The Best Private Schools in Anna, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Anna. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Vincent de Paul School
Catholic Diocese of Belleville
St. Vincent de Paul School is a highly-rated Catholic elementary and middle school serving students from preschool through 8th grade. Located approximately 45 miles from Anna in Cape Girardeau, the school provides a strong foundation in core academic subjects integrated with Catholic values and traditions. The curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and religious education, with additional offerings in technology, music, and physical education. The school features modern classrooms, computer labs, and dedicated spaces for art and music instruction. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, St. Vincent's creates a nurturing environment focused on academic excellence and character development.
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Notre Dame Regional High School
Catholic Diocese of Belleville
Notre Dame Regional High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school serving students from southern Illinois and southeast Missouri. Located approximately 45 miles from Anna, the school offers a comprehensive curriculum with 14 Advanced Placement courses, strong theology program, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. The campus features state-of-the-art science labs, modern athletic facilities, and dedicated fine arts spaces. With a 100% college acceptance rate and average ACT scores significantly above state and national averages, Notre Dame provides exceptional academic preparation within a faith-based community.
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Carbondale Community High School
Carbondale Community High School District 165
Carbondale Community High School is a highly-regarded public high school that also serves as a top private education option through its tuition-based programs. Located approximately 25 miles from Anna, the school offers rigorous college preparatory curriculum with 18 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and exceptional fine arts offerings. The school features modern facilities including science laboratories, performing arts center, and athletic complexes. With a strong focus on academic excellence and college readiness, CCHS consistently produces high ACT scores and college acceptance rates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Anna, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families living in or near Anna, Illinois?
While Anna itself is a smaller community, families have access to several well-regarded private schools in the surrounding Southern Illinois region. The closest options include St. Vincent de Paul School in Cape Girardeau, MO (a short drive away), which serves K-8. For high school, popular choices include Notre Dame Regional High School in Cape Girardeau and Carbondale Community High School in Carbondale, IL. It's important to note that there are no private schools physically located within the city limits of Anna, so commuting to neighboring towns is the standard expectation. Many families in Anna also consider Catholic schools in nearby communities like Jonesboro or Murphysboro.
How does Illinois' tax credit scholarship program impact tuition affordability for private schools near Anna?
Illinois' Invest in Kids Act offers a significant financial consideration for families. This program provides tax credit scholarships to income-eligible students, which can be used at qualified private schools. While the program's future has been subject to legislative debate, it has previously helped reduce the financial burden for many families. For example, a family applying to Notre Dame Regional High School or a participating elementary school could qualify for assistance. Tuition at schools like St. Vincent de Paul or Notre Dame typically ranges from $5,000 to $10,000+ annually, so exploring this scholarship and any parish subsidies (for affiliated families) is a crucial first step for parents in Anna.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Anna area offer that differ from local public schools?
Private schools in the Southern Illinois region near Anna often provide specialized programs that leverage their specific missions. Notre Dame Regional High School, for instance, offers a strong college-prep curriculum alongside distinctive programs like its Engineering Academy and extensive theology courses. St. Vincent de Paul School emphasizes faith-based education and character development from an early age. Furthermore, these schools often have smaller average class sizes than the larger public school districts serving Anna (like Anna-Jonesboro Community High School District 81), allowing for more individualized attention. Some also offer unique travel or service-learning trips tied to their religious affiliations.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Anna, IL, residents?
Enrollment processes for the popular private schools near Anna often begin almost a full year in advance. For the fall semester, application windows typically open in September or October of the prior year, with deadlines in January or February for priority consideration. The process usually involves submitting an application, academic records, standardized test scores, teacher recommendations, and often a family interview or student assessment day. For schools like Notre Dame, placement tests are common for incoming freshmen. Given the limited seats and the number of families commuting from several small towns, it is highly advisable for Anna parents to initiate inquiries early and attend open houses, which are usually held in the fall.
For a family in Anna, what are the key factors in choosing between the local public schools and commuting to a private school?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. The Anna-Jonesboro public school district is well-regarded, offering proximity, no tuition, and strong community ties. Choosing a private school involves weighing the daily commute (20-45 minutes to Cape Girardeau or Carbondale) against desired educational outcomes. Parents often opt for private schools for a consistent faith-based environment (K-12), a perceived more rigorous or structured college-prep focus at the high school level, or a preference for smaller school settings. The financial commitment, including tuition, fees, and transportation costs, is a major practical consideration unique to Anna families, as there is no local private option. Ultimately, it's a comparison of community-based public education versus a mission-driven private education that requires a significant logistical and financial investment.