The Best Private Schools in Alexander, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Alexander. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Illinois School for the Visually Impaired
Illinois State Board of Education
The Illinois School for the Visually Impaired is a state-operated residential and day school serving students with visual impairments from across Illinois, including the Alexander area. This specialized institution offers comprehensive educational programs tailored to students with visual challenges, including academic curriculum, life skills training, and vocational preparation. The campus features adaptive technology, specialized equipment, and trained staff proficient in teaching students with visual impairments. The school receives high praise for its exceptional programs, dedicated specialists, and outstanding support services that empower students to achieve independence and academic success.
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Routt Catholic High School
Diocese of Springfield in Illinois
Routt Catholic High School is a co-educational Catholic high school serving students in Morgan County and surrounding areas including Alexander. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with Advanced Placement courses, strong athletic programs, and extensive extracurricular activities. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Routt emphasizes academic excellence while fostering spiritual development. The school features modern facilities including science labs, technology integration, and athletic complexes. Parents consistently praise the supportive community and strong college acceptance rates.
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Our Saviour School
Our Saviour Parish
Our Saviour School provides faith-based education for students from preschool through 8th grade, serving families throughout Morgan County including Alexander. The school offers a balanced curriculum that integrates technology, arts, and religious education with core academic subjects. Known for its strong sense of community and individualized attention, the school features dedicated teachers with low student-teacher ratios. Facilities include modern classrooms, computer labs, and recreational areas. Parents frequently highlight the safe, nurturing environment and strong academic foundation that prepares students for high school success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Alexander, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families in Alexander, Illinois, and what grade levels do they serve?
In Alexander, Illinois, the main private school options are Routt Catholic High School (grades 9-12), Our Saviour School (a Pre-K through 8th grade Lutheran school), and the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired (a state-operated residential/day school serving students statewide from infancy to age 22). This means local private options cover most grade levels, but for a continuous K-12 private education, families might need to consider schools in nearby Jacksonville or Springfield after 8th grade if not continuing at Routt.
How does tuition at private schools in Alexander, IL, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in Alexander varies significantly by institution. Our Saviour School, as a parish-based school, often has lower tuition rates, potentially ranging from $3,000-$6,000 annually, with discounts for parish members. Routt Catholic High School's tuition is higher, aligning with regional Catholic high schools, often between $7,000-$9,000. The Illinois School for the Visually Impaired is publicly funded, so there is no tuition for eligible students. Financial aid is primarily available through parish subsidies (Our Saviour), diocesan and local scholarship programs (Routt), and the Illinois Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which allows donors to direct funds to scholarships for lower-income families.
What unique academic or specialized programs do private schools in Alexander offer that distinguish them from local public schools?
Alexander's private schools offer distinct specializations. Routt Catholic High School provides a college-prep curriculum infused with Catholic values and often features smaller class sizes than many public high schools. Our Saviour School offers a faith-based education from an early age. The most unique program is at the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired (ISVI), which offers a comprehensive, specialized curriculum focused on visual impairment, including orientation & mobility, braille literacy, and life skills—a program not available in typical public school districts. This makes Alexander a notable destination for families across Illinois seeking such specialized services.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools in Alexander, especially for families moving to the area mid-year?
For Our Saviour and Routt, the main enrollment period is in early spring (February-April) for the following academic year, with rolling admission often available if space permits. Both require application forms, academic records, and may involve an interview or placement test. The Illinois School for the Visually Impaired has a separate, individualized process involving a referral from a local school district and an evaluation to determine eligibility and need for placement. A key advantage for Alexander private schools, given the smaller community, is greater flexibility for mid-year enrollment compared to larger urban private schools, but contacting the admissions office directly is essential.
For a family considering both public and private education in Alexander, what are the key local factors to weigh in the decision?
Key local factors include: 1) **Scale and Community:** Alexander's public schools are part of a small unit district, offering a close-knit environment; private options offer an even smaller, often faith-based community. 2) **Specialized Needs:** If a student is visually impaired, ISVI is a state-leading resource unavailable elsewhere. 3) **Continuity:** The local public system provides a seamless K-12 pathway, while private options require a transition between Our Saviour (ends 8th) and Routt (starts 9th). 4) **Cost vs. Value:** Weighing the tuition cost against the specific religious education or specialized programming desired. 5) **Extracurriculars:** Larger public schools may offer more sports/activity variety, while private schools like Routt may offer strong participation opportunities in a smaller setting.
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