The Best Private Schools in Arlington, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Arlington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
IMSA
IMSA is a nationally recognized public boarding school for academically talented students in grades 10-12. While technically a public school, it functions like a private institution with highly selective admissions and serves the entire state of Illinois, including Arlington. The academy offers a rigorous STEM-focused curriculum with extensive research opportunities, advanced laboratory facilities, and partnerships with major universities and corporations. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, and a residential learning environment that fosters intellectual growth and leadership development.
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Aurora Christian Schools
Aurora Christian Schools
Aurora Christian Schools is a comprehensive Christian educational institution serving students from preschool through high school. Located just minutes from Arlington in Aurora, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum integrated with biblical worldview education. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, students receive personalized attention while participating in extensive extracurricular programs including competitive athletics, fine arts, and community service opportunities.
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St. Patrick Catholic School
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
St. Patrick Catholic School provides a classical Catholic education for students in preschool through 8th grade, serving families throughout the Fox Valley region including Arlington. The school emphasizes academic excellence within a faith-based environment, offering a comprehensive curriculum that includes advanced mathematics, science, language arts, and religious education. The campus features modern technology integration, dedicated STEM labs, and extensive extracurricular programs. With strong parent involvement and a commitment to developing the whole child, St. Patrick prepares students for success in high school and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Arlington, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Arlington, Illinois?
While Arlington itself is a small village, families typically look to surrounding communities for private school options. The most prominent nearby institutions include the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) in Aurora, a publicly funded residential magnet school for grades 10-12 that requires a separate application. For faith-based education, Aurora Christian Schools (PreK-12) in Aurora and St. Patrick Catholic School (PreK-8) in nearby St. Charles are popular choices. Due to Arlington's size, most private schooling involves commuting to neighboring towns, so transportation planning is a key consideration for parents in this area.
How does the enrollment timeline for top private schools near Arlington, IL, work, and when should we apply?
Enrollment timelines for schools like Aurora Christian or St. Patrick Catholic typically begin in the fall or winter for the following academic year, with priority often given to siblings of current students and parish members (for parochial schools). IMSA has a distinct, highly competitive process with applications due in early January for 10th-grade entry. For most K-12 private schools, it's advisable to initiate inquiries 12-18 months in advance, attend open houses (often held between October and February), and complete applications by March for the best chance of admission. Given the limited seats in these sought-after schools, early planning is crucial for Arlington families.
What are the tuition ranges and financial aid options for private schools serving the Arlington, IL, community?
Tuition varies significantly by school type. Parochial schools like St. Patrick Catholic often have lower tuition rates, typically ranging from $4,000 to $8,000 annually for elementary grades, with active parishioners sometimes receiving a reduced rate. Aurora Christian Schools' tuition can range from approximately $8,000 to $12,000+ per year for K-12. IMSA is tuition-free for Illinois residents, with room and board fees. All these schools offer financial aid, primarily based on need, and Illinois' Tax Credit Scholarship Program (Invest in Kids Act) can provide significant assistance to eligible families, making private education more accessible for Arlington residents.
What unique academic or specialized programs do private schools near Arlington offer that differentiate them from local public districts?
Schools in this region offer distinct specializations. The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy is world-renowned for its advanced STEM curriculum, research opportunities, and residential college-like environment for gifted students. Aurora Christian Schools provide a comprehensive Christ-centered education with integrated faith learning and competitive athletics. St. Patrick Catholic School offers a strong foundational education with sacramental preparation and community service emphasis. Compared to the local public districts (like Community Unit School District 300), these private options provide specific religious education, alternative pedagogical approaches, or highly specialized advanced academic tracks not typically available in a standard public school setting.
As an Arlington parent, how should I weigh the commute to a private school against the educational benefits?
This is a critical consideration for Arlington families, as most top private options require a 20-45 minute commute to Aurora, St. Charles, or beyond. Factors to weigh include: the school's specific program alignment with your child's needs (e.g., gifted STEM, faith-based learning), available carpool options with other local families, and the school's before/after-care programs. Many parents find the commute worthwhile for IMSA's unique residential program or for a consistent faith-based education through 12th grade at Aurora Christian. It's recommended to factor commute time into your daily schedule during a trial period and explore if the school offers transportation hubs or bus services from the broader Chicagoland area, which some do for an additional fee.