The Best Private Schools in Brussels, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Brussels. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Marquette Catholic High School
Diocese of Springfield in Illinois
Marquette Catholic High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving students from Brussels and the broader Metro East region. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 14 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM education, and competitive athletic programs. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Marquette provides personalized attention and strong college counseling. The school features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. As part of the Diocese of Springfield, it maintains strong Catholic traditions while welcoming students of all faiths.
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St. Francis/Holy Ghost Elementary School
Diocese of Springfield in Illinois
St. Francis/Holy Ghost Elementary School provides exceptional Catholic education for students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade, serving families in Brussels and surrounding communities. The school offers a balanced curriculum emphasizing core academics, faith formation, and character development. Features include technology integration, music and art programs, and competitive sports. With a strong sense of community and dedicated teachers, the school maintains high parent satisfaction and prepares students well for high school. The campus includes modern classrooms, a library, gymnasium, and outdoor play areas.
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St. Mary's Catholic School
Diocese of Springfield in Illinois
St. Mary's Catholic School is the only private school located directly in Brussels, serving the local community for nearly a century. This small, family-oriented school provides education from pre-school through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on Catholic values and academic excellence. The school features small class sizes, individualized attention, and a comprehensive curriculum that includes religion, language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. Additional offerings include music, art, physical education, and various extracurricular activities. The school maintains close community ties and provides a nurturing environment that focuses on the whole child's development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Brussels, Illinois
What are the private school options available for families in Brussels, Illinois, and do they cover all grade levels?
Brussels, IL, is served by a small but dedicated network of private, faith-based schools. The primary options are Marquette Catholic High School (grades 9-12), St. Francis/Holy Ghost Elementary School, and St. Mary's Catholic School. It's important to note that Brussels itself is a very small community, and these schools are located in neighboring towns within Calhoun County or just across the river. For a complete K-12 private education, families typically transition from an elementary school like St. Mary's to Marquette for high school. There are no large independent or secular private school campuses within Brussels proper, so transportation to nearby communities is a key consideration for local families.
How does tuition at Brussels-area private schools compare, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition for the Catholic schools serving Brussels families is generally considered moderate compared to larger metropolitan private schools. For the 2023-2024 year, elementary school tuition typically ranged from $3,000 to $5,000 per child, with parishioner discounts often available. Marquette Catholic High School tuition was approximately $8,000-$9,000. Critically for Illinois residents, the state's "Invest in Kids Act" tax credit scholarship program was a significant source of need-based financial aid; however, its future is uncertain as it expired at the end of 2023. Families should inquire directly with schools about current tuition rates, parish subsidies, and any remaining scholarship funds or payment plans. Illinois also allows for 529 plan funds to be used for K-12 private school tuition, up to $10,000 per year.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving Brussels, IL, offer due to their rural and riverside location?
Private schools in the Brussels area leverage their unique setting. Marquette Catholic High School, for instance, may incorporate environmental science studies related to the Mississippi River and Illinois River confluence. Given the strong agricultural community, science and biology programs often have relevant local context. Extracurricularly, these schools often emphasize close-knit team sports where participation rates are high due to smaller class sizes. Some schools may also have strong traditions in music and community service tied to local parishes and festivals, like those in nearby Hardin or Grafton. The small size allows for personalized attention but means specialized programs like extensive AP course catalogs or robotics clubs are less common than in larger urban schools.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools like St. Mary's or Marquette that Brussels families consider?
The enrollment process for these parish-based schools usually begins in January or February for the following academic year. Priority is typically given to: 1) active members of the supporting Catholic parish, 2) siblings of currently enrolled students, and 3) Catholic families from other parishes, before opening to the general community. The process involves submitting an application, birth and baptismal certificates, previous school records, and often a family interview. For Marquette Catholic High School, an entrance exam may be required. Given the limited seats in these small schools, especially in the elementary grades, Brussels families are advised to initiate contact early in the calendar year. Many schools also host open houses in the fall.
For a family in Brussels, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private school in a neighboring town?
The decision hinges on several Brussels-specific factors. Brussels Unit School District 42 operates a single K-8 school in town, with high school students attending public high school in a neighboring district. The main trade-off is proximity versus mission. The local public school offers the convenience of a very short commute. Opting for a private school like St. Mary's or Marquette involves a daily commute of 20-45 minutes to towns like Jerseyville or Alton, but provides a continuous faith-based education from elementary through high school. Academically, the private options may offer smaller class sizes. Financially, families must weigh tuition costs against potential transportation time and expense. The community aspect is also strong; many Brussels families have multi-generational ties to these specific parish schools.
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