The Best Private Schools in Champaign, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Champaign. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Countryside School
Independent
Countryside School is a highly respected independent Montessori school serving students from preschool through 8th grade. Founded in 1975, the school has built a strong reputation for its child-centered approach that emphasizes hands-on learning, individualized instruction, and development of the whole child. The campus features modern classrooms, extensive outdoor learning spaces, and specialized areas for art, music, and physical education. Parents consistently praise the dedicated teachers, inclusive community, and the school's success in preparing students academically and socially for high school and beyond.
Programs:
The High School of Saint Thomas More
Roman Catholic Diocese of Peoria
Saint Thomas More is a comprehensive Catholic college preparatory high school serving the Champaign-Urbana area. Established in 1999, the school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with Advanced Placement courses, strong STEM programs, and comprehensive fine arts offerings. The 40-acre campus features state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts spaces, athletic facilities, and technology-enhanced classrooms. The school emphasizes character development and service learning alongside academic excellence, with a 100% college acceptance rate and strong parent satisfaction ratings for its supportive community and quality education.
Programs:
Judah Christian School
Independent Christian
Judah Christian School is a well-established private Christian school serving students from preschool through 12th grade. Founded in 1980, the school provides a comprehensive education that integrates faith and learning within a college preparatory framework. The curriculum includes honors and Advanced Placement courses, robust fine arts programs, and competitive athletics. The school campus features modern academic buildings, science laboratories, art studios, and athletic facilities. Parents appreciate the small class sizes, committed faculty, and the school's focus on developing students academically, spiritually, and socially within a nurturing Christian environment.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Champaign, Illinois
What are the primary types of private school options available to families in Champaign, Illinois?
Champaign offers a diverse range of private school models to fit different educational philosophies. Your main options include independent, non-religious schools like Countryside School, which follows a progressive, project-based curriculum. There are also faith-based institutions, such as the Catholic diocesan college-prep The High School of Saint Thomas More and the interdenominational Judah Christian School, which integrates a biblical worldview. Additionally, Champaign is home to smaller parochial elementary schools and Montessori options. This variety allows Champaign-Urbana parents to choose a school that aligns closely with their academic goals and family values.
How does tuition for private schools in Champaign, IL, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are locally available?
Tuition in Champaign is generally competitive with or slightly below the Illinois private school average, reflecting the area's cost of living. For the 2024-25 academic year, K-8 tuition ranges from approximately $8,000 to $12,000, while high school can be $10,000 to $14,000. All major Champaign private schools offer need-based financial aid, and Illinois state programs provide critical support. Notably, the Invest in Kids Act Tax Credit Scholarship Program can significantly reduce costs for eligible families, and many local schools have dedicated staff to help parents navigate applying for these state and institutional aid opportunities.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in Champaign that leverage local resources?
Champaign private schools excel at utilizing the resources of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the local tech community. Many, like Saint Thomas More and Countryside, have robust STEM partnerships, offering coding classes, robotics teams, and guest lectures from university professors. Judah Christian School emphasizes agricultural science, tapping into the region's farming heritage. Furthermore, schools often provide dual-credit or advanced placement courses through partnerships with Parkland College and the University of Illinois. Unique extracurriculars can include state-level academic competitions, specialized music programs, and community service initiatives tied to local Champaign-Urbana nonprofits.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Champaign, and are there waiting lists?
The enrollment process for Champaign private schools typically begins in the fall, with open houses held from October through January. Application deadlines for the following academic year are often in February or March. Due to the limited seats, especially in popular early childhood and kindergarten programs at schools like Countryside, it is advisable to apply early. Most schools require an application form, student records, teacher recommendations, and a family interview or student assessment. Waiting lists are common for certain grades, so contacting schools a full year in advance is a recommended strategy for Champaign parents.
For families considering both options, what are some key distinctions between the Champaign Unit 4 public schools and the local private school landscape?
The key distinctions lie in class size, curricular focus, and community environment. Champaign Unit 4 public schools offer extensive diversity, specialized magnet programs (e.g., International Baccalaureate at Central High School), and a wide array of extracurriculars due to their larger size. In contrast, Champaign's private schools provide smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students), a specific educational philosophy or religious foundation, and a consistent community from kindergarten through 12th grade at some institutions. Private schools may offer more tailored student support but require tuition. The choice often hinges on whether a family prioritizes a specific value-based environment and teaching approach or the breadth and no-tuition model of the public system.