The Best Private Schools in Carrollton, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Carrollton. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Our Saviour School
Jacksonville Catholic Schools
Our Saviour School is a highly-regarded Catholic school located approximately 15 miles from Carrollton, serving families throughout Greene County. The school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education with strong emphasis on faith formation, academic excellence, and character development. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school provides individualized attention and a nurturing environment. The curriculum includes robust STEM programs, fine arts, and competitive athletics. Parents consistently praise the school's strong community atmosphere, high academic standards, and the preparation students receive for high school and beyond.
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Lutheran High School
Lutheran Church Missouri Synod
Lutheran High School in Springfield serves students from multiple counties including Greene County, with many families commuting from Carrollton area. This accredited Christian high school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with multiple AP courses, comprehensive fine arts programs, and competitive athletic teams. The school emphasizes spiritual growth alongside academic achievement, with daily chapel services and Christian integration across all subjects. Facilities include modern science labs, technology-enhanced classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities. The school has a strong track record of college acceptance and alumni success.
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Marquette Catholic High School
Diocese of Springfield in Illinois
Marquette Catholic High School serves the broader regional area including families from Greene County. Located approximately 35 miles from Carrollton, this historic Catholic school offers a comprehensive college preparatory program with advanced STEM courses, dual credit opportunities through local colleges, and extensive extracurricular activities. The school features modern facilities including science and computer labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. With a strong emphasis on faith, service, and academic excellence, Marquette prepares students for college success while developing strong moral character. The school maintains small class sizes and personalized academic support.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Carrollton, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families in Carrollton, Illinois, and what grade levels do they serve?
Carrollton, IL, is served by a small but dedicated network of faith-based private schools. The primary options are Our Saviour School (a Lutheran institution typically serving grades Pre-K through 8), and Lutheran High School (grades 9-12). Additionally, many Carrollton families consider Marquette Catholic High School in nearby Alton for secondary education, which involves a commute. This structure means families often transition from Our Saviour to either Lutheran High or Marquette for high school. There are no large, independent secular private schools within Carrollton itself, making the local options deeply rooted in religious education and community.
How does tuition at Carrollton's private schools compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at Carrollton's private schools is generally below the Illinois state average for private education, reflecting the area's lower cost of living. For the 2023-2024 academic year, tuition at Our Saviour School for elementary grades is approximately $4,000-$5,000 annually, while Lutheran High School tuition is around $7,000-$8,000. Both schools, along with Marquette Catholic, offer substantial financial aid through parish subsidies (for members), diocesan assistance, and need-based scholarships. The Illinois Tax Credit Scholarship Program (Invest in Kids Act) is a crucial resource, allowing donors to fund scholarships for eligible families, though this state program faces an uncertain future. It's essential to contact each school's office directly to discuss current rates, multi-child discounts, and personalized aid packages.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Carrollton area offer that differentiate them from public schools?
The private schools serving Carrollton emphasize small class sizes, religious instruction, and character formation as key differentiators. Academically, they often integrate faith across the curriculum. Lutheran High School and Marquette Catholic High School offer robust college preparatory tracks and may provide unique courses in theology, Latin, or specific advanced placement subjects based on their affiliations. Extracurricularly, these schools often have strong traditions in athletics (like Marquette's sports teams) and music ministries that are central to student life. However, due to their smaller size, they may offer fewer specialized electives (e.g., extensive STEM labs or vocational tech programs) compared to larger public school districts in Greene County. The trade-off is highly personalized attention and a close-knit community environment.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Our Saviour School in Carrollton?
Enrollment for Carrollton's private schools typically begins in January or February for the following fall semester, with priority often given to current families and members of the supporting church parishes. The process for Our Saviour School usually involves submitting an application, providing birth and baptismal certificates, academic records from any previous school, and possibly a family interview. For Lutheran High School, the process may include placement testing. Given the small size of these schools, spaces can be limited, especially in specific grade levels, so early inquiry is strongly recommended. Open houses or "shadow days" for prospective students are commonly held in the winter. It's advisable to contact the school office directly by early winter to request an information packet and secure a spot on their interest list.
For a family moving to Carrollton, what are the major considerations when choosing between the local public school district and the available private options?
The decision between Carrollton's public schools (Carrollton CUSD #1) and private options hinges on several local factors. Public schools offer a tuition-free education with potentially broader extracurricular offerings and specialized services (like extensive special education programs). Private schools (Our Saviour and Lutheran High) provide a faith-based environment, consistent discipline, and often smaller class sizes—a significant advantage in a rural setting. A major practical consideration is transportation; private schools do not provide district busing, so families must arrange their own travel, which is a key factor for the commute to Lutheran High or Marquette. Additionally, the continuity of education from K-8 at Our Saviour can be appealing, whereas the transition to a private high school involves a separate choice and community. Many families in this area value the strong moral and community foundation of the local parochial schools, viewing it as worth the financial investment and logistical planning.
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