The Best Private Schools in Winnebago, Wisconsin
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Winnebago. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Fox Valley Lutheran High School
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
Fox Valley Lutheran High School is a premier Christian educational institution serving students from throughout the Fox Valley region, including Winnebago families. With over six decades of educational excellence, FVL offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum grounded in Lutheran values. The school features extensive facilities including modern classrooms, science laboratories, fine arts studios, and athletic complexes. FVL students consistently achieve above-average ACT scores and college acceptance rates. The school offers diverse extracurricular opportunities including championship athletic teams, award-winning music programs, and numerous student organizations. Transportation services are available for students from surrounding communities.
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Lourdes Academy
Catholic Diocese of Green Bay
Lourdes Academy is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving students from preschool through high school. Located just 10 minutes from Winnebago in Oshkosh, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with strong emphasis on faith formation and character development. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes. Lourdes consistently achieves high academic performance with graduates attending top colleges nationwide. The school offers extensive extracurricular programs including championship athletics, robotics, theater, and community service opportunities.
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St. Mary Catholic Schools
St. Mary Catholic Parish
St. Mary Catholic Schools provides a comprehensive PreK-12 education with a classical approach that emphasizes critical thinking and moral development. Located approximately 15 miles from Winnebago in Neenah, this established institution offers rigorous academics including Advanced Placement and dual credit courses through partnerships with local colleges. The school features state-of-the-art facilities, including a performing arts center, modern STEM labs, and extensive athletic facilities. Parents consistently praise the strong community atmosphere, dedicated teachers, and the school's commitment to developing well-rounded students prepared for college and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Winnebago, Wisconsin
What are the primary private school options available for K-12 education within or directly serving Winnebago, Wisconsin?
Winnebago, WI, is served by a few key private institutions, primarily with religious affiliations. Lourdes Academy in Oshkosh offers a Pre-K through 12th-grade Catholic education on a single campus and is a major option for Winnebago families. St. Mary Catholic Schools, also in nearby Neenah, provides a Pre-K-12 program. For high school specifically, Fox Valley Lutheran High School in Appleton serves a large regional area, including Winnebago, and is a popular choice for families seeking a Lutheran secondary education. Due to Winnebago's size, most private schooling requires commuting to these neighboring communities within the Fox Valley region.
How does tuition at Winnebago-area private schools compare, and are there Wisconsin-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-25 academic year, Lourdes Academy high school tuition is approximately $7,500-$8,500, while elementary grades are lower. Fox Valley Lutheran High School tuition is around $9,000. Wisconsin offers the Parental Choice Program (voucher program), which can significantly reduce costs for eligible families. Eligibility is based on residency and income, and participating schools like Lourdes Academy and St. Mary Catholic Schools accept these vouchers. Additionally, all these schools offer their own need-based financial aid and parish subsidies for member families, making private education more accessible than the sticker price may suggest.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Winnebago area offer that distinguish them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Fox Valley area serving Winnebago emphasize faith-based education and often have distinct programmatic strengths. Lourdes Academy features a strong "House System" for student community and leadership, and a notable 1:1 technology program. Fox Valley Lutheran High School offers extensive vocational exploration through its "FVL EXPLORES" program and a wide array of music and arts offerings rooted in its Lutheran tradition. St. Mary Catholic Schools highlights its STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, Math) initiative. All prioritize smaller class sizes and character formation integrated with academics, which is a key differentiator from the larger Winnebago public school districts.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Lourdes Academy or Fox Valley Lutheran that serve Winnebago families?
The enrollment process for these schools typically begins in January or February for the following fall. For Lourdes Academy, the process includes an online application, submission of records, a family interview, and a placement assessment for new students. Fox Valley Lutheran High School, which draws from over 50 feeder schools, holds an annual "FVL Fest" open house in the fall and encourages applications by early spring for optimal course scheduling. Both schools host open houses and shadow days for prospective students. It's crucial to apply early, especially for financial aid and the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program, which has a strict application window in early spring.
For a family in Winnebago, what are the practical considerations regarding transportation to these private schools located in Oshkosh, Neenah, and Appleton?
Transportation is a key logistical factor, as none of the primary private schools are located within the city limits of Winnebago. Public school district busing is generally not provided for private school students across these municipal boundaries. Families typically must provide their own transportation or organize carpools. Some schools, like Fox Valley Lutheran, may facilitate carpool lists for families from the same area. The commute can range from 15-30 minutes depending on your location in Winnebago and the school's location. This daily commitment is an important practical and time-cost consideration when choosing a private school in this region.
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