The Best Private Schools in Carol Stream, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Carol Stream. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Wheaton Academy
Independent Christian School
Wheaton Academy is a highly-regarded Christian college preparatory school serving the western suburbs including Carol Stream. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 22 AP courses, extensive STEM opportunities, and competitive athletic programs. The 42-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complexes. With a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, the school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence.
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St. Francis High School
Catholic College Preparatory
St. Francis High School is a distinguished Catholic college preparatory school serving students from Carol Stream and surrounding communities. The school offers both traditional college prep curriculum and the prestigious International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. Notable features include extensive AP course offerings, championship athletic programs, and comprehensive fine arts opportunities. The school maintains a 13:1 student-teacher ratio and boasts a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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Chicago Christian High School
Christian School System
Chicago Christian High School provides comprehensive Christian education serving families throughout the western suburbs including Carol Stream. The school offers a balanced curriculum with strong college preparatory tracks, extensive STEM programs, and vocational training opportunities. The campus features modern academic facilities, athletic complexes, and dedicated arts spaces. With a focus on spiritual formation and academic rigor, the school maintains small class sizes and personalized attention while preparing students for college and career success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Carol Stream, Illinois
What are the primary private high school options serving families in Carol Stream, Illinois, and are they located within the village itself?
While Carol Stream itself is primarily served by public school districts, several highly-regarded private high schools are located in nearby communities and draw a significant number of students from Carol Stream. The most prominent options include Wheaton Academy (a non-denominational Christian school in West Chicago), St. Francis High School (a Catholic college-preparatory school in Wheaton), and Chicago Christian High School (in Palos Heights, offering a Reformed Christian perspective). It's important for Carol Stream parents to note that these schools are not within the village boundaries, so transportation planning is a key consideration.
How does the tuition for private high schools near Carol Stream, IL, compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the top private schools in the Carol Stream area varies. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. Francis High School tuition is approximately $16,000, Wheaton Academy is around $17,500, and Chicago Christian High School is roughly $15,000. All these Illinois schools offer robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need, and many families utilize Illinois' Tax Credit Scholarship Program (Invest in Kids Act), which provides scholarships funded by private donations in exchange for a state tax credit. It's crucial to apply for financial aid early, as deadlines often precede admission decisions.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Carol Stream area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools near Carol Stream often provide distinct thematic environments and specialized programs. Wheaton Academy emphasizes a "Learning for Life" model with global engagement trips and a Center for Applied Science & Engineering. St. Francis High School offers a comprehensive college-prep curriculum with renowned fine arts and athletic programs within a Catholic framework. Chicago Christian High School provides a curriculum integrated with a Reformed Christian worldview and strong STEM offerings. Compared to the well-regarded public schools in District 93 or 200, these private options offer a specific faith-based education and often smaller average class sizes.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools serving Carol Stream, Illinois families?
The enrollment process for private schools in the Western Chicago suburbs is highly structured and begins early. For freshman admission, the process typically starts in the fall of a student's 8th-grade year. Key steps include: attending open houses (often September-November), submitting applications by January deadlines, taking entrance exams (like the HSPT) in December or January, and completing interviews or shadow days. Admission decisions and financial aid awards are usually communicated in February or March. For Carol Stream residents, it's vital to coordinate this timeline with any intent-to-return processes for their public feeder schools.
For a family living in Carol Stream, what are the major practical considerations when choosing between the local public high schools and a private school in a neighboring town?
The decision involves several location-specific factors. First is **transportation**: Carol Stream does not provide public busing to private schools outside its district, so parents must arrange carpools or utilize the school's fee-based bus service if offered. Second is **community connection**: Attending a private school often means your child's peer group is dispersed across multiple towns, while public school fosters hyper-local friendships. Third is **cost vs. value**: While public schools like Glenbard North are tuition-free and offer extensive AP/dual-credit programs, private schools offer a specific religious environment and mission. Finally, consider the **daily schedule impact** of a longer commute to a school in Wheaton, West Chicago, or Palos Heights on extracurricular participation and family time.
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