The Best Private Schools in Wausau, Wisconsin
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Wausau. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Newman Catholic Schools
Diocese of La Crosse
Newman Catholic Schools is a comprehensive Catholic school system serving students from pre-K through 12th grade. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with advanced placement courses, strong STEM programs, and comprehensive fine arts offerings. Facilities include modern science labs, athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces. The school emphasizes faith-based education while maintaining high academic standards, with graduates consistently attending top colleges and universities nationwide.
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Stevens Point Area Catholic Schools
Diocese of La Crosse
Serving the central Wisconsin region including Wausau families, Stevens Point Area Catholic Schools offers the prestigious International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme alongside traditional college preparatory courses. The school features state-of-the-art science and technology labs, comprehensive athletic facilities, and robust arts programs. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, SPACS provides personalized attention and has a strong track record of college acceptance and academic achievement.
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Pacelli Catholic Schools
Diocese of La Crosse
Pacelli Catholic Schools serves students from pre-K through 12th grade and attracts families from throughout central Wisconsin, including Wausau. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with advanced placement options, strong STEM programs, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. Facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. The school community emphasizes academic excellence, character development, and spiritual formation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Wausau, Wisconsin
What are the primary private school options available in Wausau, Wisconsin, and what are their educational affiliations?
The primary private school options in the Wausau, Wisconsin area are faith-based, with a strong Catholic school presence. The most prominent system is Newman Catholic Schools, which serves students from Pre-K through 12th grade on multiple campuses in Wausau. For families willing to commute slightly, the Stevens Point Area Catholic Schools (SPACS) and Pacelli Catholic Schools in Stevens Point are also considered regional options. Outside of the Catholic tradition, private options in Wausau itself are limited, leading some families to explore independent or faith-based schools in larger nearby cities like Madison or Green Bay. This landscape makes understanding the specific mission and curriculum of the local Catholic systems a key first step for Wausau parents.
How does tuition for private schools in Wausau, WI, typically work, and are there state-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition at Wausau-area private schools like Newman Catholic is typically set annually and varies by grade level. For the 2023-2024 school year, elementary tuition at Newman often ranges from $4,000 to $5,000, with parishioner discounts available for active members of supporting churches. A critical financial consideration specific to Wisconsin is the Parental Choice Program, often called the Wisconsin School Voucher program. Eligible families based on income can apply for a voucher that covers all or a significant portion of tuition at participating private schools, including those in Wausau. Additionally, schools offer internal financial aid, and Wisconsin's tax code allows for deductions related to private school tuition.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Wausau private schools offer that leverage the local Central Wisconsin environment?
Private schools in Wausau often integrate the region's culture and natural resources into their programs. For example, Newman Catholic High School emphasizes a college-preparatory curriculum with notable strengths in STEM and the arts, but also incorporates outdoor education and environmental science opportunities that take advantage of Wisconsin's Northwoods. Many schools have strong FFA (Future Farmers of America) chapters, reflecting the area's agricultural base. Furthermore, the tight-knit community allows for robust athletics and fine arts programs that compete at the state level, with a particular emphasis on winter sports like hockey and skiing, which are regionally significant.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for a private school like Newman Catholic in Wausau, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for Wausau private schools typically begins in the winter for the following fall. Newman Catholic Schools, for instance, often holds open houses starting in January and encourages applications by early spring. The process usually involves submitting an application, academic records, and sometimes a family interview. Due to the limited number of private seats in the Wausau area, popular grades (especially Kindergarten and 6th/9th-grade entry points) can have waitlists, particularly for non-parishioners. It's highly advisable for parents to initiate contact with the admissions office a full year in advance. Sibling and parish member priority is commonly given in the enrollment order.
For a family moving to Wausau, what are the key considerations when comparing the public school district (Wausau School District) to the local private school options?
The key considerations involve educational philosophy, cost, and community. The Wausau School District offers a diverse, comprehensive public education with a wide range of AP courses, sports, and extracurriculars across several large schools. In contrast, private schools like Newman offer a smaller, faith-based environment with a consistent values-based curriculum from K-12. Academically, both sectors perform well, but private schools often boast smaller class sizes. Financially, public schools are free, while private requires tuition, though vouchers can offset this. A major practical consideration is transportation, as the Wausau district does not provide busing to private schools, so arranging transportation is the family's responsibility.
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