Private Schools


Private Schools in Southeastern Wisconsin

For families relocating to Southeastern Wisconsin, education can play an important role in deciding where to call home. The region offers an impressive range of private-school options, from independent college-preparatory academies to Catholic, Lutheran, Christian, Jewish and Islamic schools, as well as Montessori, classical and other specialized learning environments.

Private schools throughout the region offer a variety of approaches to education, with many emphasizing strong academics, individualized attention, character and leadership development, and preparation for college and beyond. Depending on the school, students may also have access to Advanced Placement and college-credit courses, STEM programs, competitive athletics, fine and performing arts, service opportunities and extensive extracurricular activities.

Just as importantly, families have choices. Whether your priority is academic rigor, faith formation, smaller classes, a particular educational philosophy, or a strong sense of community, Southeastern Wisconsin offers schools with distinctly different cultures and approaches to learning.

And private education may be more accessible than families initially expect. Many schools offer financial aid and scholarships, while eligible students may qualify for one of Wisconsin’s School Choice Programs, which can help cover the cost of attending a participating private school.

Independent College-Preparatory Schools

These independent schools are consistently recognized for academic excellence, college preparation, and exceptional student experiences.

  • Brookfield Academy (Brookfield) – PK3–12 independent college-preparatory school known for small class sizes, outstanding academics, and nearly 100% college placement.
  • University School of Milwaukee (River Hills) – One of Wisconsin’s premier independent schools, offering rigorous academics, exceptional arts and athletics, and outstanding college placement.
  • University Lake School (Hartland) – A PK–12 college-preparatory school on a scenic 180-acre campus with personalized learning and strong college counseling.
  • The Prairie School (Wind Point) – Independent PK–12 school emphasizing academic excellence, creativity, leadership, and individualized learning.
  • St. John’s Northwestern Academies (Delafield) – Independent boarding and day school serving grades 6–12 with leadership and military-inspired character development.

Catholic Schools

Catholic education has been part of Milwaukee’s history for more than 175 years. Today, families can choose from dozens of Catholic elementary, middle, and high schools offering strong academics, faith formation, athletics, arts, and college preparation. Many schools participate in Wisconsin’s School Choice Programs and welcome students from all backgrounds.

Featured Catholic Schools

 

Catholic School Networks

Lutheran Schools

The Milwaukee region has one of the country’s largest Lutheran school networks, offering excellent elementary and secondary education through both the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) and the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS). Families will find schools that combine rigorous academics with faith-based learning and strong extracurricular opportunities.

Popular Lutheran Schools

  • Wisconsin Lutheran High School – Coeducational Lutheran college-preparatory high school emphasizing academics, Christian faith, athletics and the arts.
  • Milwaukee Lutheran High School – Coeducational Lutheran high school offering college-preparatory academics, career pathways, athletics and extracurricular programs.
  • Martin Luther High School – Coeducational Lutheran high school in Greendale combining college and career preparation with Christian faith, athletics and the arts.
  • Lake Country Lutheran High School – Coeducational Lutheran high school in Hartland offering rigorous academics, college-credit opportunities and leadership development in a Christian environment.
  • Shoreland Lutheran High School – Coeducational Lutheran high school serving southeastern Wisconsin with Christ-centered academics and a wide range of student opportunities.

Learn more:

Christian Schools

Families seeking non-denominational or Christian education have many outstanding options throughout Southeastern Wisconsin.

  • Heritage Christian School – Coeducational Christian school serving preschool through grade 12, combining strong academics with a biblical foundation, spiritual development and leadership opportunities.
  • Eastbrook Academy – Independent Christian K4–12 school in Milwaukee offering a rigorous, classically inspired education with an emphasis on college preparation, Christian faith and leadership development.
  • Christian Education Leadership Academy (CELA) – Interdenominational Christian school in Pewaukee serving 3K through 8th grade, with a distinctive focus on academic excellence, Christian values and leadership development.
  • Grace Christian Academy – Independent, nondenominational Christian school in West Allis serving K4 through 12th grade, with an emphasis on academic excellence and education from a Christian worldview.
  • Waukesha Christian Academy – Christian K–12 school in Waukesha offering a Bible-based education, small class sizes and a traditional Christian learning environment.

Jewish Schools

Milwaukee’s Jewish community offers excellent schools that combine rigorous academics with Jewish values, culture, and traditions.

  • Milwaukee Jewish Day School – Pluralistic Jewish day school serving 3K through 8th grade, combining strong academics with Hebrew and Jewish studies, innovation, leadership and Jewish values.
  • Bader Hillel Academy – Jewish day school serving K5 through 8th grade, offering a rigorous dual curriculum of general and Judaic studies with an emphasis on Jewish identity, character and whole-child development.

Islamic & Other Faith-Based Schools

Families seeking additional faith-based educational options can also explore:

  • Salam School – Private Islamic K4–12 college-preparatory school combining strong academics with Islamic studies, character development, service and college preparation.
  • Islamic Society of Milwaukee – Islamic religious, educational and community organization offering programs including Sunday School and Quranic studies and supporting Islamic education in the Milwaukee area.
  • Indian Community School – Private, faith-based intertribal American Indian K4–8 school in Franklin integrating academics with Indigenous culture, languages, values and traditions.
  • St. Sava Orthodox School – Private K3–8 Orthodox Christian school in Milwaukee combining academics with Orthodox Christian faith, Serbian language, culture and heritage.

 

Wisconsin School Choice Programs

Wisconsin offers several programs that can help eligible families attend participating private schools using state-funded tuition assistance. Eligibility requirements vary by program and may include where the student lives, household income, prior school enrollment, age/grade level and other requirements. Families must apply through the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI), and participating schools can also assist parents with the application process.

Wisconsin’s Private School Choice Programs include three separate programs:

  • Milwaukee Parental Choice Program (MPCP) — for eligible students who reside in the City of Milwaukee.
  • Racine Parental Choice Program (RPCP) — for eligible students who reside in the Racine Unified School District.
  • Wisconsin Parental Choice Program (WPCP) — serves eligible students who live elsewhere in Wisconsin.

For eligible students, the state makes a payment to the participating private school toward the cost of the student’s education. Families should check current eligibility rules, participating schools, application periods and income requirements each year because requirements can change. For the 2026–27 school year, DPI’s application system opened February 2, 2026.

Wisconsin Private School Choice Programs — Wisconsin DPI

Special Needs Scholarship Program

The Special Needs Scholarship Program (SNSP) provides eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to attend participating private schools using a state-funded scholarship. This is separate from Wisconsin’s income-based Private School Choice Programs, so families of students with disabilities should review the SNSP eligibility requirements even if they do not qualify for one of the other Choice programs.

The program has its own requirements regarding student eligibility, previous educational services and participating private schools. Because eligibility can depend on an individual student’s circumstances, families should review DPI’s current requirements and contact a participating school before applying.

Special Needs Scholarship Program — Wisconsin DPI

Important: Eligibility requirements, income limits, application periods and participating schools may change from year to year. Families should use the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction links above for the most current information.

Choosing the Right School

The right school is about more than academics—it’s about finding an environment where your child can learn, grow, connect and thrive. Southeastern Wisconsin offers private schools representing a wide range of academic approaches, faith traditions, campus experiences and extracurricular opportunities.

As you compare schools, ask:

  • Will my child be challenged and supported? Look at curriculum, advanced courses, academic support and opportunities that match your child’s strengths and interests.
  • What will the classroom experience be like? Consider class sizes, student-to-teacher ratios and how much individual attention students receive.
  • Will my child find a place to belong? Explore athletics, music, theater, clubs, leadership, service and other activities that help students build friendships and discover new interests.
  • Does the school’s mission fit our family? For faith-based schools, consider how faith is incorporated into academics, student life and the overall school culture.
  • What does it really cost? Look beyond published tuition and ask about financial aid, scholarships, Wisconsin School Choice programs, fees and other expenses.
  • Does the location work for everyday life? Consider commute times, transportation, bus service, before- and after-school programs and proximity to home or work.
  • How well does the school prepare students for what comes next? Ask about graduation rates, college counseling, college placement, career preparation, AP/dual-enrollment opportunities and where graduates go after high school.
  • Most importantly: Can you picture your child here? A school can look perfect on paper but feel very different in person.

Whenever possible, visit the campus. Attend an open house, tour the school, sit in on a class if offered, and talk with teachers, students and other parents. Ask admissions staff what distinguishes their school—and what type of student tends to thrive there.

The best school isn’t necessarily the one with the longest list of accomplishments. It’s the one that provides the right combination of challenge, support, opportunity and community for your child.