The Best Private Schools in Chebanse, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Chebanse. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Bishop McNamara Catholic School
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
Bishop McNamara Catholic School is a highly-regarded PK-12 Catholic institution serving the greater Kankakee County area, including Chebanse. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with advanced placement courses, strong STEM programs, and competitive athletic teams. With modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes, the school provides a well-rounded education. Parent satisfaction is high due to small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and strong community values. The school has a proven track record of college acceptance and student success.
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Provena Sacred Heart School
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
Provena Sacred Heart School serves students from preschool through 8th grade and is a popular choice for families in Chebanse and surrounding communities. The school emphasizes faith formation alongside academic excellence, with strong technology integration across all grade levels. The campus features modern classrooms, a dedicated STEM lab, and extensive playground facilities. Parents consistently praise the caring environment, experienced teachers, and comprehensive extracurricular programs including sports, music, and community service opportunities.
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St. George Catholic School
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
St. George Catholic School provides a classical education model for students in preschool through 8th grade, serving families throughout Kankakee County including Chebanse. The school focuses on developing well-rounded students through a rigorous academic program combined with strong emphasis on character development and Catholic values. Facilities include updated classrooms, a dedicated art studio, music room, and outdoor learning spaces. The school is known for its strong parent community, experienced faculty, and excellent preparation for high school.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Chebanse, Illinois
What are the private school options available for families living in or near Chebanse, Illinois?
Chebanse itself is a small village, so most private school options are located in nearby communities and are faith-based. The primary options include Bishop McNamara Catholic School (a K-12 campus in Kankakee, about 15 miles away), Provena Sacred Heart School (K-8 in Kankakee), and St. George Catholic School (Pre-K-8 in Bourbonnais, approx. 12 miles away). These schools typically serve families from Chebanse and the wider Kankakee County area. There are no large independent private day or boarding schools within Chebanse proper, so transportation to neighboring towns is a key consideration for local parents.
How does tuition at Catholic schools near Chebanse, IL, compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Illinois?
Tuition for the Catholic schools serving Chebanse families varies. For the 2024-2025 school year, expect a range of approximately $4,000 to $7,000 per child for parishioners, with higher rates for non-parishioners. Bishop McNamara High School tuition is higher, typically ranging from $9,000 to $11,000. A critical financial aid resource specific to Illinois is the "Invest in Kids Act" Tax Credit Scholarship Program. While funding is limited and application-based, it provides need-based scholarships for eligible families to use at qualified private schools, including the Catholic schools in the area. Additionally, all schools offer parish subsidies, multi-child discounts, and need-based financial aid through the school itself.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving Chebanse students offer?
Schools in this area blend strong core academics with faith formation and character development. A notable program is Bishop McNamara's "1:1 Technology Initiative" in its high school and its college-preparatory curriculum with numerous Advanced Placement (AP) courses. At the elementary level, schools like St. George and Provena Sacred Heart often feature specialized STEM labs, art programs, and strong music education. Given the rural and small-town context of Chebanse, these schools provide a close-knit community environment where students often have opportunities for leadership, participation in statewide academic contests (like the Illinois Junior Academy of Science), and athletics through the East Suburban Catholic Conference (for Bishop McNamara).
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Chebanse, IL, area?
The enrollment process for the Catholic schools near Chebanse generally begins in January or February for the following academic year. It's highly recommended to attend open houses, which are typically held in the fall and winter. The process involves submitting an application, providing sacramental and academic records (for transfer students), and often a family interview or student assessment. Priority is usually given to siblings of current students and active parishioners of the supporting Catholic churches. Given the limited seats, especially in popular grades, families from Chebanse are advised to start the process early and make direct contact with the admissions office of their chosen school in Kankakee or Bourbonnais.
For a family in Chebanse, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school in a neighboring town?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. The Chebanse community is served by the Central CUSD 4 public school district. Choosing a private school like Bishop McNamara or St. George means committing to a daily commute to Kankakee or Bourbonnais (15-20 minutes), which impacts transportation logistics and costs. Academically, private options offer a consistent faith-based environment from kindergarten through 12th grade (at Bishop McNamara), whereas public students may transition between different district buildings. Extracurricularly, the private high school offers competitive sports conferences that may differ from the public school's athletic affiliations. Financially, families must weigh tuition costs against the tax-supported public system. The community atmosphere is also distinct; the private schools foster a close, values-based community that can extend beyond Chebanse, while the public school provides a hyper-local community experience.
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