The Best Private Schools in Buckley, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Buckley. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Provena Saint Mary's Catholic School
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
Provena Saint Mary's Catholic School serves the Buckley area as part of the Diocese of Joliet Catholic School system, offering comprehensive Catholic education for students from preschool through 8th grade. The school features a rigorous academic curriculum enhanced by faith-based education, modern STEM facilities, and extensive extracurricular programs including competitive athletics, music, and art. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school maintains strong parent satisfaction and community involvement. The campus includes updated technology resources, science labs, and athletic facilities serving families throughout Kankakee County.
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St. George Elementary School
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
St. George Elementary School has been serving the Buckley and Bourbonnais area for over six decades, providing exceptional Catholic education from preschool through 8th grade. The school emphasizes academic excellence with advanced mathematics and language arts programs, complemented by comprehensive religious education. Facilities include modern classrooms, computer labs, a dedicated music room, and gymnasium. The school community is known for its strong parent-teacher collaboration and high student achievement rates, with graduates consistently performing well in local high schools.
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Manteno Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Manteno Christian Academy serves students from Buckley and surrounding communities with a comprehensive Christian education program from preschool through 12th grade. The academy offers a college-preparatory curriculum integrated with biblical principles, featuring advanced placement courses, dual credit opportunities, and career preparation programs. Campus facilities include science laboratories, technology centers, art studios, and athletic fields. The school maintains small class sizes with individualized attention and offers diverse extracurricular activities including competitive sports, music ensembles, and community service programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Buckley, Illinois
What are the private school options available specifically in or near Buckley, Illinois, and what are their educational affiliations?
Buckley itself is a small village, so most private school options are located in nearby communities. The primary schools serving Buckley families include Provena Saint Mary's Catholic School in Kankakee (Pre-K-8), St. George Elementary School in Bourbonnais (Pre-K-8), and Manteno Christian Academy in Manteno (Pre-K-12). These represent Catholic and non-denominational Christian education models. Due to Buckley's rural setting, transportation and commuting are important considerations, as these schools are typically a 15-25 minute drive away. There are no private schools physically within Buckley's village limits.
How does tuition for private schools in the Buckley, IL, area compare, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition in the Buckley area varies by school and religious affiliation. For the 2024-2025 academic year, parishioner tuition at Catholic schools like St. George or St. Mary's typically ranges from $4,000-$5,500 annually for the first child, with discounts for siblings. Manteno Christian Academy may range from $6,000-$8,000. A key Illinois-specific financial resource is the "Invest in Kids Act" Tax Credit Scholarship program, which provides need-based scholarships for private school tuition. While the future of this program is subject to state legislation, it has been a significant aid source. All local private schools offer individual payment plans, and many have parish or church-based assistance for member families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Buckley, Illinois, offer that leverage the local community or environment?
Schools in this region often integrate the area's agricultural and close-knit community values. For instance, Manteno Christian Academy, with its K-12 campus, may offer agricultural science or FFA chapters appealing to families from farming communities like Buckley. Provena Saint Mary's and St. George emphasize community service projects tied to local parishes and organizations in Kankakee County. Given the proximity to the Kankakee River and natural areas, some schools incorporate environmental science field studies. Additionally, smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students) allow for personalized attention, a noted contrast to larger regional public schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Buckley, Illinois, families, and are there geographic restrictions?
The enrollment process for schools like St. George, St. Mary's, and Manteno Christian Academy usually begins in January-February for the following fall, with priority given to current families and parish members. Open houses are often held in winter. There are no strict geographic restrictions, but some Catholic schools give tuition priority to registered parishioners of their supporting churches. For Buckley residents, proof of residency is not a requirement for admission, but providing transportation is the family's responsibility. It's highly recommended to contact the school directly in the fall prior to your desired enrollment year, as some grades (especially kindergarten) may have waiting lists.
For a family in Buckley, what are the primary considerations when choosing between the local public school (Buckley-Loda) and a private school in a neighboring town?
The decision often centers on educational philosophy, commute, and cost. Buckley-Loda CUSD #8 provides a public, tuition-free K-12 education within the community, with bus transportation. Private options require a daily commute to Bourbonnais, Kankakee, or Manteno but offer religious education and often smaller, single-campus environments for elementary grades. Academically, private schools may follow a curriculum integrated with faith, while Buckley-Loda offers a broader range of public school electives and sports in the later grades. Financially, families must weigh tuition costs against the value of a faith-based education and community. Many local families choose private schools for elementary years and then reconsider for junior high/high school based on program offerings and logistics.