University Lake School (ULS) is an independent school in the heart of Lake Country serving children from 18-months old through 12th grade.
ULS provides world-class preparation for college and life via the four "branches of the pine" intellectual curiosity, original thinking, personal integrity, and character through service.
University Lake School is a registered non-profit in the state of Wisconsin, a certified ISACS school (Independent Association of the Central States), and an educational innovator empowering students to thrive in the 21st-century global community.
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Top Ranked WI School
- Grades: Nursery/Preschool-12
- Enrollment: 311 students
- Yearly Tuition: $24,950
- Average class size: 15 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 30 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
University Lake School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Wisconsin for:
Category
Attribute
SAT Score
ACT Score
Student Body
AP Courses
Sports offered
Extracurriculars
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Dyslexia/Language-based or Mild Learning Differences
Year Founded
1956
Colors
White, Green
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar
Campus Size
180 acres
Student Body
Total Students
311 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
45 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
15 students
Number of AP Courses
15 courses
Advanced Courses
AP BiologyAP Calculus AB
AP Calculus BCAP Chemistry
AP Comp Sci AAP Comp Sci Principles
AP English LanguageAP English Literature
AP European HistoryAP Government
AP MacroeconomicsAP Microeconomics
AP Physics 1AP Physics 2
AP Physics CAP Psychology
AP Spanish LanguageAP Spanish Literature
AP StatisticsAP Studio Art
AP US History
Average SAT score
1290
(Out of 1600)
Average ACT score
28
(Out of 36)
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Jan. 30 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$24,950
Tuition Notes
Tuition is for the highest grade offered and may have changed for the current school year. For more information, please contact the school.
% on Financial Aid
40%
College Acceptance Rate
100%
Admissions Director
Kala Montoya
Application URL
Sports
Total Sports Offered
13 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
17 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
CAL (Culture, Art, and Language) ClubChess Club
Diversity ClubEnvironmental Club
Math OlympiadMath Team
RoboticsSAFE Club
Service ClubSTEAM Club
Student AmbassadorsStudent Government
Trig-Star Contest
Arts and Music Programs:
Handbell ChoirMusical Theater Production
Play ProductionThe Heron (Literary Arts Magazine)
School Notes
- School Mascot: "lakers" Or Pine Tree
- University Lake School (ULS) is an independent school in the heart of Lake Country serving children from 18-months old through 12th grade. ULS provides world-class preparation for college and life via the four "branches of the pine" intellectual curiosity, original thinking, personal integrity, and character through service. University Lake School is a registered non-profit in the state of Wisconsin, a certified ISACS school (Independent Association of the Central States), and an educational innovator empowering students to thrive in the 21st-century global community. Here, you will find...
- Personal Attention:ULS students thrive as a result of the individualized attention they receive from our attentive faculty. Students and teachers often build strong relationships that start in our classrooms and last long after graduation.
- Character Building & Leadership: Team-building activities, leadership curriculum and service projects instill solid character traits that last a lifetime. Character through service is one of the Branches of the Pine, an ongoing focus for student development.
- Integrated Learning: Students build upon their academic knowledge and are challenged to apply their understanding to new situations. Our curriculum integrates fine arts, foreign language, technology and physical education across all divisions.
- Outdoor Experience: Our expansive 180-acre campus is the ultimate outdoor classroom. From forest studies and nature observation to tapping maple trees, students in all grade levels experience learning through nature.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Molly Seidel '12 - Cross Country, Track & Field - Four-time NCAA Champion - Six-time ACC Champion - Bronze Medalist at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics
- Sally Barkow ’98 - Sailing - Competed at the 2008 Olympics with Carrie Howe, Debbie Capozzi - US Sailing Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year (2005, 2007) - US Sailing Olympic Team Coach and Performance Manager
- Ben Holbrook ’92 - Rowing - Gold Medal Winner at the 1995 World Rowing Championships - Competed at the 2004 Olympics – Men’s Quadruple Sculls
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does University Lake School cost?
University Lake School's tuition is approximately $24,950 for private students.
Who are famous alumni from University Lake School?
University Lake School famous alumni include: Molly Seidel '12, Sally Barkow ’98 and Ben Holbrook ’92.
Does University Lake School offer a summer program?
Yes, University Lake School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does University Lake School offer?
University Lake School offers 13 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Diving, Field Hockey, Golf, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball and Wrestling. University Lake School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Wisconsin for most sports offered.
What is University Lake School's ranking?
University Lake School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Wisconsin for: Highest average SAT score, Highest average ACT score, Largest student body, Most AP courses offered, Most sports offered and Most extracurriculars offered.
When is the application deadline for University Lake School?
The application deadline for University Lake School is Jan. 30 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 30 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
School Reviews
5 11/17/2023
Love this school! ULS has a dynamic community and environment that together create a transformative learning experience. Superb teachers, individual attention, a sense of belonging, college guidance, and more. So many opportunities: trips, clubs, sports, theater, and arts. And don't forget Field Day! My child received a fantastic education and had fun doing it. Not just academics, but social/emotional development as well. Some of the best years of my life too.
5 5/17/2016
My kid's education is simply amazing. If they stay the course, they have the ability to get into any college in the country. In addition, they enjoy going. We have so many other good options for education. ULS is simply a notch above.
5 7/24/2015
Fabulous school. Great teachers. Focused on creating well-rounded individuals: academics, sports, arts and more importantly, respectfulness, community service, leadership - those soft skills that really make a person successful in life. College guidance program is exceptional.
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