The Best Private Schools in Chrisman, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Chrisman. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Judah Christian School
Independent Christian School
Judah Christian School is a highly-rated independent Christian school that serves families throughout East Central Illinois, including Chrisman area residents willing to commute for exceptional education. The school offers comprehensive college preparatory programs with Advanced Placement courses, strong STEM curriculum, and extensive fine arts opportunities. The 40-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complexes. With a strong track record of college acceptance and dedicated faculty, Judah Christian provides both academic excellence and character development within a Christian worldview.
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Schlarman Academy
Diocese of Peoria Catholic Schools
Schlarman Academy is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving the Chrisman area and broader Vermilion County region. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and competitive athletics. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Schlarman provides personalized attention and strong moral formation. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes. The school has a proven track record of college acceptance and student success.
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St. Mary's School
Diocese of Peoria Catholic Schools
St. Mary's School in Paris serves families throughout Edgar County, including Chrisman residents seeking quality Catholic education. The school provides comprehensive elementary education with strong emphasis on core academics, faith formation, and character development. Features include modern technology integration, music and arts programs, and a supportive community environment. The school maintains small class sizes and experienced teachers who provide individualized instruction. Parent satisfaction is high with the school's family-oriented atmosphere and strong academic foundation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Chrisman, Illinois
What are the private school options for families living in or near Chrisman, Illinois?
Chrisman itself is a small rural community, so most private school options are located in nearby cities. The closest and most prominent are Schlarman Academy (a Catholic PK-12 school in Danville, about 20 miles away), St. Mary's School (a Catholic elementary school in Paris, about 15 miles away), and Judah Christian School (a non-denominational Christian PK-12 school in Champaign, about 45 miles away). For Chrisman residents, choosing a private school typically involves a commute, making transportation and daily logistics important factors. Some families may also consider smaller church-affiliated preschools or academies in surrounding towns like Georgetown or Marshall.
How does tuition at private schools serving Chrisman, IL, compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Illinois?
Tuition varies significantly based on the school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Schlarman Academy's high school tuition is approximately $7,000-$8,000, while elementary grades are lower. St. Mary's School in Paris is generally less, often in the $4,000-$5,000 range for parishioners. Judah Christian School, being in a larger market, has higher tuition, often exceeding $10,000. A key financial consideration for Illinois families is the "Invest in Kids Act" tax credit scholarship program, which provides need-based scholarships funded by donations from Illinois taxpayers. Availability can vary by school and year, so it's crucial to inquire directly with each school's financial office about aid, parish subsidies, and multi-child discounts.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools accessible from Chrisman offer?
Schools in this region often emphasize programs that leverage their identities and the local context. Schlarman Academy offers a strong college-prep curriculum with notable theology courses and access to Danville Area Community College for dual credit. Its smaller size allows for individualized attention. St. Mary's School focuses on a faith-based foundation with integrated technology. Judah Christian School, being larger, offers a wider array of extracurriculars, including competitive athletics and fine arts. For Chrisman families interested in agriculture, some area private schools may have FFA chapters or related science programs, though this is more common in public schools. It's important to visit and ask about specific program strengths that align with your child's interests.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Chrisman, IL, area?
Enrollment timelines for schools like Schlarman Academy, St. Mary's, and Judah Christian generally begin in January or February for the following fall, with priority often given to current families and parish members. For Chrisman residents, it's advisable to start the process early—even a year in advance—due to limited seats and the need to plan for transportation. The process typically involves submitting an application, providing academic records, a family interview, and possibly an entrance assessment. Some schools host open houses in the fall. Given the commuting distance, securing a spot early is crucial for coordinating carpools or bus routes (if offered from central pickup points).
How do the private school options compare to the public school experience for a child from Chrisman, Illinois?
Chrisman students are served by the Chrisman-Scottland Unit School District, a small, close-knit public K-12 system. The primary differences with nearby private options involve class size, religious education, and program breadth. Chrisman public schools offer the convenience of no tuition and a local community feel, with typical public school extracurriculars. Private schools like Schlarman or Judah Christian offer smaller average class sizes, a specific religious worldview integrated into the curriculum, and often a different peer group drawn from a wider geographic area. The trade-off for Chrisman families is the daily commute versus the local walkability of the public school. The decision often hinges on the value a family places on faith-based education and individualized attention versus the community integration and convenience of the local public system.
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