The Best Private Schools in Aroma Park, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Aroma Park. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Bishop McNamara Catholic School
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
Bishop McNamara Catholic School is a premier private Catholic institution serving the greater Kankakee County area, including Aroma Park. The school offers comprehensive education from preschool through 12th grade with a strong college preparatory focus. Known for its rigorous academic curriculum, the school features advanced placement courses, robust STEM programs, and extensive extracurricular activities including championship athletics and performing arts. The campus includes modern science labs, technology centers, and athletic facilities. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence.
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Providence Catholic High School
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
Providence Catholic High School is a highly respected co-educational Catholic institution serving students from throughout the region, including Aroma Park families. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with over 20 Advanced Placement courses and specialized academies in STEM, business, and arts. The 75-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science laboratories, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic complexes. With a strong tradition of academic excellence, the school boasts a 99% college acceptance rate and numerous National Merit Scholars. The school community emphasizes faith formation, leadership development, and service learning.
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St. George Catholic School
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
St. George Catholic School provides exceptional private education for students in preschool through 8th grade, serving families throughout Kankakee County including Aroma Park. The school offers a balanced curriculum that integrates faith formation with strong academic foundations in core subjects. Features include technology-enhanced classrooms, STEM labs, music and art programs, and competitive athletics. The school maintains small class sizes with individualized attention and has a reputation for preparing students exceptionally well for high school. The community-focused environment emphasizes character development, service projects, and family involvement, creating a nurturing educational experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Aroma Park, Illinois
What are the private school options for families residing in Aroma Park, Illinois, and are there any directly within the village?
While Aroma Park itself is a small village, families have access to several well-regarded private, primarily Catholic, schools in the immediate Kankakee County area. The top options include Bishop McNamara Catholic School (K-12) in Kankakee, Providence Catholic High School in New Lenox (about 30 miles away), and St. George Catholic School in Bourbonnais. There are no private school campuses physically located within Aroma Park's village limits, so transportation to neighboring communities is a key consideration for local parents.
How does tuition at Kankakee County private schools like Bishop McNamara compare to the Illinois state average, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition for schools like Bishop McNamara Catholic School is generally below the Illinois state average for private schools, reflecting the local cost of living. For the 2024-2025 academic year, elementary grades are approximately $5,000-$7,000, while high school is around $10,000. Significant financial aid is available through the Empower Illinois Tax Credit Scholarship program and the Invest in Kids Act, which provide need-based scholarships. Additionally, all local Catholic schools offer parish subsidies for active members and have their own need-based grant programs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Aroma Park area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Schools like Bishop McNamara provide a distinctive college-preparatory curriculum integrated with Catholic values, which is a primary draw. Specific notable programs include Bishop McNamara's strong STEM initiatives, competitive athletics within the Chicago Catholic League, and dedicated fine arts programs. Providence Catholic High School is renowned for its engineering and computer science tracks. These schools often have smaller class sizes than the local public districts, allowing for more individualized attention, and they require community service hours for graduation.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like St. George or Bishop McNamara for Aroma Park residents?
The enrollment process for these schools typically begins in January for the following fall. For Aroma Park residents, the first step is to attend an open house or schedule a shadow day at the desired school (Bishop McNamara or St. George). Application deadlines are often in February or March, with acceptance notifications sent by April. A key step for Catholic schools is obtaining a pastor's endorsement from your local parish. It's highly recommended to apply for financial aid simultaneously through Empower Illinois, as those funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis starting in January.
For Aroma Park parents considering the choice, what are the practical pros and cons of local private versus public (Kankakee School District 111) schools?
The decision involves several local factors. Private schools offer a faith-based environment, consistent disciplinary standards, and a focused college-prep trajectory. However, they require tuition, and Aroma Park students will need transportation to Kankakee or Bourbonnais. Kankakee School District 111 provides a tuition-free education with potentially more diverse programming and special education resources, and students are eligible for district-provided transportation. A major practical advantage of the local private options is their continuity; Bishop McNamara offers a single-campus K-12 experience, avoiding the transitions between multiple public school buildings.
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