Last Updated on August 28, 2023
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private schools in milwaukee
Strong Private Education
In addition to excellent public schools, the Milwaukee region is home to many privately run elementary and secondary schools. Many are church affiliated, but several are not. Marquette University High School and Divine Savior Holy Angels, but several are not. University School of Milwaukee and University Lake School are not related, but both provide high quality education from pre-kindergarten through high school. University School is located on 123 acres in River Hills north of Milwaukee while University Lake School is located in Hartland. Other preparatory schools (pre-kindergarten through high school) are Brookfield Academy located near Brookfield Road and Calhoun Avenue in Brookfield; and The Prairie School, which is located in northern Racine County. Lake Country’s non-denominational Christian Education Leadership Academy (CELA) in Pewaukee serving students in 4K through 8th grade. Founded in 1884, St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy is an all-male college preparatory boarding and day school for grades 7-12.
Private schools play an important role in educating Wisconsin children. They offer parents an opportunity to have their students attend a school based on a specific curriculum, teaching approach or value system. Southeastern Wisconsin has strong parochial schools that include primarily Roman Catholic and Lutheran schools (please see “Parochial Schools” below). There are also several private schools that are not affiliated with a particular religion. These schools provide varying levels of education. Some offer only elementary schooling, others offer a full curriculum that spans from pre-kindergarten through high school. For detailed information on private schools, including tuition, please see pages 52, and 54-56 of the current edition of Discover Milwaukee. Click on the “Order Copy Now” button below to receive your free copy, or see the digital edition.
Brookfield Academy
3462 N. Brookfield Road, Brookfield
K3 through grade 12 independent college-preparatory day school
No. of Students: 800
Students per teacher 9:1
% Attend College: 100%
Average ACT Score: 28.0
Telephone: (262) 783-3200
Marquette University High School
3401 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee
Grades 9 – 12 Catholic, all-male college-preparatory day school
No. of Students: 923
Students per teacher 12:1
% Attend College: 100%
Average ACT Score: 27.0
Telephone: (414) 933-7220
The Prairie School
4050 Lighthouse Drive, Wind Point
Preprimary through grade 12 independent college-preparatory day school
No. of Students: 612
Students per teacher 6:1
% Attend College: 100%
Average ACT Score: 30.8
Telephone: (262) 752-2500
University School of Milwaukee
2100 W. Fairy Chasm Rd., River Hills
Prekindergarten (age 3) through grade 12 independent college-preparatory day school
No. of Students: 1,107
Students per teacher 10:1
% Attend College: 100%
Average ACT Score: 28.4
Telephone: (414) 540-3320
Parochial Schools
The Milwaukee area boasts exceptional schools, both public and private. Private, parochial schools of various denominations offer families a faith-centered, values-based education that embraces the whole individual – mind, body and spirit – while adhering to high academic standards.
Elementary schools are typically associated with a church, which can provide specific information about the school, including cost. Parochial high schools operate independently. Information about high schools can be found on page 52 of the current edition of Discover Milwaukee. Click on the “Order Copy Now” button to receive your free copy.
Catholic Schools
For 175 years, Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee have taught lifelong Christian values that enable students to become future leaders, faith-filled disciples and engaged citizens. In 86 elementary and 16 high schools throughout the 10-county area, Catholic school educators are committed to delivering academic excellence rooted in the recognition that each student is a unique human being progressing through various stages of growth and development. Every day, nearly 30,000 students are encouraged to grow in mind, body and spirit – in safe, supportive environments. Activities inside and outside the classroom guide students to embrace a life grounded in the Gospel and prayer, creating communities of love and service. The fully accredited curriculum in Catholic schools adheres to all state and federal standards, with students exceeding the national average on standardized tests at all grade levels. In addition to individual schools, Seton Catholic Schools (setoncatholicschools.com), with 10 sites in Milwaukee County, and Siena Catholic Schools (sienacatholicschools.org), with six campuses in Racine County, share resources while serving a broad spectrum of students from all faiths and backgrounds.
Catholic Archdiocese of Milwaukee
86 elementary schools, 16 high schools; District Office: Archdiocese of Milwaukee, 3501 S. Lake Dr., Milwaukee 53207. Telephone: Carol Rybak at (414) 769-3453. Find a school at:
Lutheran Schools
Wisconsin has a large Lutheran population and two synods of the Lutheran Church – Missouri and Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran – offer elementary and secondary education in southeastern Wisconsin. The South Wisconsin District of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod operates 53 elementary schools, 27 preschools/childcares, and six high schools, five of which are located in the metro area: Milwaukee Lutheran High School, Racine Lutheran High School, Lake Country Lutheran High School (Hartland), Living Word Lutheran High School (Jackson), and Martin Luther High School (Greendale). The Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) has four high schools in the area: Wisconsin Lutheran and Kingdom Prep (Wauwatosa), Shoreland (Somers) and Kettle Moraine (Jackson).
Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod
53 elementary schools, six high schools and 27 freestanding pre-schools and childcare centers in southern Wisconsin; District Office: 8100 W. Capitol Dr., Milwaukee 53222. Telephone: (414) 464-8100. Info: [email protected] or
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS)
409 elementary/early childhood schools, 27 high schools (synodwide); Synod Office: N16 W23377 Stone Ridge Drive, Waukesha 53188. Telephone: (414) 259-4354.
For More Information
A complete listing of school information and data is available in the current edition of Discover Milwaukee. Click on the “Order Copy Now” button to receive your free copy.
Private School Choice Programs
Private School Choice Programs available to qualifying families include the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program, the Racine Parental Choice Program and the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program. Participating schools receive a state aid payment for each eligible student on behalf of the student’s parent or guardian. Eligibility requirements vary but are typically based on student residence, income and prior year attendance. There is also an age requirement that must be met for grades K4, K5, and 1. For application information
private high schools in milwaukee
Welcome to the Milwaukee Area Private School Guide!
Many families seek private schooling for their children. We are thrilled to offer the Milwaukee Area Private School Guide as a resource to help you in making your decision. Selecting your child(ren)’s education can be overwhelming and stressful. As parents, we understand the importance of providing your children with quality education in an environment right for your family. This guide features private schools that are eager to talk with families like yours.
The Milwaukee Area Private School Guide provides you with the opportunity to research the perfect private school to fit your family’s needs.
This post is sponsored by our featured private schools. We truly appreciate the local community’s support of Milwaukee Mom and love showcasing local businesses who are personally recommended to us!
St. Mary Parish School
St. Mary Parish School strives to be a place of welcome, a place to feel at home. We are a PLTW distinguished school and have received numerous exemplary awards in Mission and Catholic Identity and Academic Excellence. Our exceptional teaching staff goes above and beyond in meeting the expectations of each and every student with support staff in math and reading and guidance classes.
As you begin to determine where the best educational and spiritual development will be for your child, we invite you to take a look at St. Mary Parish School. Making this decision is one of the most important ones you will make for your child. And we, at St. Mary, want to help you make the right one for you and your family.
We pride ourselves on the characteristics that make St. Mary Parish School stand out among the rest.
Here at St. Mary, the students, staff and families: Belong. As members of a faith community we give of our time and effort to help others. This is taught both as an expression of faith and good citizenship.
St. Mary students, staff and families: Believe. The entire St. Mary Faith Community works on building a personal relationship with God through Word, Sacrament and Service.
St. Mary students, staff and families: Achieve. Students are held to very high academic standards and supported by staff to reach their highest potential.
Our school is a special place steeped in a tradition of excellence and service to others. It is a testament to the parishioners at St. Mary that so many St. Mary graduates are now investing in their own children’s futures by having them attend St. Mary Parish School.
Deadline to Enroll: Currently enrolling
Grades Offered: 3k-8th Grade
Extracurricular Activities: We offer 3K-8th grade with a rigorous curriculum that includes art, music, phy-ed, band, STEM, and foreign language.
9553 W. Edgerton Ave.
Hales Corners, WI 53130 Website Facebook (414) 425-3100
St. John’s Lutheran School
Serving students from two years old through 8th grade, St. John’s exists to prepare our children for a lifetime of living their faith, proclaim the good news about Jesus, and provide excellence in education to equip students for their various future vocations. A commitment to academics combined with a variety of extracurricular activities make learning fun and exciting for our students. Small class sizes and strong home-school relationships allow our experienced, qualified, and credentialed teachers to guide and facilitate the success of each and every student. We’re always amazed by what our students can accomplish, and we’d love to help your children to grow and develop along their educational journey!
Deadline to Enroll: No set deadline; ideally by August 1st
Grades Offered: Children ages 2, 3, and 4 with half and full-day K2, K3, and K4 options, 4K or Preschool, Elementary Grades
Extracurricular & Enrichment Activities:
St. John’s offers a variety of athletic opportunities to students including: Cross Country, Volleyball, Basketball, Softball, Soccer, Cheerleading, Wrestling, and Track & Field. We also offer a wide variety of fine arts opportunities such as Junior Choir, Junior Handbell Choir, Band lessons, and Piano lessons.
1278 Dewey Avenue
Wauwatosa, WI 53213 Website Facebook (414) 453-9322
Brookfield Christian
Beginning in 3K and continuing through 8th grade, students grow academically, spiritually, and socially. Brookfield Christian offers an exceptional learning environment with:
- Caring, experienced teachers and support staff
- High-quality academic curriculum including Readers and Writers Workshop, Singapore Math and Bible
- Spanish, Tech Ed/STEM, Music, Art, PE, and SEL curriculum beginning in 5K
- Dedicated resource staff and professional counselor
- Opportunities to grow in faith and leadership through weekly chapel and service projects
- Athletics, band, choir, drama
- Supportive, engaged Christian community
Deadline to Enroll: Students are accepted on a rolling basis.
Grades Offered: 4K or Preschool, Elementary Grades
Extracurricular & Enrichment Activities: Brookfield Christian School offers a variety of extracurricular/enrichment activities including music and band, drama, basketball, volleyball, track and field, cross country, art, student council, praise band, age-appropriate opportunities for serving our community, and more.
Scholarships are available.
14155 W. Burleigh Road
Brookfield, WI 53005 Website
St. Monica Catholic School
Saint Monica Catholic School serves 3K-8th grade students in a warm, challenging and faith-filled environment. Located in the heart of dynamic Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, we understand the pressures of the 21st century world and seek to educate both mind and spirit. Academic rigor is balanced with a loving, prayerful approach that offers an innovative experience to fully support each child. Between the state-of-the-art Science Lab and the Technology Innovation Center, Saint Monica students experience exciting learning opportunities.
We offer two classes per grade level. Larger than other Catholic schools in the area but smaller than the public schools, this is the perfect place for children to bond, grow wings, and then soar. Students leave for high school with a discipline that cannot be provided without a focus on God, family, service, and community. You have to see it to believe it!
Deadline to Enroll: Currently enrolling
Grades Offered: 3k-8th Grade
Extracurricular Activities: Athletic opportunities offered at Saint Monica include: Basketball (Boys and Girls), Cross Country, Track and Field and Volleyball (Boys & Girls). Other activities include: Band, Battle of the Books, Chess Club, Engineering for Kids, Forensics, Jr. High Drama Club, Liturgical Music opportunities, Mad Science Brixology, Robotics Club (5th & up), Ski Club and Young Rembrandts.
5635 N Santa Monica Blvd
Whitefish Bay, WI 53217 Website
Additional Private Schools
We strive to provide Milwaukee area families connections to the resources they need to make educated decisions. The Milwaukee Area Preschool & Childcare Guide provides you with the opportunity to research the perfect preschool, early education provider, or childcare center to fit your family’s needs. View Preschool and Childcare Guide
Looking for more? As your complete resource for Milwaukee area private schools, we’ve pulled together a list of reader and contributor recommended connections for your family. Our directory lists everything from preschools and childcare to afterschool programs and more!
Additional Resources
4K and Preschools
After School Programs
Childcare Centers
Tutoring Services
Ready to be a part of the Milwaukee Area Private School Guide?
*Disclaimer : This post is sponsored by our featured private schools. We truly appreciate the local community’s support of Milwaukee Mom and only work with brands and businesses we believe to be reputable or who are personally recommended to us!
We want to connect our readers to the incredible private schools available to them and their children in the Milwaukee area. Partnering with us allows your business greater visibility with a large targeted market of local parents. Fill out the form below to get started!
