The Best Private Schools in Addison, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Addison. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Joseph School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Joliet
St. Joseph School is a highly-regarded Catholic elementary school serving Addison and surrounding communities. Established in 1956, the school provides a faith-based education from preschool through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and character development. The school features modern classrooms, dedicated faculty with an average of 15+ years teaching experience, and comprehensive programs including STEM labs, fine arts, and competitive athletics. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, strong community feel, and excellent preparation for high school. The school maintains small class sizes and offers before/after school care programs.
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St. Francis High School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Joliet
St. Francis High School, located in nearby Wheaton, serves students from Addison and throughout the western suburbs. This co-educational Catholic high school has built an outstanding reputation for academic excellence since 1957. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with 20+ AP and honors courses, state-of-the-art STEM facilities, and nationally recognized fine arts programs. The 40-acre campus includes modern academic buildings, extensive athletic facilities, and dedicated spaces for robotics and innovation. With a 99% college matriculation rate and average ACT scores consistently above state and national averages, St. Francis provides exceptional preparation for higher education while emphasizing spiritual development and service.
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Montini Catholic High School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Joliet
Montini Catholic High School, located just minutes from Addison in Lombard, is a comprehensive Catholic college preparatory school serving students throughout DuPage County. Founded in 1966 by the Christian Brothers, the school offers a rigorous academic program with 18 Advanced Placement courses, a dedicated STEM Academy, and extensive fine arts programs. The 22-acre campus features state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, and athletic facilities. With a 12:1 student-teacher ratio and 100% college acceptance rate, Montini consistently prepares students for top universities. The school is known for its strong athletic tradition and comprehensive extracurricular offerings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Addison, Illinois
What are the main types of private schools available to families in Addison, Illinois?
Addison, IL, offers a few primary types of private education, predominantly Catholic parochial and preparatory schools. These include K-8 institutions like St. Joseph School, and college-preparatory high schools such as Montini Catholic High School and St. Francis High School. While there are no large independent non-sectarian schools within Addison's immediate borders, the broader DuPage County area provides additional options. The local private school landscape is characterized by faith-based education with strong community ties, emphasizing traditional academics, character formation, and extracurricular activities.
How does tuition for private schools in Addison, IL, typically work, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid options?
Tuition for Addison-area private schools like St. Joseph, Montini, and St. Francis varies by grade level and whether a family is parishioner/non-parishioner. Annual elementary tuition often ranges from $5,000 to $8,000, while high school can be $12,000-$16,000+. Crucially, Illinois offers the "Invest in Kids Act" tax credit scholarship program, which provides need-based scholarships for students attending qualified private schools. Additionally, all three major Addison schools have their own financial aid and tuition assistance programs, and many families utilize Illinois' 529 plan funds for K-12 private school expenses.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are notable at private high schools in Addison, Illinois?
The private high schools in and near Addison, IL, offer distinct specializations. Montini Catholic High School is renowned for its strong STEM programs and championship-level wrestling and football teams. St. Francis High School emphasizes a comprehensive college-prep curriculum with notable fine arts and theater programs. While located in Addison, these schools draw from the wider region, offering robust Advanced Placement (AP) course selections, campus ministry, and service-learning projects specific to the DuPage County community. Many programs leverage local partnerships with businesses and colleges in the Illinois Research and Development Corridor.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Addison, Illinois?
The enrollment process for Addison private schools like St. Joseph, Montini, and St. Francis generally begins in the fall for the following academic year. Most schools host open houses from September to January. Key steps include submitting an application (often by January/February), providing records from previous schools, attending a family interview or student shadow day, and completing any required placement testing. For the Catholic high schools, a separate entrance exam (typically the HSPT) is required, usually administered in December or January. Sibling and parishioner status at affiliated churches often grants priority, so early inquiry is recommended.
How do the educational environments and outcomes of Addison's private schools compare to the local public school district (Addison School District 4 and DuPage High School District 88)?
Choosing between private and public schools in Addison involves distinct considerations. Addison public schools (e.g., Addison Trail High School in District 88) are tuition-free and offer diverse programs, including career and technical education. The private schools (Montini, St. Francis) typically feature smaller average class sizes, a required faith-based curriculum, and a college-preparatory focus with near-100% college matriculation rates. They often report higher average ACT scores compared to district averages. The decision often hinges on a family's desire for a religious education, specific extracurriculars (like Montini's athletics), and the value placed on a close-knit community environment versus the broader programmatic offerings of the larger public schools.
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