The Best Private Schools in Baylis, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Baylis. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary School
Diocese of Springfield in Illinois
St. Mary School in Pittsfield serves as the primary Catholic elementary school for Pike County and surrounding areas including Baylis. Founded in 1959, this well-established institution offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education with strong emphasis on faith-based learning, academic excellence, and character development. The school features small class sizes, dedicated certified teachers, and modern facilities including technology-integrated classrooms. Their curriculum includes robust STEM programs, fine arts, music education, and competitive athletics. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, strong community involvement, and excellent preparation for high school. Located approximately 15 minutes from Baylis, it serves as a popular choice for families seeking private education in the region.
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Quincy Notre Dame High School
Private Catholic High School
Quincy Notre Dame High School is a highly-regarded Catholic secondary school serving students from multiple counties including Pike County where Baylis is located. Established in 1969, QND offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with over 20 Advanced Placement and honors courses. The school boasts exceptional facilities including state-of-the-art science labs, modern athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces. Students benefit from a 13:1 student-teacher ratio and consistently achieve above-average ACT scores. The school's extensive extracurricular program includes championship athletic teams, award-winning music and drama programs, and numerous clubs. Many Baylis families choose QND for its strong academic reputation, faith-based environment, and successful college placement record.
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St. Peter School
Diocese of Springfield in Illinois
St. Peter School in Quincy provides excellent Catholic elementary education serving families throughout the region, including those from Baylis seeking private school options. Founded in 1954, this longstanding institution offers Pre-K through 8th grade education with a focus on academic excellence within a faith-filled community. The school features modern classrooms with interactive technology, dedicated specialty teachers for art, music, and physical education, and comprehensive support services. Their curriculum emphasizes strong foundational skills in literacy and mathematics while integrating 21st-century technology throughout all grade levels. The school community is known for its strong parent involvement, safe learning environment, and excellent student outcomes. Many graduates successfully transition to top regional high schools, making it a trusted choice for Baylis-area families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Baylis, Illinois
What are the private school options for families residing in Baylis, Illinois, and are there any located directly within the town?
Baylis, IL, is a small village, so there are no private school campuses physically located within its boundaries. However, families in Baylis typically look to nearby communities for excellent private, faith-based education. The top options, all within a reasonable commuting distance, include St. Mary School and Quincy Notre Dame High School in Quincy, and St. Peter School in Quincy as well. These schools serve the broader Pike County and Adams County area, with many providing transportation or carpool networks for Baylis residents.
How does tuition at private schools serving Baylis, IL, compare, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, elementary schools like St. Mary and St. Peter generally have lower tuition than the high school level at Quincy Notre Dame. Importantly, Illinois offers the Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which can significantly reduce costs for eligible families. This state program provides scholarships funded by donations from individuals and businesses who receive a credit on their state taxes. All the mentioned schools have financial aid offices to help Baylis parents navigate this program, diocesan aid, and parish subsidies for active members.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools accessible from Baylis, IL, offer that might not be available in smaller public districts?
The private schools serving the Baylis area often provide specialized programs that leverage their resources and affiliations. Quincy Notre Dame High School, for instance, offers a robust college-prep curriculum with numerous Advanced Placement (AP) courses, a strong focus on STEM, and distinctive theology programs. St. Mary and St. Peter Schools integrate faith-based learning throughout the day and may offer smaller class sizes for individualized attention. Furthermore, these schools often have competitive athletic conferences and arts programs that draw from a wider regional population, creating opportunities beyond a typical local public school.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like St. Mary or Quincy Notre Dame for a family moving to Baylis?
Enrollment for these schools often begins in January or February for the following fall semester, with priority frequently given to siblings of current students and active parishioners. For Baylis families, it's crucial to initiate contact early, especially if you are new to the area. The process usually involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a family interview or student assessment. Since spaces can be limited, especially in specific grades, contacting the admissions office by early winter is highly recommended. Many schools also host open houses in the fall, which are valuable for parents to attend.
For a family in Baylis, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school like those in Quincy?
The decision hinges on several factors specific to the Baylis context. The local public school, likely part of a small, consolidated district, offers proximity and a strong community feel. In contrast, private schools like Quincy Notre Dame require a commute but provide a consistent faith-based environment (K-12 continuity if starting at St. Mary or St. Peter), often smaller average class sizes, and a curriculum aligned with specific religious values. Academically, the private options may offer more advanced course variety at the high school level. Families should weigh the daily commute to Quincy, the financial investment with aid, and the importance of religious education in their child's development.
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