A principal from Wausau, WI

St. John Lutheran School is small, but mighty—with an enrollment of less than 80 students, the family-like environment, as described by principal Diane Goetsch, comes naturally. The school sits between two larger school districts, yet offers local parents a faith-based education for their children that is highly valued in the community.

Goetsch began her time at St. John after working in a public school for over 30 years. She felt the private, religious environment was a better fit for her personally, which helps to strengthen her relationships with families and students at St. John. “I can talk and teach kids through those [faith-based] values,” she claims, something that many families seek after leaving public school districts. This may not be for everyone, but that’s the entire point of school choice: it allows parents to find a school coinciding with their family’s values, providing numerous benefits.

Without the choice program, many schools such as St. John would find it much more difficult to operate. Since being part of the statewide program, they have seen an increase in enrollment, have been able to retain a stellar faculty, and have provided their students with updated curriculum and technology to achieve their academic goals. Wausau families are lucky to have an affordable school option like St. John with school leadership committed to providing a high quality educational experience.