The Best Private Schools in Burbank, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Burbank. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Laurence High School
Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools
St. Laurence High School is a Catholic college preparatory school for young men that has been serving the Burbank area since 1951. The school features a comprehensive academic program with 14 AP courses, state-of-the-art STEM labs, and a nationally recognized business academy. The campus includes modern athletic facilities, a recently renovated library, and technology-enhanced classrooms. St. Laurence boasts a 99% college acceptance rate and strong alumni network with graduates attending prestigious universities.
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Queen of Peace High School
Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools
Queen of Peace High School is a comprehensive Catholic college preparatory school for young women that has served the Burbank community for over 50 years. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 16 Advanced Placement courses, extensive STEM opportunities, and a strong focus on leadership development. Facilities include modern science labs, a performing arts center, and athletic complexes. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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St. Linus School
Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools
St. Linus School, located just minutes from Burbank in neighboring Oak Lawn, is a highly-regarded Catholic elementary school serving students from preschool through 8th grade. The school offers a strong academic foundation with emphasis on STEM education, literacy development, and faith formation. Facilities include modern classrooms, computer labs, a library media center, and gymnasium. The school maintains small class sizes and has an excellent track record of preparing students for competitive high schools throughout the Chicago area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Burbank, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Burbank, Illinois, and what grade levels do they serve?
Burbank, IL, is served by several well-regarded private, primarily Catholic, schools. The notable options include **Queen of Peace High School** (grades 9-12) in nearby Burbank, **St. Laurence High School** (grades 9-12) in nearby Burbank, and **St. Linus School** (Preschool-8th grade) in Oak Lawn, which is a common choice for Burbank families seeking elementary education. While Burbank itself has a limited number of on-site private schools, the community benefits from its proximity to several institutions in surrounding southwest Chicago suburbs. Parents often also consider schools in neighboring towns like Oak Lawn, Worth, and Chicago Ridge, which may offer additional parochial or independent options.
How does tuition for private high schools like Queen of Peace and St. Laurence in Burbank, IL, typically work, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition for private high schools in the Burbank area, such as Queen of Peace and St. Laurence, varies but generally ranges from approximately $10,000 to $14,000 per year. Both schools offer need-based financial aid, merit scholarships, and often multi-child discounts. A key Illinois-specific resource is the **Invest in Kids Act Tax Credit Scholarship Program**, which provides scholarships for eligible families to attend private schools; these schools actively participate in this program. Additionally, Illinois has a **529 plan** that can now be used for K-12 private school tuition, offering a tax-advantaged way to save. It's crucial to contact each school's admissions office directly for the most current tuition rates and a detailed breakdown of all available aid.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Burbank, Illinois, area that distinguish them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Burbank area often emphasize college preparatory curricula with distinct specializations. **St. Laurence High School** is known for its robust STEM programs and a 1:1 iPad initiative, while **Queen of Peace High School** (an all-girls institution) offers unique programming focused on women's leadership and empowerment. Both high schools provide strong theology programs and often have more extensive fine arts, athletics, and club offerings relative to their size compared to some public districts. At the elementary level, **St. Linus School** offers a faith-based education with Spanish instruction and dedicated technology integration. These schools typically feature smaller class sizes, which allows for more individualized attention and specialized academic tracks.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like St. Linus, Queen of Peace, and St. Laurence serving Burbank, IL families?
The enrollment process for Burbank-area private schools generally begins in the fall for the following academic year. **St. Linus School** (K-8) often holds open houses starting in October and requires an application, parish membership verification (for Catholic families), and a student assessment. For the high schools (**Queen of Peace** and **St. Laurence**), the process typically involves attending an open house in the fall, submitting an application by a December or January deadline, taking a placement exam (usually the HSPT), and providing records from the current school. Many families from Burbank start this process in 7th grade for high school admission. It's highly recommended to check each school's website in early September, as deadlines and requirements can vary.
For a family in Burbank, Illinois, what are the key considerations when deciding between the local public school district (Burbank School District 111 and Reavis High School District 220) and area private schools?
The decision hinges on several local factors. **Public schools** in Burbank (District 111 for K-8 and Reavis High School for 9-12) offer a tuition-free education with diverse programs and are accountable to state standards. **Private schools** in the area provide a faith-based education (if desired), often smaller class sizes, and a specific college-prep or value-centered focus. Key considerations include: the importance of religious instruction, the desired level of individual student attention, extracurricular specialization (e.g., specific sports or arts), and budget for tuition. For high school, parents may compare Reavis's offerings to the specific environments of single-gender Queen of Peace or the co-ed model at St. Laurence. Visiting both public and private options is essential to gauge the community and academic fit for your child.
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