The Best Private Schools in Bensenville, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Bensenville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Francis High School
Private Catholic High School
St. Francis High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving students from Bensenville and the wider DuPage County area. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum with 24 AP and honors courses, specialized academies in STEM and global studies, and outstanding athletic programs. The 40-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including modern classrooms, science laboratories, and athletic complexes. The school is known for its strong community values, high academic standards, and successful college placement record.
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Montini Catholic High School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Joliet
Montini Catholic High School is a co-educational Catholic college preparatory high school serving students from Bensenville and surrounding western suburbs. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 18 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM initiatives, and extensive extracurricular activities. Facilities include modern science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. The school emphasizes faith-based education combined with academic excellence, boasting a 100% college acceptance rate and strong community involvement.
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Immaculate Conception Grade School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Joliet
Immaculate Conception Grade School serves students from Bensenville and surrounding communities with a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education. The school provides a strong foundation in core academic subjects integrated with Catholic values and faith formation. The curriculum includes advanced mathematics, science programs, language arts, and technology integration. The school features modern classrooms, computer labs, and dedicated spaces for art and music. With nearly a century of educational excellence, ICGS maintains strong parent involvement and community connections while preparing students for success in high school and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Bensenville, Illinois
What are the main private school options available for families residing in Bensenville, Illinois?
Bensenville itself is home to Immaculate Conception Grade School, a well-regarded Catholic elementary school. For high school, families typically look to nearby communities. The top options include Montini Catholic High School in Lombard (a 10-minute drive) and St. Francis High School in Wheaton (a 15-20 minute drive). While Bensenville's on-site private options are primarily at the elementary level, its location in DuPage County provides excellent access to a wider network of highly-rated private and parochial schools within a short commute.
How does the tuition for private schools serving Bensenville, IL, compare, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Immaculate Conception Grade School's tuition is approximately $5,000-$6,000 for parishioners. Montini Catholic and St. Francis High Schools have tuitions ranging from $13,000 to $16,000 annually. Illinois offers the Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which provides financial assistance to eligible families, and all these schools participate. Additionally, each school offers its own need-based financial aid and parish subsidies. It's crucial to apply for aid early, as funds are limited and deadlines typically fall in the winter prior to the enrollment year.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by the private high schools accessible from Bensenville, IL?
The private high schools serving Bensenville students offer distinct specializations. Montini Catholic High School is known for its strong STEM programs and championship-level wrestling and football athletics. St. Francis High School features a renowned International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme and exceptional fine arts departments. Both schools offer extensive college preparatory curricula, faith-based education, and a variety of clubs and activities. This allows Bensenville families to choose a school based on their child's specific academic interests and extracurricular passions.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Bensenville area?
The process for Bensenville-area private schools begins early. For Immaculate Conception Grade School, open houses and applications often start in the fall for the following academic year, with priority given to parish families. For the high schools, the critical period is the fall of a student's 8th-grade year. St. Francis and Montini host entrance exams (typically the HSPT) in December or January, with application deadlines shortly after. Admissions decisions and financial aid awards are usually communicated in February. We highly recommend attending open houses in the fall and contacting admissions offices by October to ensure you meet all deadlines.
For a family in Bensenville, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district (Fenton High School District 100) and a private school option?
The key considerations include educational approach, class size, and specific program offerings. Bensenville public schools (Fenton HS) provide a good, tuition-free education with diverse programs. Choosing a private school like Montini or St. Francis often involves seeking a faith-based environment, smaller average class sizes for more individualized attention, and distinct college-prep curricula like IB or specialized STEM tracks. The decision also involves logistics and cost: private schools require commuting and tuition investment, but may offer a perceived community alignment and specific academic focus that public schools do not. Visiting both types of schools is essential to feel the difference in culture and environment.
Private Education Insights
Discover the Top Private Schools in Bensenville, IL: A Parent's Guide
For parents in Bensenville, Illinois, the search for the “best private schools near me” is often a journey that balances academic excellence, values, and the practicalities of suburban family life. Our community, nestled near O’Hare and rich with its own history, offers a unique educational landscape where families can find schools that feel like an extension of their home. The quest isn't just about rankings; it's about finding the right environment where your child will thrive, build character, and prepare for a successful future. Thankfully, the Bensenville area is home to several distinguished institutions that have served generations of local families, each with its own strengths and community spirit.
When considering options, many Bensenville families look first to the foundational years. Schools like Immaculate Conception Grade School right in our town provide a cornerstone Catholic education from preschool through eighth grade. This local option means shorter commutes and a tight-knit community where your children are known by name. The continuity from early childhood into adolescence in a familiar setting can be incredibly valuable, fostering a sense of security and belonging that is a hallmark of the best private schools. It’s a place where faith, academics, and community service are woven into daily life, preparing students not just for high school, but for life.
As students prepare for high school, the search for the “best private schools near me” often expands slightly beyond Bensenville’s borders to include exceptional college-preparatory institutions. Montini Catholic High School in nearby Lombard and St. Francis High School in Wheaton are both premier choices that draw many Bensenville students. Montini offers a comprehensive, faith-based curriculum with renowned athletic programs and STEM initiatives, while St. Francis provides a rigorous academic environment with a wide array of Advanced Placement courses and arts programs. The commute to these schools is manageable for Bensenville families, often involving carpool networks with neighbors, which itself builds community. Visiting these campuses is crucial; you’ll want to feel the culture, meet the teachers, and see if their approach to developing the whole student—intellectually, spiritually, and socially—aligns with your family’s values.
Ultimately, defining the “best” school is a personal decision. For a Bensenville parent, it involves practical considerations like commute times along Irving Park Road or Route 83, the availability of before-and-after-care for younger students, and the overall fit for your child’s unique personality and aspirations. We encourage you to go beyond online searches. Attend open houses, talk to current parents at local spots like the Bensenville Park District events, and involve your child in the process. The best private school near you is the one that feels like a partnership, a place that challenges and nurtures your child while keeping them connected to the community you call home. Your diligence today in exploring these wonderful local options will lay the groundwork for your child’s bright tomorrow.
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