The Best Private Schools in Bartlett, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Bartlett. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Elgin Academy
Independent
Elgin Academy is one of Illinois' oldest independent schools, serving students from preschool through high school. Located just 15 minutes from Bartlett, the school offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with small class sizes (8:1 student-teacher ratio). The campus features state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic facilities. Notable programs include the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, extensive arts education, and competitive athletics. The school emphasizes character development and leadership while maintaining strong college placement records with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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Westminster Christian School
Independent Christian
Westminster Christian School serves students from Bartlett and surrounding communities with a comprehensive Christian education from preschool through 12th grade. The school features a robust college-preparatory curriculum with advanced STEM programs, including dedicated science and technology labs. Campus facilities include modern classrooms, athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces. The school maintains small class sizes and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities including competitive sports, music programs, and mission trips. Parent reviews consistently praise the strong community atmosphere and academic rigor.
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St. John Neumann Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Rockford
Located in nearby St. Charles and serving families from Bartlett, St. John Neumann Catholic School provides education from preschool through 8th grade with a focus on faith-based learning and academic excellence. The school features modern facilities including technology-integrated classrooms, science labs, and dedicated art and music rooms. The curriculum emphasizes STEM education with coding and robotics programs, while maintaining strong foundations in literacy and mathematics. Extracurricular offerings include athletics, choir, and community service programs. Parents consistently rate the school highly for its caring environment and strong academic preparation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Bartlett, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Bartlett, Illinois?
Bartlett itself is home to several well-regarded private schools, most notably St. John Neumann Catholic School (PreK-8). For high school and broader options, Bartlett families frequently look to neighboring communities. Top choices include Elgin Academy in Elgin (PreK-12, independent) and Westminster Christian School in Elgin (K-12, Christian). Other nearby options include various Catholic and Lutheran schools in the surrounding Fox Valley area. The Bartlett area offers a mix of religious-affiliated and independent schools, providing choices in curriculum, values, and educational philosophy.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Bartlett, IL area compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Illinois?
Tuition in the Bartlett area varies significantly by school type and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. John Neumann Catholic School's tuition is approximately $6,000-$8,000 for parishioners. Westminster Christian School's tuition ranges from around $10,000 to $15,000, while Elgin Academy, as an independent school, has tuition exceeding $20,000. A key Illinois-specific financial aid option 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. Many local private schools participate in this program. Additionally, most schools offer their own need-based financial aid and multi-child discounts.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Bartlett area specialize in?
Private schools near Bartlett offer distinct specializations. **Elgin Academy** is known for its rigorous college-prep curriculum, advanced STEM programs, and signature Senior Project. **Westminster Christian School** emphasizes a biblical worldview integration across all subjects and offers strong athletics and fine arts programs. **St. John Neumann Catholic School** provides a faith-based foundation with dedicated Spanish instruction and a focus on service learning. A unique local advantage is the proximity to the resources of the Fox Valley, allowing schools to facilitate partnerships with local businesses, forest preserves for environmental science, and cultural institutions in Elgin and Chicago for enrichment.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools serving Bartlett, Illinois families?
The timeline is crucial for securing a spot. Most private schools in the area begin their admission cycles in the **fall (September-October)** for the following academic year. The process typically involves: 1) Fall/Winter open houses and tours, 2) Submission of applications by **January or February** priority deadlines, 3) Student assessments or shadow days, and 4) Financial aid applications (due early in the calendar year). For schools like Elgin Academy and Westminster Christian, applying by the priority deadline is essential, especially for competitive entry grades. St. John Neumann may have more flexibility but encourages early application. We recommend starting your research 12-18 months before the desired enrollment date.
For a family living in Bartlett, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school district (U-46) to area private schools?
The key considerations include class size, educational philosophy, and specific student needs. **Bartlett's public schools (School District U-46)** are large, offering extensive resources, diverse elective choices, and specialized programs for gifted learners or those with IEPs. **Private schools** in the area offer significantly smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students), a specific values-based education (faith-based at St. John Neumann or Westminster, or character-driven at Elgin Academy), and often a more tailored, consistent academic environment. Transportation is a major factor; while U-46 provides buses, private school families usually must arrange their own transportation, which is an important logistical and cost consideration for Bartlett residents.
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