The Best Private Schools in Ashton, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Ashton. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School
Diocese of Rockford Catholic Schools
St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School serves students from Ashton and surrounding communities with a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education. The school emphasizes academic excellence within a faith-based environment, featuring small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and modern facilities. Their curriculum includes robust STEM programs, language arts, and religious education, complemented by extracurricular activities including sports, music, and art programs. The school maintains strong parent involvement and community connections throughout the region.
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Christ the Teacher Catholic School
Diocese of Rockford Catholic Schools
Christ the Teacher Catholic School provides a strong academic foundation for students from Ashton and the greater DeKalb County area. Serving grades Pre-K through 8, the school focuses on developing the whole child through rigorous academics, spiritual formation, and character development. The school features updated technology resources, specialized reading and math intervention programs, and a variety of extracurricular activities including athletics and fine arts. Parents consistently praise the dedicated teachers and supportive community environment.
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Rosary High School
Private Catholic High School
Rosary High School is a highly-regarded all-girls Catholic college preparatory school serving students from Ashton and throughout the Fox Valley region. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum with numerous Advanced Placement courses, outstanding fine arts programs, and competitive athletic teams. With a focus on leadership development and academic excellence, Rosary prepares students for success in college and beyond. The campus features modern science labs, technology resources, and extensive athletic facilities, supported by a strong alumnae network and active parent community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Ashton, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families in Ashton, Illinois, and what grade levels do they serve?
Ashton, IL, offers a few key private school options, primarily with a Catholic affiliation. For elementary and middle school, families can consider **St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School** (typically Pre-K through 8th grade) and **Christ the Teacher Catholic School** (also Pre-K through 8th grade). For secondary education, **Rosary High School** in nearby Aurora serves students in grades 9-12 and is a common choice for Ashton families seeking a private high school. The selection within Ashton itself is limited, so many families also explore private schools in surrounding communities like Rochelle, DeKalb, or the broader Aurora area.
How does tuition at Ashton's private schools compare to the Illinois state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at Ashton's Catholic schools is generally below the Illinois state average for private elementary schools, which is approximately $6,500 per year. For the 2023-2024 school year, tuition at schools like St. Paul the Apostle is often in the range of $4,000-$5,500 for parishioners, with a higher rate for non-parishioners. Illinois offers the **Invest in Kids Act Tax Credit Scholarship Program**, which can provide significant need-based financial aid for qualifying families at these participating schools. Additionally, the individual schools and associated parishes usually have their own aid programs, scholarships, and multi-child discounts. It's essential to contact each school's office directly for the most current rates and aid applications.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Ashton area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools serving Ashton emphasize a faith-based education integrated into the core curriculum, which is their primary differentiator. Academically, they often feature smaller class sizes, allowing for more individualized attention. **Rosary High School** offers distinctive college-prep programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses and dual-credit opportunities with local colleges. Extracurricularly, these schools typically have strong emphasis on community service, religious retreats, and character development programs. While Ashton's public schools may offer a wider variety of sports and clubs due to larger student bodies, the private options provide a specific value-based environment and close-knit community feel that many local families seek.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like St. Paul the Apostle or Christ the Teacher in Ashton?
The enrollment process for Ashton's private elementary schools usually begins in January or February for the following academic year. Priority is typically given to: 1) current students re-enrolling, 2) siblings of current students, and 3) active members of the supporting parish. The process involves submitting an application, providing birth and baptismal certificates, recent academic records, and often a registration fee. Many schools host open houses in the fall and winter. It's highly recommended to contact the school office by early winter to express interest, as spaces, particularly in younger grades, can be limited. For **Rosary High School**, the process often includes an entrance exam taken in the fall of 8th grade.
For a family living in Ashton, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private Catholic school?
The decision hinges on several Ashton-specific factors. **Academic & Environment:** Ashton's public schools are part of the **Ashton-Franklin Center CUSD 275**. Private schools offer a consistent faith-based curriculum and often smaller, single-campus settings (K-8). **Logistics & Cost:** Public schools are tuition-free and provide bus transportation within the district. Private schools require tuition, and parents are responsible for transportation, which can be a significant consideration in this rural area. **Community & Continuity:** The private schools foster a tight-knit, religious community that some families prefer. However, attending the local public school means your child will be with the same peer group from kindergarten through high school within the community. Ultimately, visiting both types of schools and assessing your family's values, budget, and educational priorities is crucial.
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