The Prairie School (Top Ranked Private School for 2025-26)

5.00 (3 reviews)

Tel: (262) 752-2500

4050 Lighthouse Drive
Racine, WI 53402

View full size Get directions

www.prairieschool.com

REQUEST INFO

SAVE SCHOOL

The Prairie School Photo #1 - Learning and growing. It's at the heart of everything we do. This is where your child will learn to create, collaborate, and communicate. Where they will become equipped with the tools to think, reason, write, and question. This is where your child will take ownership of their dreams while chasing down their passions. This is Prairie.

The Prairie School Photo #2 - At The Prairie School, every child becomes his or her best self. Maybe you're three. Maybe you're fifteen. Do you see a planet filled with possibility? Do you have a desire to ask questions and make discoveries? Are you driven to make the most of all life has to offer? This is our mission.

The Prairie School Photo #3 - Everyone's journey is different, but by taking ownership of their individual experiences, Prairie students begin dreaming big while designing their futures. We want our students to love life and achieve greatness. We want them dreaming, doing, flourishing.

The Prairie School Photo #4 - Scholars possess a love of learning. A constant need to know more, how, why. By equipping students with the tools to think, write, reason, create, and question, Prairie ensures that seniors are not only prepared to produce, but sought after by the best schools in the nation.

The Prairie School Photo #5 - Performing and Visual Arts remain vital components of a Prairie education. From age three on students are singing, acting, drawing and creating. By Middle School and Upper School they are ready to take the stage or exhibit pieces at local galleries.

The Prairie School Photo #6 - Coming together as a group to lift that trophy is the goal of every team, but at Prairie, we want our athletes to achieve other things as well: a healthy lifestyle, the satisfaction that comes with giving your all, selflessness. These are attributes instilled from earliest ages on.

The Prairie School Photo #7 - Prairie students are active and engaged in the world around them. They are eager to make their school and community better places. Whether it's participating in a day of service, spearheading an iPods for Alzheimer's initiative, or engaging in the local political process, Prairie is growing leaders.

What does it mean to be part of Prairie? It means learning and thriving in a community without preconceived notions of who you ought to be, but has great expectations of what you can do.

We are an aspirational school for aspirational families, where your student is known, valued, supported, & challenged.

Quick Facts (2025-26)

Top Ranked WI School
Grades: Prekindergarten-12
Enrollment: 638 students
Yearly Tuition: $25,000
Acceptance rate: 98%
Average class size: 16 students
Application Deadline: Mar. 1 / rolling
Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

The Prairie School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Wisconsin for:

School Overview

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
Cognia
Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS)

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

Grades Offered

Grades Prekindergarten-12

Year Founded

1965

Summer School Offered

Yes

Summer Program Details

View Summer Program Details

Last Day of School

Mon. May 25, 2026

Student Body

Total Students

638 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

14%

State avg.: 35%

Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers

81 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

8:1

National avg.: 13:1

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree

40%

Average Class Size

16 students

Number of AP Courses

15 courses

Advanced Courses

AP BiologyAP Calculus AB

AP Calculus BCAP Chemistry

AP ChineseAP Comparative Government and Politics

AP EnglishAP Environmental Science

AP FrenchAP Music Theory

AP PhysicsAP Spanish

AP StatisticsAP U.S. History

AP World History

Average ACT score

(Out of 36)

Classroom Dress Code

Formal

Uniforms in Primary and Middle School; Upper School Dress Code

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline

Mar. 1 / rolling

Yearly Tuition Cost

$25,000

View national tuition avg.

Tuition Notes

Tuition costs vary by grade level.

Summer Program Cost Notes

Costs vary per Summer Program.

Acceptance Rate

98%

National avg.: 81%

Admissions Director

Shay Borzynski

Admissions Associate

Bree Mahone

Application URL

Online Application

Sports

Total Sports Offered

10 sports

Sports

Track and FieldVolleyball

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.

36 extracurriculars

ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.

Club or Organization:

Art ClubBattle of the Books

Chess ClubForensics

French ClubHonor Committee

Lego LeagueLiterary Magazine

Makers ClubMath Club

Model OASModel UN

Needlepoint ClubRocket Science

School NewspaperScience Olympiad

Service ClubSki Club

Spanish ClubStudent Advisory Board

Student GovernmentSustainability Committee

WildernessWriting Club

Yoga Club - Primary school

Show More (9)Hide

Arts and Music Programs:

BandChoir

Fine Arts - PaintingGlassblowing

Orchestra/Jazz EnsemblePhotography

TechnicalTheatre Arts - Acting

Recreational Athletic Programs:

Basketball Skills - Primary schoolSoccer Skills - Primary school

Volleyball Skills - Primary school

School Notes

School Mascot: Hawks

The Prairie School is a child-centered, college-preparatory day school whose mission is to educate our children; develop their individual talents, interests, and abilities; and affirm their dignity and self-worth. We foster academic excellence, leadership and creativity, emphasizing individual success while also recognizing the importance of service to the community. We help young people develop their character: to grow as humane, tolerant, responsible, creative, well-schooled, and self-confident lifelong learners. We give students opportunities to succeed and experiences to help them grow - personally and academically.

Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Jack Borzynski '26 - National Medalist in Swim -
- Nathan Breit '26 - State Competitor in Swim -

Source: Verified school update

REQUEST FREE INFORMATION

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does The Prairie School cost?

The Prairie School's tuition is approximately $25,000 for private students.

What is the acceptance rate of The Prairie School?

The acceptance rate of The Prairie School is 98%, which is higher than the national average of 88%.

Who are famous alumni from The Prairie School?

The Prairie School famous alumni include: Jack Borzynski '26 - National Medalist in Swim and Nathan Breit '26 - State Competitor in Swim.

Does The Prairie School offer a summer program?

Yes, The Prairie School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.

What sports does The Prairie School offer?

The Prairie School offers 10 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Diving, Golf, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field and Volleyball. The Prairie School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Wisconsin for most sports offered.

What is The Prairie School's ranking?

The Prairie School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Wisconsin for: Highest average ACT score, Largest student body, Most AP courses offered, Most sports offered and Most extracurriculars offered.

When is the application deadline for The Prairie School?

The application deadline for The Prairie School is Mar. 1 / rolling (applications are due on Mar. 1 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

School Reviews

5.00 out of 5 (3 reviews)

5 6/12/2017

I like the little things at Prairie. It is and always has been about the kids. I like when the little wee wogs knock on the studio window to see what is new. It is always fun and informative when I talk to them about what I'm up to. In return, they share their opinions about my work, and I couldn't be more appreciative. --Artist in Residence

- Posted by Student/Alumni - Bill Reid '73

5 6/12/2017

I`m a junior this year and I`ve attended this school ever since I was five, starting all the way back in kindergarten with Mrs. Steffenson. Even though I`m one year off of being a true Prairie "lifer," I have treated this place as a second home; whether I`m recollecting childhood memories as I walk through the circular hallway surrounding the Giving Garden or eating and laughing in the dining room, Prairie has brought a sense of comfort, friendliness, and an unrivalled nurturing air for growth.

- Posted by Student/Alumni - Prairie Junior

5 6/12/2017

Prairie is not simply a school, but a community that supports every student and lifts up unparalleled academics as well as athletics, arts, leadership, and more.

- Posted by Student/Alumni - 11th grader

Endorse The Prairie School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:

Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Academic or athletic awards

Recent Articles

September 03, 2025

Transferring from Public to Private School Mid-Year: What to Expect

Considering a mid-year transfer from public to private school? Learn what to expect with admissions, academic placement, social adjustment, and financial aid to ensure a smooth transition.

September 03, 2025

A Guide to Day vs. Boarding School: Which Is Right for Your Family

Discover the key differences between day and boarding schools to determine the best fit for your child. Explore benefits, costs, lifestyle factors, and questions to help guide your family’s decision.