Education
Recognizing that today's students are tomorrow's workforce and citizens of tomorrow, the South Wood County area offers an excellent choice of public or private educational opportunities.
Public School Districts
The City of Nekoosa, with its nearly 2,700 residents, boasts a vibrant community enriched by the diversity of families hailing from the townships of Armenia, Port Edwards, Rome, Saratoga, and the city itself. Nestled amidst the tranquil lakes of Armenia and the rustic charm of Rome, Nekoosa attracts new residents seeking the serenity and recreational opportunities synonymous with waterfront homes and country living.
Economically, Nekoosa has long been synonymous with its paper industry, although efforts are underway to diversify its economic base. The establishment of a new industrial park in Rome has already begun to attract new businesses, while the Ho-Chunk Nation remains a vital contributor to the region's economic strength.
The School District of Nekoosa serves as a cornerstone of the community, offering a comprehensive education from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. Recognized as "The Place to Be," the district embraces diversity and innovation to meet the needs of today's learners. In addition to traditional schools, the district provides a range of school choice options, including a STEM charter school, a virtual school, and an alternative high school, ensuring that every student has access to a high-quality education tailored to their unique interests and learning styles. With its commitment to excellence and inclusivity, the School District of Nekoosa continues to enrich the lives of students and families throughout Central Wisconsin.
Nekoosa's educational options include:
- Humke Elementary School (PK-3)
- Alexander Middle School (4-8)
- Central Wisconsin STEM Academy (6-8)
- Nekoosa High School (9-12)
- Nekoosa Academy (11-12)
- Wisconsin Individualized Selection of Education Academy (WISE) (K-12)
Situated in the heart of Wood County, Wisconsin, the Pittsville School District epitomizes the essence of a small rural community nestled along the picturesque banks of the Yellow River. Positioned at the geographical center of the state near the crossroads of state highways 80 and 73, Pittsville enjoys a serene countryside while maintaining close proximity to cultural and educational opportunities in nearby Marshfield and Wisconsin Rapids.
Home to approximately 570 students, the Pittsville School District comprises two primary buildings conveniently located across the street from each other: the Elementary School and the High School. In 2021, the district unveiled a state-of-the-art Career and Technical Education Facility, a testament to its commitment to providing students with cutting-edge educational resources.
The Elementary School caters to students from preschool through grade 8, encompassing Primary (preschool, 4-year-old Kindergarten, 5-year-old Kindergarten, and grades 1-3), Middle School (grades 4-5), and Junior High (grades 6-8). Meanwhile, the High School serves students in grades 9 through 12, offering a comprehensive curriculum to prepare them for future endeavors.
With a focus on academic excellence and fostering a supportive learning environment, the Pittsville School District remains dedicated to nurturing the intellectual, social, and emotional development of its students, ensuring they are well-equipped to succeed in an ever-changing world.
The Port Edwards Public School Community prides itself on offering a distinctive and competitive educational experience nestled amidst the scenic beauty of the Wisconsin River. With a village and surrounding townships characterized by a family-friendly atmosphere, the community provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and enrichment, including a beautiful park system, intercity bike trails, and a community YMCA.
As a small suburban school district, Port Edwards boasts a dedicated staff and maintains an open, flexible approach to instructional innovation. These qualities enable the district to effectively address the academic and social needs of every student within an academy-like environment.
The school community celebrates numerous achievements, with students excelling at all grade levels. Notably, in 2017, John Edwards High School earned a prestigious silver rating and was named to the US News and World Report list of top schools. Additionally, students consistently perform well on standardized tests such as the ACT.
Above all, the Port Edwards School District is committed to fostering the growth and development of each student as an individual within the supportive embrace of the community. Through a combination of academic excellence, extracurricular opportunities, and a nurturing environment, the district empowers students to thrive and succeed in both their academic pursuits and personal endeavors.
The Wisconsin Rapids Public School District stands as a beacon of educational excellence, serving approximately 5,000 students across a diverse range of programs and grade levels. Comprising seven K-5 elementary schools, a middle school for grades 6-8, and a senior high school for grades 9-12, the district also offers specialized programs, including health occupational training for grades 11-12 and an at-risk alternative high school for grades 9-12. Additionally, the district provides 4K programming held in select elementary schools and off-site at community partner organizations, as well as virtual programming for grades 4K-12.
Spanning a wide geographic area, the Wisconsin Rapids Public School District serves not only the city of Wisconsin Rapids but also several villages and townships in both Wood and Portage counties. This expansive reach underscores the district's commitment to providing quality education to all students within its boundaries.
Renowned for its progressive approach and dedication to student success, the district has earned a solid reputation for high achievement and a low dropout rate. The professionalism and expertise of its staff members have been consistently recognized by state and national organizations and agencies. Furthermore, district graduates have demonstrated success at prestigious universities and institutions nationwide, showcasing the district's commitment to preparing students for a bright and promising future.
Wisconsin Rapids educational options include:
- Pitsch Early Learning Center (PK-4K)
- Grant (4K-5)
- Grove (K-5)
- Howe (K-5)
- Mead (K-5)
- THINK Academy (4K-5)
- Washington (K-5)
- Woodside (4K-5)
- Central Oaks Academy Charter School (4K-8)
- Wisconsin Rapids Area Middle School (6-8)
- River Cities High School (9-12)
- Lincoln High School (9-12)
Wisconsin Rapids Private Schools
The South Wood County area offers a variety of private elementary and high school options which are:
Assumption Catholic Schools seeks to inspire excellence and personal growth for our students academically, spiritually, and socially. Caring and innovative teachers provide challenging academic programs supported by current technology. Student learning is enhanced through our fine arts programs, athletics, service projects, and campus ministry. In ACS, parents are welcomed and encouraged to be fully involved in the educational experience of their children.
As a Catholic school, we believe that faith and reason are compatible with each other. Everything we do is centered on ensuring the students who graduate from Assumption Catholic Schools are fully prepared to be contributing members of the 21st century society and are equipped to continue to grow their faith and knowledge throughout their lives.
The Principles of Catholic Identity in Education articulates elements the Church expects to find in all Catholic schools and which distinguish them from other schools. The disciples are derived from Church documents related to education, including the documents of Vatican II, documents from the Vatican Congregation for Catholic Education, and the writings of various Popes. As a school system, these principles are embedded in our daily lives.
The schools that make up our system are:
St. Lawrence Early Childhood Center
Child care for 6 weeks-2 years, Pre-School 3-year-olds, 4K Kindergarten
5K Kindergarten, 1st & 2nd
Grades 3rd, 4th & 5th
Grades 6th, 7th & 8th
Grades 9th, 10th, 11th & 12th
Immanuel Lutheran School has been serving the Wisconsin Rapids area since 1884. We are one of more than one thousand Lutheran Elementary Schools across the nation. We offer small class sizes with personal attention promoting confidence and achievement in all areas. We value the development of the whole child and focus on the following areas of growth:
- Spiritual growth
- Cognitive growth
- Social growth
- Physical growth
- Emotional growth
Our mission at Immanuel Lutheran School is to share the love of Jesus, grow in faith, and serve community. We serve grade levels PK-8.
Grades PK-8
St. Paul’s Lutheran School prioritizes academic excellence within a nurturing and secure environment, where teachers foster meaningful relationships and instill values based on the enduring teachings of Jesus Christ. With a commitment to providing a holistic education, St. Paul’s offers a comprehensive program catering to students from preschool through eighth grade.
The school's offerings include a preschool learning center designed to engage and support the development of three and four-year-olds, as well as an elementary program serving children in kindergarten through eighth grade. By integrating academic rigor with spiritual guidance, St. Paul’s endeavors to cultivate well-rounded individuals equipped with both knowledge and faith.
For those interested in learning more about St. Paul’s Lutheran School, I encourage you to reach out to schedule an appointment to tour the campus. Whether by phone or email, the staff at St. Paul’s will be delighted to provide further information and insights into the enriching educational experience they offer.
Local Post Secondary Education
Mid-State Technical College is one of 16 colleges in the Wisconsin Technical College System and offers associate degrees, technical diplomas and industry certifications in a variety of high-demand fields. Mid-State has campuses in Adams, Marshfield, Stevens Point, and Wisconsin Rapids and specialized training at the Healthcare Simulation Center, the AMETA Center and the LEAD Center. Mid-State’s supportive environment, state-of-the-art technology and faculty with professional experience in the fields they teach provide Mid-State graduates with real-world skills, knowledge, experience and confidence they need for an in-demand career resulting in more than 9 in 10 Mid-State graduates employed within six months of graduation.
Established in 1894, UW-Stevens Point is one of 11 comprehensive universities in a public higher education system that also includes two doctoral institutions and a statewide Extension. UW-Stevens Point enrolls approximately 8,300 undergraduate and graduate students across three campuses, with locations in Stevens Point, Marshfield and Wausau. UW-Stevens Point campuses offer a welcoming, supportive atmosphere focused on student success.
Founded in 1862, Lakeland University is an innovative, affordable, four-year, private university that integrates the liberal arts with experiential learning through its award-winning Cooperative Education program. Lakeland serves approximately 2,000 students, including undergraduates at its residential main campus located in Sheboygan County, WI, undergraduate and graduate students taking evening and online courses through one of Lakeland’s six centers located throughout Wisconsin and undergraduate students enrolled at its Tokyo, Japan, campus. Lakeland is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.