The Best Private Schools in Broadlands, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Broadlands. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The High School of Saint Thomas More
Roman Catholic Diocese of Peoria
The High School of Saint Thomas More is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving the greater Champaign area including Broadlands. The school features a rigorous academic curriculum with 100% college acceptance rate, extensive AP course offerings, and strong STEM programs. Facilities include modern science labs, performing arts spaces, and comprehensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development and community service alongside academic excellence, with small class sizes and dedicated faculty providing personalized attention.
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Judah Christian School
Independent Christian School
Judah Christian School is a well-established private Christian school serving the Champaign-Urbana metropolitan area including Broadlands. The school offers comprehensive education from preschool through high school with a strong college preparatory focus integrated with biblical worldview. Academic programs include honors courses, dual credit options, and specialized tracks in STEM and humanities. The campus features modern classrooms, science laboratories, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. Parent satisfaction is consistently high due to the school's commitment to academic excellence and spiritual development.
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St. John's Lutheran School
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
St. John's Lutheran School provides Christ-centered education serving the broader Champaign County region including Broadlands families. The school offers comprehensive programs from preschool through 8th grade with a strong foundation in core academics enhanced by technology integration and STEAM initiatives. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and character development within a supportive Christian community. Facilities include modern classrooms, computer labs, music rooms, and gymnasium. The school maintains small class sizes and has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and nurturing environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Broadlands, Illinois
What are the primary private school options serving families in Broadlands, Illinois, and what are their educational approaches?
While Broadlands itself is a small village, families typically look to nearby Champaign-Urbana for private school options. The most prominent schools include The High School of Saint Thomas More (a Catholic, college-preparatory high school), Judah Christian School (a PreK-12 interdenominational Christian school), and St. John's Lutheran School (a Lutheran elementary school). These schools offer distinct philosophies: Saint Thomas More provides a rigorous classical curriculum, Judah Christian integrates faith across a comprehensive academic program, and St. John's focuses on foundational education in a Christian environment. Most require a commute into Champaign, which is a key consideration for Broadlands residents.
How does tuition for private schools in the Broadlands, IL area compare, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid options?
Tuition in the Champaign County area varies significantly. For the 2024-25 academic year, St. John's Lutheran elementary tuition is approximately $6,000-$8,000, Judah Christian ranges from $8,000 for elementary to $12,000+ for high school, and Saint Thomas More is around $11,000-$12,000. Illinois offers the "Invest in Kids Act" tax credit scholarship program, which can provide significant need-based financial aid for qualifying families at participating schools (like Saint Thomas More and Judah Christian). Additionally, all schools have their own need-based aid and payment plans. It's crucial to apply for financial aid early, as funds can be limited.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Broadlands-area private schools offer that leverage local resources?
Schools in this region often utilize the academic and cultural resources of the nearby University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The High School of Saint Thomas More, for instance, offers dual-credit courses through partnerships with local colleges. Judah Christian School emphasizes STEM and fine arts, with opportunities potentially linked to university outreach programs. Furthermore, given the agricultural context of East Central Illinois, some schools incorporate agriscience or environmental studies into their curricula. Athletics and arts programs are often robust, competing in conferences with other Central Illinois private schools, providing a well-rounded experience beyond the classroom.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools near Broadlands, Illinois, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for schools like Judah Christian and St. John's typically begins in January-February for the following fall, with re-enrollment for current families taking priority. Saint Thomas More, as a high school, conducts open houses and entrance exams (like the HSPT) in the fall for 8th graders seeking 9th-grade admission. Due to their reputations and limited seats, especially in popular grade levels, these schools often have waitlists. For Broadlands families, we recommend initiating inquiries by October-November, attending open houses, and submitting applications well before deadlines to secure a spot and be considered for financial aid.
For a family in Broadlands comparing local public schools (like Heritage Schools) with private options, what are the key decision factors specific to this area?
The key decision often centers on educational philosophy, class size, and commute. Broadlands is part of the Heritage School District, which is well-regarded but offers a different environment than private schools. Private options provide specific religious education (Catholic, Lutheran, or interdenominational Christian), often with smaller class sizes and a distinct value-based community. The trade-off is tuition and a daily commute of 20-30 minutes to Champaign. For high school, some families choose private for a college-prep focus or to continue a faith-based education from elementary. It's advisable to visit both your local public school and the private options to feel the community difference firsthand.