The Best Private Schools in Calhoun, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Calhoun. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary's Catholic School
Diocese of Springfield in Illinois
St. Mary's Catholic School in Edwardsville is one of the oldest and most respected private schools in the region, serving families from Calhoun and surrounding areas. With over 160 years of educational excellence, the school offers a classical Catholic education that emphasizes academic rigor, character formation, and spiritual development. The curriculum includes advanced preparation for high school, comprehensive fine arts programs, and competitive athletic opportunities. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, technology centers, and extensive athletic fields. Parent reviews consistently highlight the outstanding faculty, strong community atmosphere, and exceptional student outcomes.
Programs:
St. Francis/Holy Ghost Catholic School
Diocese of Belleville Catholic Schools
Located in Jerseyville, approximately 30 minutes from Calhoun, St. Francis/Holy Ghost Catholic School has served the region for nearly a century with exceptional academic programs and strong community values. The school offers a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for high school success, with particular strengths in mathematics, language arts, and religious studies. The campus features modern technology integration, a gymnasium, and dedicated spaces for music and art programs. Parent satisfaction is consistently high due to the school's commitment to individual student development and strong teacher-student relationships.
Programs:
St. Joseph Catholic School
Diocese of Belleville Catholic Schools
St. Joseph Catholic School is the only private school in Hardin County and serves the Calhoun area with a comprehensive faith-based education program. Located in nearby Elizabethtown, this established Catholic school provides a strong academic foundation combined with moral development. The school serves students from preschool through 8th grade with small class sizes, individualized attention, and a family-oriented atmosphere. Facilities include modern classrooms, a library, and recreational areas. The curriculum emphasizes core academic subjects while incorporating technology and religious education.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Calhoun, Illinois
What are the private school options for K-12 education in Calhoun, Illinois, and are they all religiously affiliated?
In Calhoun, Illinois, the private school landscape consists primarily of parochial Catholic schools, reflecting the area's community and history. The main options are St. Joseph Catholic School, St. Francis/Holy Ghost Catholic School, and St. Mary's Catholic School. These schools typically serve students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade. For high school, families in Calhoun often look at private Catholic high schools in nearby larger communities, as there are no standalone private high schools within Calhoun itself. This means planning for a transition after 8th grade is an important consideration for local parents.
How does tuition at Calhoun's Catholic schools compare to the Illinois state average for private elementary schools, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition at Calhoun's Catholic schools is generally below the Illinois state average for private elementary schools, which is approximately $6,500 per year. These local parish-supported schools often have tuition ranging from $3,000 to $5,000 annually, making them a more accessible private option. Financial aid is primarily offered through the parish itself, with many schools providing reduced tuition rates for active, contributing members of the supporting church. Some schools may also participate in the Illinois Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which allows donors to fund scholarships and receive a state tax credit, thereby helping eligible families with demonstrated financial need.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in Calhoun, IL, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools in Calhoun, IL, differentiate themselves through a strong integration of faith-based values and character education into the core curriculum. Academically, they often feature small class sizes, allowing for highly individualized attention. While they may not have the extensive elective catalog of a large public high school, they typically provide robust programs in music, art, and community service rooted in Catholic traditions. A notable feature is the emphasis on a close-knit, family-like school community where students across grade levels interact regularly, which is a hallmark of these small, parish-based institutions in rural Illinois.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for securing a spot at a private school like St. Joseph or St. Mary's in Calhoun?
The enrollment process for Calhoun's Catholic schools usually begins in early spring (February/March) for the following academic year. It is crucial to contact the school office directly, as spaces, particularly in younger grades, can be limited due to small class sizes. The process typically involves submitting an application, providing baptismal records (if applicable), previous school records, and often a family interview or meeting with the principal. Many schools give priority to siblings of current students and active parishioners of the associated church. It's highly recommended to initiate inquiries by January to ensure you meet all deadlines and requirements.
For families new to the area, what are the key considerations when choosing between the small public school district in Calhoun and the local private Catholic schools?
The key considerations involve educational philosophy, community, and logistics. Calhoun's public schools offer a secular education with potentially broader resources for special education and a wider range of extracurriculars for older students. The private Catholic schools offer a faith-based education with daily religion classes, sacramental preparation, and a consistent moral framework. The private schools are typically much smaller, which can mean more individual attention but fewer specialized staff. Transportation is also a factor; public schools provide busing, while private school families are usually responsible for their own transportation. Ultimately, the decision often centers on how much value a family places on religious instruction and a tightly-knit community versus the comprehensive services and secular environment of the public district.