The Best Private Schools in Casey, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Casey. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary School
Diocese of Springfield in Illinois
St. Mary School in nearby Marshall serves the Casey area with a comprehensive Catholic education program spanning preschool through 8th grade. The school features small class sizes, dedicated certified teachers, and a strong emphasis on faith-based character development. Academic programs include advanced STEM curriculum, integrated technology, and comprehensive fine arts. The school maintains modern facilities including science labs, computer labs, and athletic facilities. Parent satisfaction is exceptionally high with families appreciating the nurturing environment and strong academic preparation for high school.
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St. Mary School
Diocese of Springfield in Illinois
Serving families throughout Central Illinois including Casey, St. Mary School in Paris offers a rigorous academic program within a faith-based community. The school provides education from preschool through 8th grade with exceptional teacher-student ratios and individualized attention. Curriculum emphasizes advanced mathematics, comprehensive language arts, and integrated technology. The school features excellent music and arts programs, competitive athletics, and strong community involvement. Facilities include modern classrooms, computer labs, and a recently renovated campus that supports 21st century learning.
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St. Patrick School
Diocese of Springfield in Illinois
Located in nearby Terre Haute and serving families from Illinois including Casey, St. Patrick School provides exceptional private education from preschool through 8th grade. The school features a strong STEM-focused curriculum with advanced technology integration, comprehensive literacy programs, and dedicated specialist teachers. Facilities include modern science labs, computer labs, extensive library resources, and athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development and community service while maintaining small class sizes and personalized learning approaches. Parent reviews consistently highlight the school's excellent academic preparation and supportive community environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Casey, Illinois
What are the private school options for K-12 education in Casey, Illinois?
Casey, Illinois, offers a small but dedicated selection of private, faith-based schools, primarily serving elementary and middle school grades. The main institutions are St. Mary School (Catholic) and St. Patrick School (Catholic). These schools typically cover grades Pre-K through 8. For high school, families in Casey often look at private options in nearby larger communities like Charleston, Mattoon, or Terre Haute, Indiana, as there are no private high schools physically within Casey itself. It's important to contact each school directly for their current grade offerings and any potential changes.
How does tuition at Casey's private schools compare to the Illinois state average, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition at Casey's private schools, like St. Mary and St. Patrick, is generally below the Illinois state average for private elementary education, reflecting the lower cost of living in this rural area. Annual tuition often ranges from $3,000 to $5,000 per student, with discounts for multiple children. Both schools typically offer financial aid through parish subsidies for active church members and may have limited scholarship funds. Illinois also offers a state tax credit scholarship program (Invest in Kids Act), which can provide significant financial assistance to eligible families, though funding is limited and application is competitive.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in Casey, IL, offer that differentiate them from the public district?
Private schools in Casey, such as St. Mary and St. Patrick, differentiate themselves through a strong integration of faith-based values and character education into the daily curriculum. Academically, they often feature small class sizes (frequently 15:1 or lower) allowing for highly individualized attention. While extracurricular offerings are more limited than in a large urban private school, they focus on core activities like academic bowls, spelling bees, and community service projects rooted in the local area. Their distinct advantage is providing a consistent moral framework and close-knit community environment that is characteristic of small-town Illinois life.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for St. Mary or St. Patrick School in Casey?
The enrollment process for Casey's private schools usually begins in early spring (January-March) for the following academic year. Both St. Mary and St. Patrick prioritize enrollment for children of active parishioners, with open enrollment for other community members thereafter if space allows. The process typically involves submitting an application, providing birth and baptismal certificates (if applicable), recent academic records, and possibly a family interview. Given the small size of these schools, spaces can fill quickly, especially in lower grades, so initiating contact by February is highly recommended. Some grades may have waiting lists.
For a family in Casey, what are the key practical considerations when choosing between the local public school (Casey-Westfield CUSD 4C) and a private school?
The key considerations are educational philosophy, cost, and logistics. The public school district (Casey-Westfield) offers a comprehensive K-12 pathway in one system, with broader extracurricular options, including agriculture programs and sports, at no direct tuition cost. The private schools offer a faith-based education with very small class sizes and a specific moral focus, but require tuition and do not provide a high school, necessitating a transition after 8th grade. Transportation is also a factor; the public district provides busing, while private school families often must arrange their own. For many Casey families, the decision centers on the value of a religious foundation versus the continuity and cost-savings of the public system.
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