A board of directors was formed and St. Ambrose Academy, Inc. was incorporated on February 13, 2003. The founding families sought to provide a school that placed at the forefront of its vision a profound love of Jesus Christ and his Church. St. Ambrose Academy was a response to their desire to place the education and formation of their children squarely in the context of the Catholic Faith. The Servant of God Pope John Paul II has taught that children are best served in an environment that presupposes humanity’s dignity and purpose, where the Faith infuses all academic disciplines. The late Holy Father’s vision of an integral education was the basis for their vision of Catholic education.
The board of directors chose the National Association of Private Catholic and Independent Schools (NAPCIS) as its accrediting body. NAPCIS has granted provisional membership to St. Ambrose Academy; and processes are underway for full accreditation.
The school began with classrooms at a facility of Cardinal Stritch University in Madison and students in grades 7 through 10. In 2004 the Madison Plan Commission granted a conditional use permit to St. Thomas Aquinas parish at 602 Everglade Drive and the school's operations were moved to the religious education wing of St. Thomas Aquinas Roman Catholic parish.The Most Reverend Robert C. Morlino, gave his authorization for St. Ambrose Academy to be formally called a Catholic school. Although St. Ambrose Academy is entirely lay run and operates independently of any parish, the school collaborates with the Diocese's Office of Schools.
In 2005, the middle school was extended to include sixth grade. In spring of 2006, St. Ambrose Academy had its first graduates from High School, one full time student and one part time student. The first students to complete the full high school program at St. Ambrose Academy were graduated in 2007. One graduate matriculated at Princeton University, while another entered the seminary for the Diocese of Madison. In all, 20 students have graduated from the school, with 100% of graduates continuing to higher education.
In 2007 girls basketball began. That year Bishop Morlino and students prepared dinner for over 200 guests at the first Christmas Dinner with the Bishop benefit.
Boys basketball was initiated in 2008, and the school now has added soccer, cross country, and track to its sports program.
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