The Best Private Schools in Barry, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Barry. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Peter School
Diocese of Springfield in Illinois
St. Peter School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving the Barry area and broader Quincy region. With over 160 years of educational excellence, the school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade program emphasizing faith-based education, strong academics, and character development. The school features modern facilities, dedicated faculty with an average 15+ years of teaching experience, and a robust curriculum that includes advanced STEM programs, fine arts, and competitive athletics. Parent satisfaction is exceptionally high, with families praising the nurturing environment and strong community values.
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Quincy Notre Dame High School
Private Catholic High School
Quincy Notre Dame is a premier Catholic college preparatory high school serving students from Barry and surrounding communities. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top universities nationwide. QND offers a rigorous academic curriculum including 15+ Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, championship athletic teams, and extensive fine arts opportunities. The campus features state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, and athletic facilities. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, QND provides personalized attention and strong moral foundation.
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Quincy Junior High School (Private Division)
Quincy School District (Private Track)
Quincy Junior High School's private track program serves students from Barry and the tri-state area with exceptional academic opportunities. The school offers specialized advanced placement courses for junior high students, comprehensive gifted education programs, and competitive sports teams. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and college preparation with strong emphasis on mathematics, sciences, and language arts. The school features modern technology labs, extensive library resources, and championship athletic facilities. Parent reviews consistently highlight the quality of instruction and positive learning environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Barry, Illinois
What are the private school options available for families living in Barry, Illinois, and are there any located directly in the town?
Families in Barry, IL, have several private school options, though most are located in nearby Quincy, approximately 25 miles away. The primary institutions serving the area include St. Peter School (K-8 Catholic), Quincy Junior High School (Private Division for grades 7-8), and Quincy Notre Dame High School (9-12 Catholic). There are no private schools physically located within the city limits of Barry itself, so transportation or relocation considerations are important. These schools draw from a regional Catholic community and offer a faith-based education alternative to the Barry public school district.
How does tuition for private schools serving Barry, IL, compare, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition for the schools serving Barry varies. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. Peter School's tuition is approximately $4,500-$5,500 per child, with parish subsidies available for active members. Quincy Notre Dame High School tuition is around $8,500-$9,500. Illinois offers the Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which can provide significant financial aid to eligible families based on income. Additionally, all these schools have their own need-based assistance and payment plans. It's important for Barry parents to factor in potential transportation costs when calculating the total expense.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools serving the Barry, IL, community offer?
The private schools accessible to Barry students emphasize college preparatory curricula with distinct strengths. Quincy Notre Dame High School is known for its strong STEM programs, competitive athletics (especially football and basketball), and extensive fine arts. St. Peter School provides a foundational Catholic education with character development and smaller class sizes. A notable aspect for Barry families is that these schools often facilitate a tight-knit, values-based community that extends beyond the classroom, with many families commuting from smaller towns like Barry, creating a regional network.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Quincy Notre Dame that serve Barry, Illinois students?
The enrollment process for Barry students typically begins in the winter for the following fall. Quincy Notre Dame and St. Peter School hold open houses and shadow days (where a student spends a day at the school) between January and March. Application deadlines are usually in early spring, with acceptance notifications sent by April. Key steps include submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often attending an interview or placement test. Due to the commute from Barry, early inquiry about transportation options, such as carpool networks organized by families in the area, is highly recommended.
For a family in Barry, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school in Quincy?
The decision hinges on several Barry-specific factors. The Barry Community Unit School District offers the convenience of a local K-12 education with no commute. Choosing a private school in Quincy involves a daily 50-mile round-trip commute, which impacts time and cost. Academically, private options offer a faith-based environment and often different curricular emphases. Socially, Barry public schools provide a community-centered experience where students attend school with neighborhood peers, while private schools connect students to a wider regional community. Parents should also consider the long-term plan, as starting at St. Peter School feeds directly into Quincy Notre Dame, creating a continuous private education pathway from kindergarten through high school.
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