The Best Private Schools in Sullivan, Wisconsin
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Sullivan. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Lake Country School
Independent
Lake Country School is a highly-regarded Montessori school serving the greater Lake Country region, including Sullivan area families. The school offers authentic Montessori education for children ages 3 through 12, emphasizing individualized learning, hands-on exploration, and community building. With small class sizes and highly trained Montessori teachers, the school provides a nurturing environment that fosters independence and academic excellence. The campus features beautiful classrooms, extensive outdoor learning spaces, and comprehensive arts programs. Parents consistently praise the school's dedicated faculty and the remarkable growth they see in their children both academically and socially.
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University Lake School
Independent
University Lake School is a prestigious independent college preparatory school serving students from Sullivan and surrounding communities in grades JK-12. The school features a rigorous academic curriculum with small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a beautiful 180-acre campus with extensive facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and athletic facilities. ULS offers a comprehensive Advanced Placement program, extensive arts education, and unique outdoor education experiences through their campus location on Nagawicka Lake. The school emphasizes character development and community engagement while maintaining strong college placement records. Families appreciate the close-knit community and personalized attention each student receives.
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St. John's Lutheran School
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
St. John's Lutheran School provides exceptional Christian education to families in Sullivan and the greater Jefferson area, serving students from 3-year-old preschool through 8th grade. The school combines strong academic fundamentals with Christ-centered values, offering a comprehensive curriculum that includes advanced mathematics, science, language arts, and technology integration. The school features modern classrooms, dedicated STEM labs, music programs, and athletic opportunities. With experienced teachers who average over 15 years of service, St. John's maintains high academic standards while fostering spiritual growth. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the school's caring environment and academic preparation for high school.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Sullivan, Wisconsin
What are the primary private school options available for families living in or near Sullivan, Wisconsin?
Sullivan itself is a smaller village, so many families look to the surrounding Lake Country area for private education. The top schools serving the Sullivan community include Lake Country School (a Montessori school in Hartland), University Lake School (a Pre-K-12 independent college-prep school in Hartland), and St. John's Lutheran School (a Christian K-8 school in Sullivan). These schools offer distinct educational philosophies—Montessori, independent college-prep, and faith-based—providing meaningful choice within a reasonable commute from Sullivan.
How does tuition at private schools near Sullivan, WI, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition varies significantly by school type. St. John's Lutheran, as a parish school, typically has the most accessible tuition, often under $5,000 annually. University Lake School, as a premier independent school, has tuition comparable to Milwaukee-area privates, ranging from approximately $15,000 to $25,000+ depending on grade level. Lake Country School's Montessori program falls in between. All schools offer need-based financial aid, and Wisconsin's Parental Choice Program (voucher system) may apply to St. John's if it participates, helping eligible families offset costs with state funds.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Sullivan area specialize in?
Schools near Sullivan leverage their settings for distinctive programs. University Lake School utilizes its 180-acre campus with a private lake for exceptional environmental science, outdoor education, and rowing programs. Lake Country School's Montessori curriculum emphasizes hands-on, individualized learning from toddler through middle school. St. John's Lutheran integrates Christian faith throughout its curriculum and may offer specialized instruction in areas like music or German. All emphasize small class sizes, a hallmark of private education in this semi-rural region.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Sullivan, Wisconsin families?
For schools like University Lake School and Lake Country School, the process often begins a full year in advance, with open houses in the fall, application deadlines in January or February, and decisions communicated by March. Rolling admissions may continue if spaces remain. St. John's Lutheran, with deep community ties, may have a more flexible timeline but encourages early inquiry. Tours are essential, and for the independent schools, entrance assessments or student visits are common. Given the limited seats, especially in popular grades, initiating contact by early winter is highly recommended.
For a family in Sullivan, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school (Oconomowoc Area School District) to area private schools?
Key considerations include educational approach, class size, and community. The Oconomowoc Area School District offers a comprehensive, tax-funded K-12 experience with diverse extracurriculars. Private options offer specific pedagogies (Montessori, faith-based, intensive college-prep) and much smaller class sizes for personalized attention. Transportation is a practical factor; public schools provide busing, while private schools often require carpooling. The decision often hinges on whether a family seeks a specific religious or philosophical alignment and values an investment in a particular educational model over the no-tuition public system.
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