The Best Private Schools in Brookfield, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Brookfield. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Nazareth Academy
Private Catholic College Preparatory
Nazareth Academy is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory high school serving the Brookfield area and surrounding western suburbs. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 21 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM initiatives, and extensive extracurricular opportunities including championship athletic programs. With a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, Nazareth provides personalized attention and strong college counseling. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. The school emphasizes character development and community service alongside academic excellence.
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Fenwick High School
Dominican Catholic College Preparatory
Fenwick High School is a prestigious Dominican Catholic college preparatory school that serves students from Brookfield and throughout the Chicago area. The school offers a challenging curriculum with 19 Advanced Placement courses and extensive honors programs. Fenwick is known for its strong STEM programs, competitive athletics, and outstanding fine arts offerings. The school boasts a 99% college acceptance rate and maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 12:1. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, a comprehensive library, and modern athletic facilities. Fenwick has a long tradition of academic excellence and character formation.
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St. Mary School
Catholic Parish School
St. Mary School in nearby Riverside serves Brookfield families with a comprehensive preschool through 8th grade education. The school provides a strong academic foundation with integrated technology, dedicated STEM lab, and Spanish language instruction. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention, and the curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and character development. The school features modern classrooms, a newly renovated library, and updated facilities. St. Mary's maintains strong community partnerships and offers extensive extracurricular activities including sports, music, and academic clubs. The school prepares students for success in high school and beyond with a well-rounded educational experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Brookfield, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Brookfield, Illinois, and what grade levels do they serve?
Brookfield, IL, is served by several well-regarded private institutions, though it's important to note that some are located just outside the village boundaries. Key options include **St. Mary School** (Brookfield), a Catholic school serving Pre-K through 8th grade. For high school, popular choices are **Nazareth Academy** in La Grange Park (co-ed, 9-12) and **Fenwick High School** in Oak Park (co-ed, 9-12), both of which are Dominican Catholic college-preparatory schools that draw many students from Brookfield. There are also several other parochial and independent schools in neighboring western suburbs. Most Brookfield private school students will commute to schools in adjacent communities for secondary education.
How does tuition for private schools like Nazareth Academy or Fenwick High School compare, and what financial aid options are available for Illinois residents?
Tuition for the top-tier high schools serving Brookfield is significant. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Nazareth Academy's tuition is approximately $16,500, while Fenwick High School's is around $18,500. These figures do not include fees, textbooks, or other expenses. Both schools, along with St. Mary School for elementary, offer robust financial aid programs primarily based on demonstrated need through applications like FACTS Grant & Aid. As Illinois residents, families may also explore the **Invest in Kids Act Tax Credit Scholarship Program**, which provides scholarships funded by donations from individuals and businesses who receive an Illinois state tax credit. Early application for financial aid is crucial as funds are limited.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are notable at the private high schools accessible from Brookfield, IL?
The private high schools serving Brookfield excel in specific areas. **Nazareth Academy** is renowned for its strong STEM programs, a nationally recognized Speech Team, and exceptional athletic programs, particularly in football and girls' basketball. **Fenwick High School** offers a distinctive **Aquinas Honors Program** in theology and philosophy, a top-ranked Mock Trial program, and one of the state's most dominant swimming and water polo dynasties. Both schools offer a wide array of AP courses, service-learning requirements, and vibrant arts programs. For younger students, **St. Mary School** emphasizes a faith-based curriculum with technology integration and specials in art, music, and Spanish.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools like St. Mary School, Nazareth, and Fenwick for a Brookfield family?
The process generally begins a full year before intended enrollment. For **St. Mary School** (K-8), tours and open houses start in the fall, with applications due in January/February for the following academic year. For the competitive high schools, the timeline is critical: **Fenwick** and **Nazareth** host entrance exam days (typically the **HSPT**) in December or January for 8th graders. Applications are due shortly before the exam. Admissions decisions and financial aid awards are communicated in February. Families are strongly advised to attend open houses in the fall, often as early as September or October, to understand each school's culture and requirements. Sibling and legacy considerations can play a role.
How do the educational environments and outcomes of private schools serving Brookfield compare to the local public school district, Brookfield-LaGrange Park School District 95?
This is a key consideration. **District 95** (S.E. Gross Middle School) provides a well-regarded public education through 8th grade, after which students attend Lyons Township High School (a top public high school). The private school path offers a distinct environment: a consistent faith-based education from Pre-K-12, smaller average class sizes, and a college-prep focus with a required theology curriculum. Private high schools like Nazareth and Fenwick often boast near-100% college matriculation rates to selective universities. The choice often hinges on values alignment, desire for a religious education, and specific program offerings (e.g., specialized honors tracks). Financially, it involves weighing significant tuition against the property taxes funding the highly-rated public system. Many Brookfield families value having both strong public and private options.
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