* Displayed image is a rendering and in no way a representation of the final project. *
A new initiative is underway to potentially build a Catholic high school in the St. Croix River Valley of Western Wisconsin. It is our hope that through thorough evaluation and prayerful planning, St. Croix County communities may come together to allow God’s will to be done in this effort.
Questions & Answers
Why a Catholic High School?
Our communities are growing, and so is the need for a Catholic secondary education option that fosters academic excellence, moral integrity, and spiritual formation. A local Catholic high school would allow families to continue their children’s faith-based education through adolescence—helping them grow into thoughtful, compassionate leaders rooted in Catholic values.
What is the overall vision for a Catholic high school?
We are looking to build an authentically Catholic high school to form young men and women who know, love, and serve God in this life so they may be happy with Him in the next. It would be located in St. Croix County and offer a traditional high school education along with a full complement of extracurricular activities.
How far along are we in this process?
We are in the early ‘due diligence’ phase. Some local priests, school principals, and lay leaders from our communities have held preliminary meetings. We anticipate collecting electronic community interest surveys of school parents and others this fall, with possible feasibility and fundraising studies and open forums at each parish/school to follow.
Would it be a 9-12 school?
Yes, with a four-year implementation plan beginning with a freshman class.
Who might attend this school?
We envision that many graduates from our Catholic K-8 schools would enroll. We also envision students attending from other local parishes and communities. Both Catholic and non-Catholic students would be welcomed to our school community. If the school is located centrally in St. Croix County, we anticipate that some students may also come from across the river in Minnesota.
What relationship would the high school have with our diocese?
The Catholic high school would have a similar relationship as the Catholic K-8 schools. With local leadership that is under the general jurisdiction of the Diocese of Superior.
Would our local parishes financially subsidize a Catholic high school?
No. This will be a financially self-sustaining Catholic high school. We are therefore seeking the generosity of individuals to help create an endowment for the high school.
Will there be a weekly Mass?
Yes, assuming priest availability.
Will religion classes be offered?
Yes, there will be a full curriculum of religion classes. Our curriculum would focus on the development of the whole person– mind, body, and soul. We envision a curriculum that equips students with critical thinking skills, ethical and spiritual formation – an education that prepares students to discern God’s call, and live it out not only in career, but in every aspect of life.
Will there be enough students to support the school?
A demographic study conducted in the early 2000s concluded that our area could potentially support a Catholic high school with over 400 students. If sufficient interest in the project is confirmed, we plan to conduct a more in-depth feasibility study during the 2025–26 school year to verify this projection.
What will be the cost of tuition?
This number is not known at this time. We do anticipate offering tuition assistance based on financial need.
When would the school open?
This is unknown as we are still in the early stages of this project.
Participate?
Join us in exploring the vision for a new Catholic high school rooted in faith, excellence, and community. With prayerful discernment and local collaboration, we are laying the foundation for a transformative educational experience for future generations. We believe the Lord is calling us to build something beautiful and lasting for the families of St. Croix County and beyond. With your help, this vision can become a reality—forming generations of faith-filled leaders ready to love and serve Christ and the world.