The Best Private Schools in Bellwood, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Bellwood. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Islamic Foundation School
Islamic Foundation of Villa Park
Islamic Foundation School offers a comprehensive education that blends rigorous academics with Islamic values, serving students from pre-kindergarten to 8th grade. The school features state-of-the-art facilities, including science labs and technology resources, and emphasizes holistic development through extracurricular activities, advanced academic programs, and a strong sense of community. It is highly regarded for its high parent satisfaction and commitment to fostering ethical, critical thinkers.
Programs:
St. Simeon Catholic School
Archdiocese of Chicago
St. Simeon Catholic School provides a faith-based education with a strong academic foundation, serving students from preschool through 8th grade. The school emphasizes rigorous academics, including STEM initiatives and arts integration, supported by dedicated teachers and modern facilities. It focuses on character development, community service, and parent involvement, with a long-standing reputation for nurturing well-rounded students in a safe, supportive environment.
Programs:
St. Barbara School
Archdiocese of Chicago
St. Barbara School delivers a nurturing, faith-based education with a focus on academic excellence and personal growth. The school offers a robust curriculum that includes technology integration, music, arts, and extracurricular activities, supported by experienced teachers and a family-oriented community. With a history of serving the area, it maintains small class sizes, strong parent partnerships, and a commitment to developing responsible, compassionate students.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Bellwood, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available within Bellwood, Illinois, and what are their core educational philosophies?
Bellwood, IL, is home to a few established private schools, each with a distinct focus. St. Simeon Catholic School and St. Barbara School provide faith-based, Catholic education integrating religious teachings with a standard academic curriculum. The Islamic Foundation School offers an education grounded in Islamic values and Arabic language instruction alongside a rigorous academic program. These schools are the primary private options physically located within Bellwood's boundaries. Parents in Bellwood often also consider reputable private schools in neighboring suburbs like Oak Park, River Forest, and Elmhurst, which may offer different educational models like Montessori, Lutheran, or independent college-preparatory programs, expanding the choices within a short commute.
How does tuition for Bellwood's private schools compare to the Illinois state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at Bellwood's private schools is generally below the Illinois state average for private education, which can be over $10,000 annually for elementary grades. For the 2024-2025 school year, tuition at St. Simeon and St. Barbara Catholic Schools is typically in the range of $5,000 to $7,000 per student for parishioners, with a higher rate for non-parishioners. The Islamic Foundation School's tuition is also competitive within this range. All these schools offer need-based financial aid, and the Catholic schools participate in the Illinois Tax Credit Scholarship Program through Empower Illinois, which can significantly reduce costs for eligible families. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school about their specific tuition rates, parish boundaries (for Catholic schools), and application processes for aid and scholarships.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs do Bellwood's private schools offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools in Bellwood differentiate themselves through mission-specific programs and often smaller class sizes. The defining specialization is religious education and values integration throughout the school day, which is not offered in public schools. St. Simeon and St. Barbara provide sacramental preparation (First Communion, Confirmation) and daily religion classes. The Islamic Foundation School offers Quranic studies and Arabic language as core subjects. Academically, these schools often have strong foundational programs in literacy and mathematics. While Bellwood School District 88 public schools may offer more extensive elective choices or specialized public funding for certain programs at the middle school level, the private schools provide a consistent, values-based environment from preschool through 8th grade, which is a key draw for many families in the community.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Bellwood, and are there priority considerations for siblings or parish members?
The enrollment process for Bellwood's private schools usually begins in January or February for the following academic year, with open houses held in the fall and winter. For St. Simeon and St. Barbara Catholic Schools, priority is always given to: 1) currently enrolled students, 2) siblings of current students, and 3) active, registered parishioners of the supporting church. Families outside the parish or faith are welcome but may be placed on a waitlist. The Islamic Foundation School also prioritizes current families and community members. The process involves submitting an application, providing birth and baptismal certificates (for Catholic schools), academic records, and often a family interview or student assessment. It is highly advisable to contact the school office early, even a year in advance for early childhood seats, to understand specific deadlines and requirements.
For families considering a move to Bellwood, how do the local private schools impact the decision compared to relying on the Bellwood public school district?
For families considering Bellwood, the presence of affordable, faith-based private schools is a significant factor. While Bellwood Public Schools (District 88) serve the community, some families choose private options for continuity of religious education, perceived smaller class environments, or a specific academic focus. The decision often hinges on values alignment and cost. The private schools in Bellwood offer a K-8 pathway, after which students typically transition to private high schools in the wider Chicago area (like Fenwick, Trinity, or Islamic high schools) or selective enrollment public high schools. In contrast, public school students in Bellwood are zoned for Proviso East High School in Maywood. Therefore, the choice between private and public in Bellwood frequently involves planning for both the elementary/middle years and the high school trajectory, with financial planning for ongoing private tuition being a central consideration.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities