CHOOSING A CATHOLIC BOARDING SCHOOL FOR HIGH SCHOOL

This page is designed to answer the questions and alleviate the concerns of parents thinking about sending their children to boarding school for high school. It will debunk commonly accepted myths and offer information regarding the value of a boarding school education, success rates of St. Lawrence Seminary graduates, and will outline what questions parents should consider when looking at prospective boarding schools.
Common Myths About
Boarding School
THE BENEFITS OF
BOARDING SCHOOL
Questions to Consider When
Comparing Boarding Schools
The St. Lawrence
Seminary Difference
Parent
Testimonial
NEXT STEPS TO
LEARN MORE

COMMON MYTHS ABOUT BOARDING SCHOOL

Perhaps you’ve heard that boarding schools are entirely too exclusive, that they lack diversity, or that only troubled kids are sent to boarding school. We want to help you separate fact from fiction by shedding light on some of the common myths surrounding what a boarding school experience can offer a high school student.
Myth:
Boarding schools are too
expensive for my family

REALITY: Boarding Schools offer financial aid or scholarships for those who qualify. St. Lawrence Seminary offers need-based financial aid, tuition payment programs and payment plans to help families 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. We have a full breakdown of costs and how to finance an education at St. Lawrence Seminary.
Myth:
Boarding schools are very
exclusive and lack diversity

REALITY: We pride ourselves on our commitment to diversity and providing students with a well-rounded education exposing them to different cultures. The overall student body at St. Lawrence is made up of students from many different ethnic and cultural backgrounds from all across the world. To grow in understanding of what it means to be a ‘Son of Calvary’ but also incorporating many of our individual customs from each ancestry, students participate in many traditions and activities through the school year. Learn more about our cultural events.
Myth:
Boarding schools are for troubled kids
or students who struggle in school

REALITY: 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 Seminary is a college preparatory school that focuses on preparing boys for further education. 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. Learn more about our academics.
Myth:
Students at boarding schools
dont have any fun

REALITY: 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 are able to learn hands-on skills that will aid them in college and beyond. Learn more about our experiential learning opportunities through ministry.

THE BENEFITS OF BOARDING SCHOOL

While a higher population of students attend either public or private high schools, the statistics show that boarding schools 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. Scroll down to see the statistics about boarding school.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BOARDING SCHOOL?
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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.

Percent of high school students  who believe their school was academically challenging:

Percent of HS student who report having great, high quality teachers

Percent of HS student who believe that their school was academically challenging

Percent of HS student who state that they are satisfied or very satisfied with their academic experience

A STRONG SENSE OF COMMUNITY WITH BOTH PEERS AND TEACHERS

Boarding schools allow students and professors to be available at odd hours. This is a distinct advantage over traditional day schools because the accessibility allows groups to meet, study, and prepare materials prior to a big test or class presentation.

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

Percent of high school students who claim to have a supportive environment:

Percent of HS students who Report Being Around Motivated Peers

Percent of HS students who claim to have a supportive environment

STRUCTURE AND LIFE SKILLS 

The structured environment of boarding school, while challenging for some, is a benefit for many. Students are given scheduled class times, but much of their time spent out of class will be up to them to plan and organize. Students must learn how to prioritize and balance academics, clubs, sports, service opportunities, leisure time, and other extracurricular activities. Our students have to learn how to manage their own time, which better prepares them for college, life in the ministry, or whatever path they choose.

Percent of high school students who felt prepared for college upon graduation

Percent of HS student who felt prepared for college upon graduation

Why SLS is ahead of the Game:
St. Lawrence Seminary High School's holistic program focuses on the academics and teaching students - social skills, time management/ organizational skills, and providing a multi-cultural community where they can learn from each other. High school is only four year, but St. Lawrence looks to prepare its students for college and life, inside and outside of the classroom.

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.

Percent of high school students who report being around motivated peers:

Percent of HS student who felt prepared for college upon graduation

Percent of graduates who went on to pursue a higher degree

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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 at St. Lawrence Seminary.
  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. HOW DO YOUR STUDENTS COMPARE ACADEMICALLY WITH STUDENTS FROM OTHER SCHOOLS?

    St. Lawrence consistently sends 98% of our graduates on to post-secondary education. About 90% 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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:

    •30% Asian
    •30% Hispanic
    •30% Caucasian
    •10% Other
    St. Lawrence Seminary admits students of any race, color and national origin. 

     

  6. HOW MANY STUDENTS ARE ENROLLED AT ST. LAWRENCE SEMINARY HIGH SCHOOL?

    Our average enrollment is approximately 200, which allows us to keep our average class size of under 20 students and student faculty ratio of 9:1.

  7. DOES ST. LAWRENCE OFFER FINANCIAL AID?

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

  8. HOW DO I FIND OUT MORE?

    Call us at (920) 753-7570 or email us at admissions@stlawrence.edu

THE SLS DIFFERENCE

How st. Lawrence Seminary High School Stands out Amongst the Rest

The Advantage of Attending a Faith-based, Catholic Boarding School
 An excellent academic program is essential in preparing a student for college and life thereafter — but it is not the only value there is. Faith-based schools operate from the principle that the education of a person is not limited to the intellectual sphere. Instead, we go beyond to encompass the 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.

MISSION AND VALUES

MISSION

Inspired by the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the example of St. Francis of Assisi, St. Lawrence Seminary provides a residential college preparatory education in a living Catholic community nurturing mature, well-rounded men of faith, who prepare for a life of ministry as priests, religious and lay leaders in the Church and world.

VALUES

SPIRITUALITY
Fostering a relationship
with Jesus that directs a
lifetime

DIVERSITY
Building fraternity
and community by
respecting and
celebrating uniqueness

SOCIAL SKILLS
Interacting in an
effective, positive and
respectful manner

HUMBLE COMMITMENT
Serving by sacrificing
for others

KNOWLEDGE
Pursuing academic,
moral and spiritual
depth

SAFE COMMUNITY
Providing the physical
and emotional freedom
that assists learning,
growing and exploring

St. Lawrence Seminary High School preparing our students for academic and spiritual success.

St. Lawrence Seminary High School is a preparatory Catholic boarding school deep in the heart of Wisconsin. At SLS, we provide a quality education that encourages young men of faith to embrace their full potential and graduate as men with substantial leadership capabilities. We do this by offering a holistic program that focuses on more than just academics.

Considering a boarding school for your son? 

Parents typically have many questions, and maybe some concerns, that go along with considering sending their child to boarding school. 

We’ve put together this resource to help guide parents through the benefits of choosing St. Lawrence as an alternative to the traditional high school experience.

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PARENT TESTIMONIAL

Jody Tran-Le is a mother of four boys, who have all attended St. Lawrence Seminary. She reflects on the experience of her most recently graduated son.

“We noticed drastic changes with our son from the time he entered SLS until now...[h]e's always looking out for his siblings as well as others, he takes responsibilities for his actions, assist others when needed, he's more caring for the less fortunate, and always thinking about other people’s well-being before himself. [...]

The school has helped built a friendship/brotherhood for my son with his classmates worldwide that will last a lifetime. Up to this day, our son still keeps in touch with a majority of his classmates via social media, emails, phone, etc. [...]

The class standards and expectation levels are high which greatly helped him to be more prepared for the college level education...[T]he most important thing that we’ve gained from having our son attend SLS is that he has become more spiritual. His faith with the Franciscan Friars and Catholicism has grown stronger and stronger. He's always looking for opportunities to help the less fortunate.

We’ve gained a son that is more confidence 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 hands” to others.

[Sending our sons to St. Lawrence] was the best decision we could’ve made and if we had to turn back the clock, we would not have changed a thing. To this day, we can't thank the staff enough for the wonderful job that they've done to mold our son(s) in the positive way they have.”

READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP?
CONTACT ADMISSIONS

For any additional inquiries, Francisco Sauceda, the Director of Admissions and Recruitment, is available to answer questions. Please contact Francisco at fsauceda@stlawrence.edu or (920) 753-7518. 

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