The Best Private Schools in Three Lakes, Wisconsin
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Three Lakes. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Trinity Lutheran School
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS)
Trinity Lutheran School provides a Christ-centered education with strong academic programs and a focus on holistic student development. Serving families in Three Lakes and the broader region, it offers small class sizes, experienced teachers, and programs in music, arts, and technology. The school is praised for its community involvement, high parent satisfaction, and commitment to fostering both academic success and faith-based values.
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St. Mary's Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Superior
St. Mary's Catholic School is a highly respected institution serving the Three Lakes area with a longstanding tradition of academic excellence in a faith-based environment. The school offers small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a rigorous curriculum that includes core subjects, religious education, and enrichment programs in music and arts. With strong parent satisfaction and a supportive community, it provides a well-rounded education focused on character development and academic achievement.
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Eagle River Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Eagle River Christian Academy offers a comprehensive Christian education with a focus on academic rigor and spiritual growth. Serving students from Three Lakes and surrounding Northwoods communities, the school features a Bible-based curriculum, STEM programs, and a variety of extracurriculars including sports and arts. Known for its dedicated faculty and family-oriented atmosphere, it emphasizes character building and college preparedness in a nurturing environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Three Lakes, Wisconsin
What are the private school options directly in Three Lakes, Wisconsin, and what are the nearest options in surrounding communities?
Within the town of Three Lakes itself, St. Mary's Catholic School (PK-5) is the primary private option. For families seeking K-12 private education or different religious affiliations, nearby communities offer additional choices. Eagle River Christian Academy (K-12) in Eagle River and Trinity Lutheran School (PK-8) in Rhinelander are common considerations for Three Lakes residents. The availability is characteristic of many Northwoods Wisconsin communities, where private schools are often small, faith-based institutions serving a regional area rather than a single town. Transportation for students to these nearby schools is typically the family's responsibility.
How does tuition at Three Lakes area private schools compare to state averages, and are there Wisconsin-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition at schools like St. Mary's Catholic School tends to be below the state average for private schools due to the lower cost of living in the Northwoods and support from local parishes. For the 2023-2024 year, elementary tuition at these local schools often ranges from $2,500 to $5,000 annually. Wisconsin parents should specifically explore the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program (WPCP), which provides state-funded vouchers for eligible families to attend participating private schools. Eligibility is based on income and residency. It's crucial to confirm with each school (St. Mary's, Eagle River Christian, etc.) if they participate in the program, as participation can change yearly.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Three Lakes, WI, area offer that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in the Three Lakes region often integrate the Northwoods natural environment into their curricula. This can include outdoor education programs focused on local ecology, forestry, and water studies of the famous Three Lakes Chain. Schools may organize field trips to nearby state forests, partner with local conservation groups, or incorporate hunting and fishing safety education (where age-appropriate). These programs provide a distinctive, place-based learning experience that is deeply connected to the community's identity and resources, something less commonly found in urban private school settings.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like St. Mary's in Three Lakes, and how does it differ from larger cities?
The enrollment process for Three Lakes area private schools is generally more flexible and community-oriented than in competitive urban markets. While there are priority deadlines for returning families and parish members (often in early spring), many schools continue to accept applications through the summer due to smaller class sizes and fluctuating Northwoods population. The process typically involves an application, records transfer, and a family meeting with the principal or pastor. It's highly recommended to contact the school directly, as word-of-mouth and personal connections within the tight-knit Three Lakes community can also play an informal role in the process.
For a family in Three Lakes, what are the key practical differences between sending a child to the local public school (Three Lakes School District) versus a private school in the area?
The key differences involve scale, transportation, and curricular focus. The Three Lakes School District (K-12) offers a comprehensive public education with typical extracurriculars like sports and arts, with bus transportation provided. Private options are much smaller, leading to multi-grade classrooms and a strong community feel, but may have limited elective or sports offerings, often requiring co-ops with other schools. Private schools have a defined religious or value-based education (Catholic, Lutheran, Christian). A major practical consideration is transportation, as the district does not provide busing to private schools outside its boundaries, which can be a significant factor given the rural distances in Wisconsin's Northwoods.
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