The Best Private Schools in Claremont, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Claremont. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Joseph Catholic School
Diocese of Belleville Catholic Schools
St. Joseph Catholic School in nearby Olney (approximately 12 miles from Claremont) is a highly-regarded PreK-8 institution offering a comprehensive Catholic education with strong academic foundations. The school features small class sizes, dedicated certified teachers, and a well-rounded curriculum that includes religion, advanced mathematics, language arts, and science. Facilities include modern classrooms, a library, computer lab, and gymnasium. The school emphasizes character development and community service while offering extracurricular activities including sports, music, and academic competitions. Parent satisfaction is exceptionally high with praise for the nurturing environment and academic preparation.
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St. John the Baptist School
Diocese of Belleville Catholic Schools
Located in Mount Carmel (approximately 25 miles from Claremont), St. John the Baptist School serves students from Pre-K through 8th grade with a strong tradition of academic excellence and faith formation. The school offers a rigorous curriculum aligned with Illinois learning standards, enhanced by technology integration and specialized instruction in music, art, and physical education. Facilities include smart classrooms, a science lab, library, and gymnasium. The school community is known for its family atmosphere and strong parent involvement, with graduates consistently well-prepared for high school academics. Extracurricular offerings include basketball, volleyball, cheerleading, and various academic clubs.
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St. Stephen School
Diocese of Belleville Catholic Schools
St. Stephen School in Flora (approximately 30 miles from Claremont) provides a comprehensive Catholic education for students in Pre-K through 8th grade. The school focuses on developing the whole child through academic excellence, spiritual formation, and character development. The curriculum includes strong emphasis on reading, mathematics, and religious education, supplemented by technology integration and special classes in music, art, and physical education. The school features modern facilities with updated technology resources and maintains small class sizes for individualized attention. Parent reviews consistently highlight the caring faculty, strong community atmosphere, and excellent academic preparation for high school.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Claremont, Illinois
What are the private school options for K-8 education in Claremont, Illinois, and are there any high school options locally?
Claremont, IL, is served by three Catholic elementary/middle schools: St. Joseph Catholic School, St. John the Baptist School, and St. Stephen School. These schools typically cover grades Pre-K through 8. For high school, there are no private secondary schools physically located within Claremont itself. Families generally look at Catholic or independent high schools in larger nearby communities such as Effingham, Olney, or Vincennes, IN, which may involve a commute. This makes the transition from 8th grade a key planning point for Claremont families committed to private education.
How does tuition at Claremont's private schools compare to the Illinois state average, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition at Claremont's parish-based schools is typically below the Illinois state average for private elementary schools, often ranging from $3,000 to $5,500 per year for parishioners, with a higher rate for non-parishioners. This is influenced by the lower cost of living in rural Southern Illinois. Financial support is primarily managed through the individual parishes, which may offer scholarships, multi-child discounts, and parish subsidy programs for active members. Additionally, Illinois' Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which allows donors to fund scholarships in return for a state tax credit, is a crucial resource for eligible families across the state, including those in Claremont.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools in Claremont, IL, offer given their small, faith-based setting?
The private schools in Claremont leverage their close-knit, parish-community environment to offer distinctive programs. A strong emphasis on faith formation and character education is integrated throughout the curriculum. Academically, they often feature multi-age classrooms or combined grades, which can promote leadership and peer mentoring. Given the rural setting, schools may participate in unique agricultural or environmental science projects. Extracurriculars are often community-focused, such as service projects, parish choir, and local academic competitions through the Diocese of Springfield. Sports are frequently organized through cooperative agreements with other small schools or the local public district.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for St. Joseph, St. John the Baptist, or St. Stephen Schools in Claremont?
The enrollment process for these schools usually begins in early spring (January-March) for the following academic year. It is highly recommended to contact the specific parish office or school directly, as timelines can vary. The process typically involves submitting an application, providing baptismal records (for Catholic families), previous academic records, and often a family interview or meeting with the pastor/principal. Priority is generally given to active parishioners of the supporting church and siblings of current students. Due to the small size of these schools, spaces can be limited, so initiating contact well before the summer is advised.
For families new to the area, what are the key considerations when choosing between Claremont's private schools and the local public school district?
The decision hinges on several Claremont-specific factors. Academically, the private schools offer small class sizes (often 15 students or fewer) and a faith-based curriculum, while the public school, likely part of a consolidated unit district, may offer a broader range of elective courses, especially at the higher grade levels. Socially, the private schools provide a tight-knit community centered on shared values, whereas the public school may offer a more diverse peer group from a wider geographic area. Logistically, the private schools are tuition-based and may require parish involvement, while the public school is tax-funded. Transportation can also be a factor, as private schools in Illinois are not required to provide bus service, whereas public schools do.