The Best Private Schools in Annapolis, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Annapolis. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary's School
Catholic Diocese of Springfield
St. Mary's School is a respected Catholic private school serving the Annapolis region from its location in nearby Marshall. The school provides a faith-based education from preschool through 8th grade with strong emphasis on academic excellence, moral development, and community service. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, St. Mary's offers a comprehensive curriculum including fine arts, technology integration, and religious education. The school maintains strong parent involvement and serves families from multiple surrounding communities.
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St. Mary's School Paris
Catholic Diocese of Springfield
Located approximately 20 miles from Annapolis in Paris, Illinois, St. Mary's School provides a comprehensive Catholic education serving students from kindergarten through 8th grade. The school features a strong academic program enhanced by religious education, music, art, and athletic programs. With a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and character development, this institution serves families throughout the region with dedicated faculty and modern facilities. The school maintains active parent-teacher organizations and community partnerships.
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Marshall Elementary School
Marshall Community Unit School District
Marshall Elementary School serves the Annapolis area as part of the Marshall Community Unit School District, providing comprehensive elementary education with a focus on individualized learning. The school offers strong foundational programs in literacy and mathematics, supplemented by special education services and intervention programs. Located approximately 15 miles from Annapolis, this established institution serves students from multiple surrounding rural communities with dedicated teaching staff and community-focused educational approach.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Annapolis, Illinois
What are the specific private school options available for families living in or near Annapolis, Illinois?
Annapolis, IL, is a small, rural community, so local private school options within the immediate town are limited. The primary identified institution is Marshall Elementary School. For a broader selection, families in the Annapolis area typically look to nearby towns. Notably, St. Mary's School in Paris, IL (approximately 15 miles away), is a significant parochial option serving the region. The search for private education often requires considering schools in neighboring Edgar County communities. It's advisable to contact the Marshall County or Edgar County regional offices of education for a complete list of accredited non-public schools accessible to Annapolis residents.
How does the tuition for private schools serving Annapolis, IL, compare to state averages, and are there any Illinois-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition for the private schools accessible to Annapolis families, such as St. Mary's School in Paris, is generally below the average for major Illinois metropolitan areas, reflecting the rural cost of living. Annual tuition for elementary grades often ranges from $3,000 to $6,000. Illinois offers specific financial aid opportunities that Annapolis parents can utilize. The most significant is the Invest in Kids Act Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which provides need-based scholarships funded by donations from individuals and businesses who receive a state tax credit. Additionally, many diocesan or parish-affiliated schools offer parishioner discounts and local scholarship funds.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Annapolis, IL, region offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Annapolis region, like St. Mary's School, emphasize a values-based education integrated with faith formation, which is a primary differentiator. Academically, they often provide smaller class sizes, allowing for more individualized attention—a significant factor in rural districts where public school class sizes can vary widely due to consolidation. While public schools may have more extensive facilities due to larger district sizes, private schools like these often foster a tight-knit community atmosphere and may offer specialized programs in areas like agricultural science or local history that connect to the rural heritage of Central Illinois, alongside standard curricular enhancements in STEM and literacy.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for a private school like St. Mary's School in Paris for an Annapolis family?
For Annapolis families applying to St. Mary's School in Paris, the process typically begins in the winter prior to the desired fall enrollment (January-February). Key steps include: 1) Attending an open house or scheduling a tour, 2) Submitting an application (often with a fee), 3) Providing records from the child's current school (Marshall Elementary or another), 4) Possibly participating in a readiness assessment for younger grades, and 5) Completing a family interview. Priority is often given to active parishioners of supporting Catholic churches and siblings of current students. Financial aid applications usually run concurrently. It's crucial to contact the school office directly, as deadlines for rural schools can be earlier than in urban centers to allow for accurate staffing and budgeting.
For an Annapolis resident, what are the key practical considerations when choosing between the local public school (Marshall Elementary) and a private school like St. Mary's?
The decision involves several location-specific factors. **Transportation:** Marshall Elementary, as part of a public district, provides busing within its boundaries. Attending St. Mary's in Paris requires parents to arrange daily transportation for the ~30-minute round trip, a significant logistical and cost consideration. **Community & Continuity:** Marshall offers a local community peer group from the same rural area. St. Mary's provides a faith-based community that may draw from several towns. **Cost vs. Investment:** Public school is tuition-free. Private school requires tuition, but families must weigh this against potential academic or religious benefits. **Educational Pathway:** Consider the full K-12 pathway; Marshall feeds into specific public high schools, while St. Mary's may feed into a private high school or require another transition. Visiting both and speaking with other Annapolis families who have made each choice is highly recommended.
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