The Best Private Schools in Clare, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Clare. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Holy Cross School
Diocese of Springfield in Illinois
Holy Cross School is a highly-regarded Catholic elementary school located approximately 15 miles from Clare in Robinson, Illinois. Serving students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade, the school offers a comprehensive curriculum that integrates faith formation with academic excellence. The school features modern classrooms, dedicated faculty with an average of 15+ years teaching experience, and a strong emphasis on character development. Extracurricular programs include athletics, music, art, and community service opportunities. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, small class sizes, and strong academic preparation for high school.
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St. Patrick School
Diocese of Springfield in Illinois
St. Patrick School serves the Robinson area and surrounding communities including Clare, providing Catholic education from pre-K through 8th grade. The school is known for its strong academic foundation, with students consistently testing above national averages in core subjects. Facilities include a modern library, computer lab, and gymnasium. The school offers a well-rounded education with emphasis on spiritual growth, academic achievement, and personal development. Parent reviews highlight the dedicated teaching staff, safe learning environment, and strong sense of community. Transportation options are available for students from surrounding areas.
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Flaget Elementary School
Diocese of Evansville
Located approximately 35 miles from Clare in Vincennes, Indiana, Flaget Elementary School serves students from multiple communities across the Illinois-Indiana border. The school provides a comprehensive Catholic education for grades K-8 with a focus on academic excellence and faith formation. The curriculum includes advanced technology integration, with interactive whiteboards in every classroom and a 1:1 device program for upper grades. Special programs include music, art, physical education, and various extracurricular activities. Parents appreciate the school's strong communication, individualized attention, and commitment to developing well-rounded students prepared for high school success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Clare, Illinois
What are the private school options for K-8 education in Clare, Illinois, and what are their religious affiliations?
Clare, Illinois, is served by three primary private elementary/middle schools, all with Catholic affiliations. **Holy Cross School** and **St. Patrick School** are parish-based schools. **Flaget Elementary School**, while also Catholic, is notable for being part of the Diocese of Joliet's school system. These schools provide the main private education infrastructure in the area, offering a faith-based curriculum alongside core academic subjects. For high school, families typically look at private options in nearby larger communities like Joliet or Kankakee, as Clare itself does not host a private high school.
How does tuition at Clare, IL private schools compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition at Clare's Catholic schools (Holy Cross, St. Patrick, Flaget) is generally below the Illinois state average for private elementary schools, reflecting the area's community-focused and parish-subsidized model. For the 2023-2024 academic year, typical tuition ranges from $3,500 to $5,500 per child, with significant discounts for parish members and multiple children. Financial aid is primarily accessed through the **Diocese of Joliet's Angel Scholarship program** and individual parish assistance. Additionally, Illinois' **Invest in Kids Act** tax credit scholarship program can provide need-based scholarships, though availability is subject to state funding levels.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in Clare, Illinois, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Clare's private schools emphasize a faith-integrated curriculum, with daily religion classes and service projects being a cornerstone. Academically, they often feature **multi-age classrooms** and **smaller student-to-teacher ratios** than the local public district, allowing for more individualized instruction. While limited by size, common extracurriculars include seasonal sports (often through parish athletic associations), academic bowls, and music programs. A key differentiator is the strong community and family involvement fostered through parish events, which is a defining characteristic of the educational experience in Clare's private schools.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for families new to the Clare, Illinois area looking to join a private school mid-year?
For Clare's private schools, enrollment is typically handled on a rolling basis, with priority given to active parish families. The formal enrollment period for the next academic year usually opens in January. However, for mid-year transfers, parents should **contact the school office directly** at Holy Cross, St. Patrick, or Flaget. The process involves submitting an application, recent academic records, a birth certificate, baptismal certificate (if applicable), and often a meeting with the principal. Given the small size of these schools, mid-year enrollment is contingent on space availability in the specific grade, so immediate contact is recommended.
For families considering the choice, what are the practical pros and cons of private versus public schools in Clare, Illinois?
The decision in Clare hinges on specific family values and logistics. **Private school pros** include a consistent faith-based environment, small class sizes, and a tight-knit community centered on the parish. **Cons** involve tuition costs, limited on-site extracurricular facilities (often relying on shared parish spaces), and the need to commute for higher grades. **Public school pros** for Clare residents include no tuition, access to broader district resources, and a comprehensive K-12 pathway within the **Central Community Unit School District 301**. A significant practical con for public schools can be longer bus rides, as the district covers a large geographic area. Ultimately, the choice often comes down to the priority placed on religious education versus the financial and programmatic scale of the public system.