The Best Private Schools in Burlington, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Burlington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Aurora Christian Schools
Independent Christian School
Aurora Christian Schools is a highly-regarded private Christian institution serving the Burlington area with a comprehensive K-12 education. It emphasizes academic excellence through a college-preparatory curriculum, supported by dedicated teachers and modern facilities, including science labs, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. The school offers robust extracurricular programs in sports, music, and drama, fostering a well-rounded student experience. Parent reviews frequently highlight the strong community values, high graduation rates, and individualized attention, contributing to its outstanding reputation.
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St. John Neumann Catholic School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockford
St. John Neumann Catholic School provides a faith-based education with a strong focus on academic achievement and character development for students in the Burlington region. The school features state-of-the-art facilities, including technology-enhanced classrooms, a STEM lab, and a library. Its curriculum integrates core subjects with religious studies, and extracurricular activities like robotics and sports enhance student engagement. Parents consistently praise the supportive environment, qualified staff, and high parent satisfaction, making it a top choice for families seeking a nurturing private education.
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St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School
Roman Catholic Church
St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School is a well-established private school serving the Burlington area with a commitment to academic excellence and spiritual growth. It offers a balanced curriculum that includes core academics, music, art, and religious education, supported by experienced teachers and facilities like a gymnasium and computer lab. The school is known for its strong community ties, extracurricular programs, and high parent satisfaction, with reviews often noting the safe, family-oriented atmosphere and consistent student performance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Burlington, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Burlington, Illinois?
Burlington itself is a small, rural community, so most private school options are located in nearby towns. The most prominent include Aurora Christian Schools in Aurora (PreK-12), St. John Neumann Catholic School in St. Charles (PreK-8), and St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School in Hampshire (PreK-8). Burlington families often commute to these schools, which are within a 15-25 minute drive. There are also other faith-based and independent schools in the broader Kane and DeKalb County region. Transportation is typically the responsibility of the family, which is an important logistical consideration for Burlington residents.
How does tuition at private schools near Burlington, IL, compare, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid options?
Tuition varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-25 school year, area Catholic elementary schools like St. John Neumann and St. Charles Borromeo typically have tuition ranging from $5,000 to $7,000 annually for parishioners, with higher rates for non-parishioners. Aurora Christian Schools' tuition is higher, often between $10,000 and $15,000 for grades K-12. A key Illinois-specific resource is the Invest in Kids Act Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which provides need-based scholarships funded by donations from Illinois taxpayers. Many participating schools in the area accept these scholarships. Additionally, all three mentioned schools offer their own need-based financial aid and parish subsidies for member families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Burlington offer that leverage the local community?
Schools in this region often emphasize their connection to the semi-rural and agricultural character of towns like Burlington. For instance, Aurora Christian Schools offers robust agricultural science and FFA programs that align with the local interests. St. Charles Borromeo and St. John Neumann Catholic Schools often integrate environmental stewardship and outdoor education, taking advantage of the nearby forest preserves and open spaces. Furthermore, many schools have strong partnerships with local farms for field trips and science projects. In terms of faith-based education, these schools provide a values-oriented environment that resonates with many families in the Burlington community seeking a close-knit educational setting.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Burlington, Illinois families?
The enrollment process for the leading private schools in the area generally begins in January or February for the following academic year. For Catholic schools, priority is typically given to active parish members and siblings of current students. Aurora Christian Schools often hosts open houses in the fall and winter. Given the limited seats in many of these schools, especially in popular grade levels, early application is strongly advised. The process usually involves submitting an application, academic records, a pastoral recommendation (for faith-based schools), and often a family interview or student assessment. Burlington families should plan ahead and contact schools directly, as some may have waiting lists.
For a family in Burlington, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school (Central CUSD 301) and a private school in a neighboring town?
The decision often hinges on several Burlington-specific factors. Central CUSD 301's Burlington schools offer the convenience of a very short commute and a strong community-focused environment. Choosing a private school like those in Aurora or St. Charles involves a daily commute but provides specific alternatives: a faith-based curriculum, often smaller class sizes, and specialized programs (like Aurora Christian's college-prep focus or distinctive arts/athletics). Financially, you must weigh private school tuition and transportation costs against the no-tuition public option. Many Burlington families value the rural, community feel and find that both the public district and the smaller private schools can offer that, but the private options add a specific religious or pedagogical dimension not available in the public setting.
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