Why Choose Columbus Catholic Schools?

Admissions Procedure

Columbus Catholic Schools administration reviews the application and records of each student seeking placement within the school system. Admission decisions are based on a student’s demonstrated potential to succeed within the Columbus Catholic educational environment.

How to Apply

1. Complete the Inquiry Form
   Submit the Inquiry Form to request general information and to schedule tours or shadow days.
2. Submit the Preliminary Records Request Form
3. Complete Online Enrollment
   Fill out the online enrollment form and submit the required non-refundable registration fee.

Admission Decisions Are Based On

• Completion of all application materials
• Review of academic progress from the previous school
• Student and parent interview

Transfer Student Procedures

Transfer students are considered for admission based on the following criteria:

• The student must be in good academic standing. For high school applicants, a minimum GPA of 2.5 is required. This standard may be waived, though a lower GPA may result in academic probation.
• The student must demonstrate appropriate conduct and be in good standing at the previous school.
• CCS administration must determine that the student would benefit from the academic and extracurricular programs offered at Columbus Catholic Schools.

Please note: Any student who has been expelled from a former school or school district will not be considered for admission.

Co-curricular Activities

Columbus Catholic has thriving athletic and co-curricular programs, with some programs beginning in primary school. Columbus offers students numerous opportunities to explore their interests and showcase their talents.

St. John the Baptist Primary

• Baseball
• Basketball (Boys and Girls)
• Dribbling Dons
• Soccer
• Softball
• Track
• Volleyball
• Wrestling

Our Lady of Peace Intermediate

• Basketball (Boys and Girls)
• Baseball
• Dribbling Dons
• Soccer
• Softball
• Track
• Volleyball
• Wrestling
• Youth Football and Cheer

Columbus Catholic Middle School

Activities and Clubs

• Band
• Brains and Brawn Tournament
• Choir
• Hope Squad
• Mission Club
• Student Council
• Summer Fitness
• Yearbook (academic)

Athletics

• Baseball
• Basketball (Boys and Girls)
• Football
• Cross Country
• Soccer (co-ed)
• Softball
• Track
• Volleyball
• Wrestling

Columbus Catholic High School

Activities and clubs

• Ambassadors
• Band (Concert, Jazz, Marching & Pep Band)
• Choir
• Drama
• Hope Squad
• Marshfield Columbus Leadership Alliance
• Mission Club
• National Honor Society
• Peru Mission Team
• ProLife Club
• Quiz Bowl
• Sports Analytics Club
• Student Council
• The Side Inside
• Summer Fitness
• Yearbook

Athletics

• Baseball
• Basketball (Boys and Girls)
• Cross Country
• Football (Spencer/Columbus)
• Golf
• Soccer (co-ed)
• Softball
• Tennis (girls)
• Track
• Volleyball
• Wrestling (Spencer/Columbus)

Contact Information

Columbus Catholic Schools Administration

710 South Columbus Avenue
Marshfield, WI 54449
Telephone:  715.387.1177 
www.columbuscatholicschools.org 

David J. Eaton, President 
Danielle Rummells, Finance Director
Nicki Kitchner, Admissions Director
Stacy Casperson, Gift Card Coordinator

Columbus Catholic Middle and High School

710 South Columbus Avenue
Marshfield, WI 54449 
Telephone:  715.387.1177

Michael Lambrecht, Principal 
Brianna Varsho, Guidance Counselor
Leah Bernick & Stacy Casperson, School Secretaries

Our Lady of Peace Intermediate School

1300 West 5th Street
Marshfield, WI 54449
Telephone:  715.384.5474

Michele Green, Principal
Alexis Vine, School Secretary

St. John the Baptist Primary School

307 North Walnut Avenue
Marshfield, WI 54449
Telephone:  715.384.4989

David Eaton, Principal
Melissa Ladd, School Secretary

Our Faith and Service

“But how can they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach? And how can people preach unless they are sent?” - Romans 10:14-15

At Columbus Catholic Schools, Christian formation is a lifelong process that involves knowledge, modeling, practice, and participation. Each individual’s understanding of God and faith journey is personal, and our goal is to provide an environment that nurtures, supports, and respects that journey.

In support of our Catholic faith, students and staff participate in daily prayer, religion classes, and weekly Mass. The teachings of the Gospel are woven into everyday academic experiences and student activities, guiding learning both inside and outside the classroom.

We believe that developing a personal relationship with God is an essential part of a child’s education. At the same time, Columbus Catholic Schools are open to students of all faith backgrounds. We respect and acknowledge the diversity of beliefs within our school community while remaining rooted in our Catholic identity.

We believe God is the greatest commonality shared among our students, families, and community, and that faith guides our actions and relationships with others.

Service to others is central to our faith life. Students at all grade levels participate in community service projects and outreach activities. Each year, our students contribute countless hours of service and raise significant funds to support local, national, and international needs.

Our Schools

Columbus Catholic Schools build a strong foundation of faith, knowledge, and skills to help each child achieve success.

St. John the Baptist Primary

Grades Offered

• Morning and full day three and four-year-old preschool
• Full day four-year-old kindergarten
• Kindergarten through Grade 2

School Times

• Three and four-year-old morning preschool: 7:40 a.m. to 10:40 a.m., Monday through Friday options, minimum of three consistent days each week
• Three and four-year-old full-day preschool: 7:40 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday options, minimum of three consistent days each week
• Four year kindergarten through Grade 2: 7:40 a.m. to 2:40 p.m.

Extended Care

Extended Care is offered on regularly scheduled school days from dismissal until 5:30 p.m. for preschool through Grade 2.

• Included with preschool tuition
• Available at an additional charge for students in four-year-old kindergarten through Grade 2

Curricilum

• A strong emphasis on the foundations of education, along with a solid reading and math program, is central at these early grade levels. Students begin their school experience in a safe and nurturing environment where individual attention supports academic growth. Specialized teachers provide instruction in Physical Education, Library, Computer, and Music.

Our Lady of Peace Intermediate 

Grades Offered

• Grades 3 through 5

School Times

• School Day: 7:40 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Extended Care

Extended Care is offered on regularly scheduled school days from dismissal until 5:30 p.m. for students in Grades 3 through 5. Extended Care is not included with tuition and is available at an additional charge.

Curriculum

A strong curriculum continues at the intermediate level, where a variety of instructional approaches meet the needs of each grade and classroom. Cooperative learning and self paced instruction are emphasized, with increasing focus on scientific and mathematical concepts and applications. Specialized teachers provide instruction in Spanish, Physical Education, Library, Computer, and Music.

Columbus Catholic Middle School 

Grades Offered

• Grades 6 through 8

School Times

• School Day: 7:40 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Curriculum

Middle school faculty recognize the significant growth and development that occurs during the sixth through eighth grade years. The program provides structured support to meet the emotional, social, physical, and intellectual needs of young adolescents.

Columbus Catholic High School

Grades Offered

• Grades 9 through 12

School Times

• School Day: 7:40 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Curriculum

Columbus Catholic High School is committed to maintaining strong academic standards while fostering responsibility to self and others. Students are prepared for the challenges of adulthood and encouraged to pursue a lifelong love of learning.

Core Subjects

• Language Arts
• Math
• Science
• Social Studies
• Theology

Additional Subject Areas

• Art
• Music
• Physical Education
• Spanish
• Family and Consumer Education
• Technical Education

Academic Opportunities

• 27 honors courses
• 5 Advanced Placement courses
• 17 college credit courses

Our Students

Columbus Catholic Schools inspires a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.

Why do CCS students score high on national exams?

At CCS, learning goes beyond memorizing facts. Instruction is tailored to meet the needs of each student, ensuring every learner has the opportunity to succeed. Students are encouraged to recognize their God-given talents, develop those gifts, and pursue continuous growth and improvement.

Why is community service an important part of the curriculum?

Community service is intentionally integrated into the K through 12 curricula to prepare students for leadership and service within the Church and society. Through service to others, students learn the values of humility, kindness, and responsibility.

Does CCS provide a safe learning environment?

Yes. CCS is committed to maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment. The school community works together to uphold a zero-tolerance policy for bullying and has established clear protocols for students and parents to report concerns.

Are parents actively engaged?

Yes. Parent involvement is welcomed and encouraged. Throughout the year, CCS offers a variety of family-centered programs and events, along with volunteer opportunities within the schools.

What if our family is not Catholic?

Columbus Catholic Schools are open to families of all faiths who identify with the school’s core values. The school community respects and values the diversity of beliefs among its students and families.

What opportunities are available for students interested in skilled trades?

CCS offers a full-time technical education teacher and a strong selection of courses designed to prepare students for careers in the skilled trades and other post-high school pathways.

By the Numbers

• Graduation rate near 100 percent
• 97 percent of our graduates attend college
• An average of $550,000 in outside scholarships are awarded to our graduates each year

Click here to learn more about our preschool program: 

https://www.columbuscatholicschools.org/admissions/preschool-4k.cfm 

Click here to learn our preschool and 4K program differences:

https://www.columbuscatholicschools.org/admissions/preschool-4k.cfm 

Click here to learn more about our 4K program:

https://www.columbuscatholicschools.org/admissions/preschool-4k.cfm 

Tuition Reduction Opportunities

Columbus Catholic Schools are committed to helping all families provide a Catholic education for their children, regardless of financial ability. A variety of tuition assistance and reduction options are available to support families.

CCS Payment Plans

Columbus Catholic Schools use automatic withdrawals to manage tuition payments. Families may choose the payment option that best fits their needs, including semiannual, quarterly, or monthly plans. Payments are made through automatic withdrawal from a checking or savings account.

Columbus Catholic Tuition Grants

The Columbus Catholic Tuition Grant Program is based on varying levels of financial need. The application process is simple and confidential. Families are asked to complete and submit the FACTS Grant and Aid Application, available online. There is no fee to apply, and all information is kept confidential by FACTS.

Families are always welcome to meet personally with Finance Director Danielle Rummells or CCS President David Eaton to discuss tuition and financial assistance options.

Wisconsin Parental Choice Program (Tuition Voucher)

The Wisconsin Parental Choice Program allows eligible families to receive a tuition voucher to enroll their children in approved private schools. Columbus Catholic Schools have participated in this program since the 2012–2013 school year.

Eligibility is based on family income, which must be at or below 220 percent of the federal poverty level. Income guidelines are available online or by contacting CCS President David Eaton at 715-387-1177.

To learn more or apply for the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program, go to https://www.columbuscatholicschools.org/admissions/parental-choice.cfm. Families may also contact CCS for assistance with the application process.

Tax Deductions

The State of Wisconsin offers an income tax deduction for private and religious school tuition expenses. Families may claim:

• Up to $4,000 per dependent child in Kindergarten through Grade 8
• Up to $10,000 per dependent child in Grades 9 through 12

These deductions apply to qualifying tuition expenses paid during the tax year.

Gift Card (SCRIP) Program

The Gift Card Program provides another way for families to reduce tuition. CCS purchases gift cards from local and national vendors at a discount and sells them at face value. Profits are split 80 percent toward family tuition and 20 percent toward CCS.

Many families use gift cards for everyday expenses such as groceries, gas, dining, clothing, gifts, and travel.

Scholarships

Columbus Catholic Schools offer several scholarship opportunities through an application process. The application period begins in January and concludes shortly after Spring Break. Additional scholarship opportunities may also be available through outside organizations.

For more information about tuition reduction opportunities, please visit www.columbuscatholicschools.org or contact the Finance Office at 715-387-1177, extension 3306.