point area families. The school emphasizes hands-on, project-based learning with specialized programs in environmental science, engineering, and technology. Features include state-of-the-art science laboratories, technology-rich classrooms, and innovative learning spaces. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for STEM careers and higher education, with strong emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The school maintains small class sizes and has gained recognition for its innovative educational approach and strong student outcomes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Stevens Point, Wisconsin
What are the main private school options available for families in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, and what are their educational affiliations?
Stevens Point, WI, is primarily served by two longstanding Catholic school systems and a newer STEM-focused option. **Pacelli Catholic Schools** (PreK-12) is part of the Diocese of La Crosse and operates a unified campus in Stevens Point. **Newman Catholic Schools**, affiliated with the Diocese of Wausau, is a consolidated system serving the greater area with its high school located in Wausau but serving Stevens Point families. For a non-religious option, the **Wausau Academy of Science**, a public charter school authorized by the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, is a tuition-free STEM-focused choice located in nearby Wausau, which some Stevens Point families consider. The landscape is dominated by faith-based education, with limited secular private options directly in the city.
How does tuition for private schools in Stevens Point, WI, typically work, and are there state-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition at Stevens Point's private Catholic schools (Pacelli and Newman) varies by grade level and parish membership, with active parishioners often receiving a subsidized rate. For the 2024-25 school year, expect ranges from approximately $4,000 to $8,000 annually for parish families, with higher rates for non-parishioners. Critically, Wisconsin offers the **Parental Choice Program**, a state-funded voucher system that allows eligible families to receive state aid to attend participating private schools, including religious ones. Both Pacelli and Newman participate in this program, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs based on family income. It's essential to apply for the Choice program during its open enrollment period (typically February-April) as part of the admissions process.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Stevens Point private schools offer that leverage the local community and environment?
Stevens Point private schools integrate the region's strong natural resources and community assets into their programs. **Pacelli Catholic Schools** emphasizes environmental stewardship, with programs that can utilize the nearby Green Circle Trail and the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point's natural resources facilities. Their agriculture program connects to the area's farming community. **Newman Catholic Schools** leverages its broader regional network to offer robust competitive sports and arts programs that compete across Central Wisconsin. While not in Stevens Point proper, the **Wausau Academy of Science** offers a distinctive project-based STEM curriculum with partnerships in the Wausau tech and healthcare sectors. The Catholic schools also have strong service-learning requirements, partnering with local charities and churches unique to the Stevens Point area.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Stevens Point, and how does the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program factor in?
The enrollment process for Stevens Point private schools begins in the winter for the following fall. Key dates are driven by the **Wisconsin Parental Choice Program** application window, which is usually open from February to April. Parents must apply separately to their chosen school (Pacelli or Newman) AND submit the state Choice application during this period for voucher consideration. Schools host open houses from October through January. Rolling admissions may continue after the Choice deadline, but securing a voucher is time-sensitive. Sibling priority is common, so families with current students should still adhere to the deadlines for new siblings. Contacting the school's admissions office by January is highly recommended to navigate the dual application process.
For a family deciding between Stevens Point Area Public School District and a local private school, what are some key comparative considerations specific to this community?
The decision in Stevens Point often centers on educational approach, cost, and community fit. The **Stevens Point Area Public School District** offers diverse programming, larger class sizes, and no tuition. In contrast, private options like **Pacelli** provide a PreK-12 continuum on one campus with smaller class sizes and a faith-based education integrated throughout the curriculum. A major practical consideration is the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program, which can make private school tuition comparable to incidental public school costs. Transportation is another factor; while the public district provides buses, private school families often must arrange their own transportation or pay for limited bus service. For families valuing a specific religious identity or seeking a smaller, close-knit community atmosphere, the private schools are compelling. The public district, however, offers more specialized programs like its International Baccalaureate (IB) program at the high school level.