The Best Private Schools in Berkeley, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Berkeley. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary School
Archdiocese of Chicago
St. Mary School in nearby Riverside provides a strong Catholic education serving families throughout the western suburbs. The school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade program with emphasis on faith formation, academic excellence, and character development. Features include modern technology integration, competitive sports programs, music and art education, and small class sizes. The school maintains high academic standards with students consistently testing above national averages and preparing well for area high schools.
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St. Barbara School
Archdiocese of Chicago
St. Barbara School in Brookfield serves the broader Berkeley area with a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade Catholic education. The school features a strong academic foundation with emphasis on STEM education, Spanish language instruction from early grades, and technology integration throughout the curriculum. The campus includes modern classrooms, science lab, computer lab, and gymnasium. The school community is known for its strong parent involvement and family atmosphere, with graduates successfully transitioning to top area high schools.
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Fenwick High School
Dominican Order
Fenwick High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving the western suburbs of Chicago. With a 100% college acceptance rate and rigorous academic program, Fenwick offers a comprehensive curriculum including 24 AP courses, competitive athletics in the Chicago Catholic League, and extensive fine arts programs. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, a newly renovated library, and athletic complexes. Fenwick's Dominican tradition emphasizes intellectual growth and moral development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Berkeley, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Berkeley, Illinois?
Berkeley, IL, is served by a few key private institutions, primarily Catholic schools. The notable options include St. Mary School (PreK-8) and St. Barbara School (PreK-8), both offering parish-based elementary education. For high school, many Berkeley families consider Fenwick High School, a prestigious Dominican college-preparatory school located in nearby Oak Park. While Berkeley itself is small, its location in the Chicago suburbs provides access to a wider range of private schools in surrounding communities like Elmhurst, Lombard, and Oak Park, which may require a commute.
How does the tuition for private schools like St. Mary or St. Barbara in Berkeley compare to the Illinois state average, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition at parish schools like St. Mary and St. Barbara in Berkeley is typically below the Illinois state average for private elementary schools, especially for registered, contributing parishioners who often receive a subsidized rate. Annual tuition can range from approximately $4,000 to $7,000 for parish members, with higher rates for non-parishioners. Both schools offer financial aid, and Illinois residents can also apply for the state's Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which provides private school scholarships to eligible families based on income. Fenwick High School's tuition is significantly higher, aligning with competitive Chicago-area college-prep schools, but it also offers substantial need-based financial aid and merit scholarships.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving Berkeley students offer?
Schools serving Berkeley emphasize strong core academics with faith-based values. St. Mary and St. Barbara schools integrate technology and religion throughout their curricula and often have smaller class sizes allowing for individualized attention. Fenwick High School offers a distinctive rigorous college-prep program with renowned STEM, humanities, and athletics (notably its swimming and football programs). Fenwick also provides unique opportunities like its Global Studies Program, extensive AP course offerings, and partnerships with local colleges. For Berkeley families, a key consideration is the transition from a small, community-focused K-8 environment to a larger, competitive high school setting.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools like St. Mary School in Berkeley?
For St. Mary School in Berkeley, the enrollment process typically begins with a fall or winter open house for the following academic year. Priority is given to registered parishioners and siblings of current students. The application process involves submitting a registration form, baptismal certificate (for Catholic schools), previous school records, and often a registration fee. Deadlines for priority consideration are usually in January or February. It's highly recommended for Berkeley parents to contact the parish office directly, as spots in these smaller community schools can be limited. For Fenwick High School, the process involves a fall entrance exam (the HSPT), application submission by December, and admissions notifications in February.
How do the educational environments of Berkeley's public school (Berkeley School District 87) and local private schools differ, and what factors should parents consider?
Berkeley School District 87 operates one elementary (Northlake Elementary) and one middle school (Berkeley Middle School), providing a public, tuition-free option with a diverse student body. The local private schools, like St. Mary, offer a faith-based education with a consistent moral framework and often smaller, single-grade classrooms. A major factor for Berkeley parents is class size and religious instruction. Public schools offer a broader range of specialized services (e.g., extensive special education programs) funded by tax dollars. The decision often hinges on values alignment, desired class size, budget for tuition, and whether parents seek a K-8 pathway that feeds into specific Catholic high schools versus the public pathway to Proviso East High School.
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