The Best Private Schools in Chicago Heights, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Chicago Heights. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Infant Jesus of Prague School
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago
Located in nearby Flossmoor, Infant Jesus of Prague School serves families throughout the Chicago Heights area with a comprehensive Catholic education from preschool through 8th grade. The school features a strong academic foundation with integrated technology, Spanish language instruction starting in preschool, and a dedicated STEM lab. The school community emphasizes faith formation, academic excellence, and character development. Facilities include modern classrooms, a STEM innovation lab, and extensive playground areas. The school maintains small class sizes and has an excellent track record of preparing students for top Catholic high schools in the region.
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Marian Catholic High School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Joliet
Marian Catholic High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school serving Chicago Heights and the surrounding Southland region. Founded by the Sisters of the Holy Cross, the school offers a rigorous academic program with 21 Advanced Placement courses and a comprehensive STEM Academy. The 40-acre campus features modern science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. With a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, Marian Catholic emphasizes individual attention and character development while maintaining strong college placement records with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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Providence Catholic High School
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
Providence Catholic High School, while located in New Lenox, serves students from Chicago Heights and throughout the Southland region as one of the area's most respected Catholic college preparatory schools. The school offers both traditional college prep and International Baccalaureate programs, providing students with multiple pathways to academic success. With a comprehensive athletic program and over 50 clubs and activities, Providence emphasizes holistic student development. The campus features state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. The school has a long tradition of academic excellence and strong community values, preparing students for success in college and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Chicago Heights, Illinois
What are the primary types of private schools available to families in Chicago Heights, Illinois, and how do they differ?
Chicago Heights offers a mix of private school options, primarily centered on faith-based institutions. The top schools include Marian Catholic High School (co-ed, Dominican Catholic), Providence Catholic High School (co-ed, Catholic, located in nearby New Lenox but serving the area), and Infant Jesus of Prague School (pre-K through 8, Catholic). The key difference lies in grade levels served: Marian and Providence are comprehensive high schools, while Infant Jesus of Prague is an elementary/middle school feeder. There are fewer secular private school options directly within Chicago Heights, making the Catholic school network a dominant feature of the local private education landscape.
What is the typical tuition range for private high schools in the Chicago Heights, IL area, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition for private high schools serving Chicago Heights families varies. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Marian Catholic High School's tuition is approximately $13,900, while Providence Catholic High School's is around $14,800. Both schools, along with many Illinois private schools, offer substantial financial aid through need-based grants, diocesan assistance, and endowed scholarships. Critically, Illinois has the Invest in Kids Act, which provides tax credit scholarships for eligible families, offering significant tuition relief. It's essential to apply for financial aid simultaneously with admission, as these funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
How do the specialized academic and extracurricular programs at Chicago Heights-area private schools, like Marian Catholic, compare to larger city schools?
While smaller than some Chicago city schools, private schools in the Chicago Heights area offer robust, specialized programs with a community-focused feel. Marian Catholic High School, for instance, is renowned for its nationally recognized Spartan Speech Team and a strong STEM curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement (AP) offerings. Providence Catholic is known for its engineering and business academies. These schools leverage their size to provide personalized college counseling and high participation rates in athletics and arts, often competing at the state level. They provide a "comprehensive" private school experience without the ultra-competitive admissions pressure of some top Chicago institutions.
What is the enrollment process and timeline for private schools like Infant Jesus of Prague and Marian Catholic in Chicago Heights, IL?
The enrollment process for Chicago Heights private schools typically begins in the fall prior to the desired enrollment year. For elementary schools like Infant Jesus of Prague, open houses start as early as October, with applications due by January/February for priority consideration. For high schools like Marian Catholic, the process includes taking a placement exam (usually in January), submitting an application, and providing records and recommendations. Admissions decisions for high schools are often released in February. Importantly, many families from Infant Jesus of Prague feed directly into Marian or Providence, so understanding that pipeline and its deadlines is crucial for a seamless transition.
For a family considering Chicago Heights School District 170 public schools versus local private options, what are the key decision factors specific to this community?
The decision in Chicago Heights often hinges on curriculum focus, class size, and religious education. District 170 public schools are tuition-free and offer general education programs. In contrast, private schools like Infant Jesus of Prague and Marian Catholic provide a structured, faith-based environment with a consistent curriculum from elementary through high school. Class sizes in private schools are typically smaller. A major practical factor is the Illinois Tax Credit Scholarship program, which can make private school tuition more accessible. Additionally, the perceived stability and college preparatory focus of the established private high schools are significant draws for families seeking an alternative to the local public high school, Bloom Trail High School.
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