St. Lawrence Seminary Stands Out Among Other Faith-based High Schools

An excellent academic program is essential in preparing a student for college and beyond — but it is not the only value there is. A St. Lawrence education is a whole person education, that is an education that encompasses the intellectual, emotional, physical and spiritual aspects of the person.

Students who attend faith-based schools are enriched by a curriculum of arts, sciences and religion. Our students are surrounded by opportunities to form a strong conscience and moral character. Their teachers and fellow students support them on every step of their faith journey.

The Benefits of Boarding School

While many students attend either public or private high schools, the statistics show boarding schools have advantages and offer a much larger benefit to your son’s development and college preparedness. Self-discipline, maturity, critical thinking and a sense of independence are all examples of how boarding schools deliver a holistic high school experience — but don’t just take our word for it, check out these statistics.

College-Ready Graduates

One of the major benefits of a boarding school education is an exceptional academic environment. St. Lawrence Seminary has a college preparatory focus, which encourages and promotes academic excellence. And in turn, the expectation levels are high for both students and teachers.

High school students  who believe their school was academically challenging:

bar chart college ready graduates

A Strong Sense of Community 

Community is the heart of St. Lawrence. Students are placed in fraternities of 10-12 boys that are balanced on grade, culture, and compatibility. These fraternities forge lifelong friendships.

High school students who claim to have a supportive environment:

bar chart sense of community

Structure and Life Skills

The structured environment of boarding school, while challenging for some, is a benefit for many. Students must learn how to prioritize and balance academics, clubs, sports, service opportunities, leisure time, and other extracurricular activities. Students who learn how to manage their own time are better prepared for college, life in the ministry, or whatever path they choose.

High school students who felt prepared for college upon graduation:

bar chart structure and life skills

Strong Catholic Faith

We know how important spiritual growth is to help boys develop into mature, well-rounded men. Our Catholic teachings are inspired by the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the example of St. Francis of Assisi.

We provide students with a wide array of volunteer opportunities and ministry programs to put their faith into practice.

High school students who report being around motivated peers:

bar chart strong catholic faith

Considering a boarding school for your son?

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MYTH: Boarding schools are too expensive

REALITY: Boarding school is affordable for most families. We offer financial aid or scholarships for those who qualify. Our need-based financial aid, tuition payment programs and payment plans are designed to lessen the burden on the family budget. The generosity of our benefactors allows us to keep our charge for tuition, room, and board lower than other private and boarding schools in the Midwest.

MYTH: Boarding schools are for troubled students

REALITY: Boarding schools help hard-working students become even more successful. There are boarding schools for many types of students, including students who excel academically, students who need extra help with their studies, and all the students in between. St. Lawrence is a college prep high school that focuses on preparing young men for college and beyond. We follow a seven period class day with two additional study hall periods and a wide variety of electives, including foreign languages, business law, advanced computer applications and more.

MYTH: Boarding schools lack diversity

REALITY: Not at St. Lawrence. Our students are from all over the world. We pride ourselves on our commitment to diversity and providing students with a well-rounded education exposing them to different cultures. Our student body includes young men from many different ethnic and cultural backgrounds from across the world. Growing in understanding of what it means to be a Son of Calvary incorporates many customs, traditions, cultural events and activities through the school year.

MYTH: Boarding schools are strict; students don’t have fun

REALITY: Boarding schools offer unique opportunities for fun experiences. What you learn outside the classroom can be just as important as what you learn in it. Through experiential learning opportunities and ministry programs, our students learn hands-on skills that will aid them in college and beyond. Learn more about our experiential learning opportunities through ministry.

Boarding School Prepares Students for Academic and Spiritual Success

Deep the heart of Wisconsin, we’re here helping young men become the champions and leaders they are called to be. Our commitment to academic excellence, diversity with a commitment to religion supports students as they dare to discover new athletic abilities, push the bounds of creativity and help change the world.

We foster and encourage academic development with a foundation in faith, so students graduate as courageous and noble young men, prepared for college and beyond.

It’s a brotherhood. It’s opportunity. It’s a chance for young men to discover their talents, learn and grow.

Frequently Asked Questions

As a parent, you probably have several questions that go along with what it means to send your child to boarding school. Here are the most common questions we get:

Does everyone who goes to St. Lawrence become a priest?

No. St. Lawrence is a minor seminary. As such, its mission is to provide an opportunity for young Catholic men in high school to lay a foundation on which they can build a life of ministry in the Catholic Church as laymen, deacons, brothers or priests.

How many St. Lawrence Students are Catholic?

100% of our students are active, practicing Catholics. Learn more about how St. Lawrence Seminary empowers our students through spiritual direction.

How do your students compare academically with students from other schools?

100% of St. Lawrence graduates are accepted to college. 100% of St. Lawrence students take the ACT, achieving an average composite score between 23 – 24, higher than the State of Wisconsin and national averages, and compares well with other similar private schools in Wisconsin. Get more information about our academic programs.

Do you offer college credit courses?

St. Lawrence offers an advanced program of study with Marian University of Fond du Lac. After successful completion of the coursework, Marian University issues a college transcript for the course. Qualified St. Lawrence teachers facilitate these classes on our campus. The material included in these classes follows Marian University syllabi and utilizes college textbooks. Classes offered as part of the dual-credit program include: Literary Genres, Modern World Literature, Calculus, Principles of Chemistry, Senior English, Senior Theology, and Biology 2.

How diverse is the student body?

Our students come from all over the world and represent many social and economic backgrounds. Our diverse student body is comprised of:

  • 35% Asian
  • 30% Hispanic
  • 25% Caucasian
  • 10% Other

St. Lawrence Seminary admits students of any race, color and national origin.

How many students are enrolled at St. Lawrence seminary high school?

Our average enrollment is approximately 170, which allows us to keep our average class size of under 20 students and student faculty ratio of 9:1.

Does St. Lawrence offer financial aid?

Yes. There are two types of financial aid. Our admissions coordinators are happy to discuss options with your family to help you plan.

How Do I Find Out More?

Call us at 920-753-7570 or email us.

Experience St. Lawrence for Yourself

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St. Lawrence is a Top Boarding School in the Midwest

St. Lawrence Seminary High School has been around for over 150 years — ranking as one of the top boarding schools in Wisconsin and the Midwest. In this time, we have had the privilege to shape young minds from all around the globe. We pride ourselves in forming strong young men of faith, but we credit every success story back to God.

Sending your son to boarding school is a big decision, but here, he is not just another student in our classroom. He’s part of our family; part of our brotherhood and respected as such. It’s his opportunity; it’s his chance to discover his talents, learn and grow.

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"We’ve gained a son who is more confident about who he is, who has a strong will in what he believes in, who knows what it means to be respectful  and who is a great helping hand to others."