Facial massage and other techniques are practiced in your training.
If you’re searching for esthetician schools in Wisconsin near Madison, you’re not alone. The beauty and wellness industry continues to grow, and Madison is a strong market for skincare professionals, lash artists, and makeup artists. Choosing the right esthetics program is one of the most important steps you’ll take toward becoming licensed and building a successful career.
Wisconsin requires formal education and state licensure to practice esthetics, and not all schools offer the same experience, schedule flexibility, or career preparation. This guide breaks down the top esthetician schools in and around Madison, WI, so you can confidently choose a program that fits your goals, learning style, and lifestyle.
A Note From an Esthetics Educator
I’ve been a licensed esthetician for over 20 years and an educator for seven, with experience teaching at major institutes and providing state-approved continuing education in Wisconsin. I’ve worked behind the scenes in multiple esthetics programs, which gives me a clear, honest perspective on how these schools truly operate, and not just how they market themselves.
My goal is simple: to help future estheticians choose a school that sets them up for long-term success.
With that experience in mind, I want to share a clear, honest overview of the top esthetician schools in and around Madison so you can choose the path that best supports your goals, your schedule, and the way you learn best.
What You’ll Learn in This Guide
Estheticians use a variety of tools in professional treatments.
The best esthetician schools near Madison, WI
Differences between private beauty schools and broader programs
Program length, scheduling options, and if they help you with state licensing prep
What to look for beyond tuition and hours
Which programs would fit your schedule and timeline.
Wisconsin Esthetician Licensing Requirements
“Wisconsin requires 450 training hours from a accredited school in order to take your state boards and become a licensed Aesthetician.”
To become a licensed esthetician in Wisconsin, you must complete at least 450 hours of esthetician education and training from a state-approved esthetic program. 600 hour programs typically offer financial aid, but also come with a higher overall tuition and longer program length.
Regardless of the program length you choose, all programs are required to include skincare theory and hands-on practical training in safety/sanitation, waxing, facials, makeup, and other essential skills. All the schools reviewed meet the state requirements.
Upon completing training, you must pass both a theory and practical exam administered through the Department of Safety & Professional Services (DSPS). This exam is two parts and the state of Wisconsin requires you completed a program of at least 450 hours to be eligible.
Top Esthetician Schools in the Madison Area
Hands-on facial practice with steam treatment, a core part of esthetics school training.
The Institute of Beauty & Wellness - Madison
This Aveda Institute offers a 600-hour esthetics (esthiology) program that exceeds Wisconsin licensure requirements and combines classroom instruction with an emphasis on Aveda products, rituals, spa protocols, and Ultraceuticals skincare.
The Madison campus is currently located near West Towne Mall and operates as part of a Cosmetology, multi-program environment that also includes Barbering, Massage Therapy, and Nail Technology. Instruction takes place in classroom and in open concept clinic spaces designed for customer facing services performed by students.
In addition to extra technical training, Aveda Institutes incorporates environmental awareness and community-focused initiatives, reflecting the brand’s broader values and Ayurvedic approach. The Institute of Beauty and Wellness also has locations in Milwaukee and Chicago and is privately owned.
Essential oils are used to elevate skincare and spa treatments through the practice of Aromatherapy.
Quick Facts – Aveda Institute Madison Esthetics Program
Clock hours: 600 hours (exceeds Wisconsin esthetician licensing requirements for those seeking additional hours for out of state licensure, etc.)
Program length: ~5–6 months full-time (evening/part-time options may be available; confirm with school at tour or admissions)
Schedule options: Typically daytime with potential evening/part-time tracks (subject to current offerings)
Format: Fully in-person, hands-on training and vast clinic experience
What makes this school unique: Aveda’s skincare brand-specific curriculum, Extra hours beyond WI minimum, State Board Prep; Extracurricular activities and student-led fundraising events.
Renewed Spirit Day Spa + Academy (Sun Prairie, WI)
Skin care therapists treat and care for the health of the skin.
Renewed Spirit Day Spa + Academy, located in Sun Prairie just outside Madison, offers a boutique-style esthetics program designed to meet Wisconsin’s licensing requirements while providing flexible options for a range of students. The program consists of 450 hours, meeting the state requirements for esthetician licensure and state board preparation.
Advanced modalities could include LED, Dermaplaning, Hydrodermabrasion, Microdermabrasion, Peels, Cupping, Gua Sea and Lymphatic Massage.
The academy offers multiple learning formats:
Standard day classes with structured schedules
Evening/hybrid options combining online theory with in-person hands-on training
Seasonal programs with small, private instruction and hands-on practice with real guests
Class sizes are intentionally small, allowing for individualized instruction, mentorship, and direct guidance during practical training. Because the academy operates in connection with a working day spa, students gain experience in a spa-based environment, practicing core esthetics skills in real-world settings.
The curriculum also includes advanced modalities beyond standard state requirements, giving graduates additional practical skills that help make the program competitive in the Madison-area esthetics market.
Quick Facts – Renewed Spirit Day Spa + Academy Esthetics Program
Clock hours: 450 hours
(Meets Wisconsin’s minimum requirement for esthetician licensure)Program length: Approximately 27–30 weeks, depending on session and schedule
Schedule options:
Standard daytime classes
Evening/hybrid format (online theory + in-person practice)
Continuing education opportunities
Format: Hybrid or fully in-person
What makes this school unique: Spa-based learning environment with advanced training and personalized instruction, State board prep and continued mentorship after graduation. Students keep service tips
Wax preparation — one of the essential skills estheticians learn during training.
Academy of Beauty Professionals – Madison
The Academy of Beauty Professionals (ABP) offers a smaller, locally owned program with a strong focus on foundational esthetic skills such as facials, waxing, and makeup. Class sizes allow for more individualized instruction, making it a good fit for students seeking personal attention while learning core principles. Much like Aveda, the school also offers Cosmetology, Barbering, Esthetics, and Nail Technology programs.
Quick Facts
• Clock hours: 600
• Program length: 22 weeks (about 5–6 months)
• Schedule options: Daytime program
• Format: Fully in-person
• What makes this school unique: Budget-friendly tuition, small group learning, early hands-on practice, year-round start dates
Dermal Institute of Wisconsin
The Dermal Institute of Wisconsin is a licensed, aesthetics‑only school located in Janesville, Wisconsin, about a short drive from Madison. Unlike larger multi‑program beauty schools, this school is dedicated solely to esthetics education, with a stronger focus on advanced skincare techniques alongside core esthetician training.The Dermal Institute of Wisconsin
The program meets the Wisconsin esthetician licensing requirement of 450 hours and combines theory, hands‑on practice, and business skills designed to help graduates enter the workforce with both technical expertise and entrepreneurial knowledge.The Dermal Institute of Wisconsin
Hands-on workshopping on classmates is a big part of the process while in esthi school.
Class sizes are small, allowing for personalized instruction and plenty of practice time on clients during training. Curriculum includes advanced treatments such as microdermabrasion, dermaplaning, chemical exfoliation, microcurrent, LED therapy, facial massage, and other modalities that go beyond basic state requirements — which can make this program especially appealing for students focused on skincare proficiency and clinic confidence.
Quick Facts – Dermal Institute of Wisconsin Esthetics Program
Clock hours: 450 hours
(Meets Wisconsin’s minimum requirement for esthetician licensure) The Dermal Institute of WisconsinProgram length: Varies with attendance and scheduling
(Typically structured as full‑time classroom and clinic hours) The Dermal Institute of WisconsinSchedule options: Primarily full‑time day classes (Monday–Thursday typical schedule) The Dermal Institute of Wisconsin
Format: In‑person instruction with extensive hands‑on clinical training The Dermal Institute of Wisconsin
What makes this school unique: Esthetics‑only focus curriculum, Small class sizes and individualized instruction, Business and client‑building components integrated into learning
Facials support healthy skin function and wellness through self-care and relaxation.
3. Chanell Ardor Schools of Beauty & Culture
Chanell Ardor emphasizes inclusivity, modern esthetics, and diversity in beauty education. Their curriculum blends traditional esthetic training with current trends and techniques. It’s well-suited for students who want a contemporary approach to esthetics in a supportive, forward-thinking environment. Offering Cosmetology, Barbering, Esthetics, and Manicuring.
Quick Facts
• Clock hours: 600
• Program length: ~8–9 months (part-time evenings)
• Schedule options: Monday–Thursday evenings, hybrid instruction included
• Format: Hybrid — online theory + in-person practical
• What makes this school unique: Inclusive, culturally diverse training, small classes, modern curriculum with extra hours beyond WI minimum
Esthetic students perform facial services and waxing on paying customers while attending school.
Next Steps Toward Your Wisconsin Esthetics License
Once you’ve chosen your school, you’ll work toward completing your state-required hours and preparing for the Wisconsin State Board exams.
Check out these free resources for Esthi Students in Wisconsin!
My Amazon esthetician kit recommendations
A printable study checklist for exam prep
Final Thoughts
Madison, Wisconsin has some fantastic esthetician programs, each with unique strengths. All the schools listed here are strong, legitimate options depending on your goals and learning style. Another few things to consider that aren’t always asked include: cost of parking, if students can keep their service tips, holidays, opportunities for makeup hours and what you get in your student kit.
Take your time, tour schools, ask the questions and choose the path that fits your schedule and learning style. If you have any questions about esthetics school, please reach out or comment below.
“Let’s Connect!”
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About the Author
Wisconsin esthetics educator sharing beauty education, career tools, and industry insights.
Justina Wiegel is a licensed esthetician, makeup artist, and educator based in Madison, Wisconsin. With over 20 years in the beauty industry and seven years teaching Esthiology at the Aveda Institute, she shares her expertise through online resources, mentorship, and local esthetics education programs. Justina also provides state-approved continuing education at Renewed Spirit Academy in Sun Prairie.