The Best Private Schools in Clarendon Hills, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Clarendon Hills. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Benet Academy
St. Procopius Abbey
Benet Academy is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory high school serving Clarendon Hills and surrounding western suburbs. Founded by the Benedictine monks of St. Procopius Abbey, the school offers a rigorous academic program with 26 Advanced Placement courses and consistently high college placement rates. The 57-acre campus features state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. Benet maintains a strong tradition of academic excellence, with graduates regularly attending top-tier universities. The school emphasizes character development and community service alongside academic achievement.
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The Lane School
Independent
The Lane School is a highly-rated elementary school in nearby Hinsdale that serves families from Clarendon Hills and surrounding communities. As part of the acclaimed Hinsdale District 181, Lane offers a comprehensive elementary education with strong emphasis on both academic fundamentals and innovative learning approaches. The school features modern classrooms, dedicated art and music spaces, and extensive technology integration. Lane's curriculum includes advanced mathematics, literacy programs, and hands-on science instruction, complemented by robust extracurricular offerings including athletics, clubs, and community service opportunities.
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Notre Dame Parish School
Archdiocese of Chicago
Notre Dame Parish School is Clarendon Hills' local Catholic elementary school providing education from preschool through 8th grade. The school offers a faith-based education integrated with rigorous academics through their STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) curriculum. Recent campus improvements include updated technology labs, renovated classrooms, and enhanced security systems. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes character development while preparing students for success at top area high schools. Extracurricular programs include competitive sports teams, choir, band, and various academic clubs serving the local Clarendon Hills community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Clarendon Hills, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available to families residing in Clarendon Hills, Illinois, and what are their educational models?
Clarendon Hills itself is home to Notre Dame Parish School, a Catholic elementary school (Pre-K through 8th grade) serving the local parish community. Just outside the village limits, two other highly regarded institutions serve Clarendon Hills families. Benet Academy in nearby Lisle is a private, co-educational Catholic college preparatory high school (9-12) operated by the Benedictine monks of St. Procopius Abbey. The Lane School in Hinsdale is a private, independent elementary school (Pre-K through 5th grade) known for its progressive, child-centered approach. This gives Clarendon Hills parents a clear pathway from parish-based elementary to independent elementary to Catholic college-prep high school.
How does the tuition for private schools serving Clarendon Hills, IL, compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Notre Dame Parish School tuition is approximately $7,000-$8,000 for parishioners, with higher rates for non-parishioners. The Lane School's tuition is approximately $25,000-$30,000 annually. Benet Academy's tuition is around $17,000. Illinois offers a tax-advantaged way to save for K-12 private school expenses through a 529 plan (now called Bright Start or Bright Directions). All three schools offer need-based financial aid, and Benet Academy also awards merit scholarships. It's crucial to inquire directly about application deadlines for aid, which often precede enrollment deadlines.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Notre Dame Parish School, The Lane School, and Benet Academy for Clarendon Hills residents?
Timelines are school-specific and require early planning. For fall entry, **Notre Dame Parish School** often begins its priority registration for parish families in January. **The Lane School** typically has application deadlines in the winter (January/February) for the following fall, with notifications sent in March. **Benet Academy's** application for freshman year usually opens in August, with a deadline in early December, and decisions are released in January. Many families begin touring schools 12-18 months in advance. Clarendon Hills parents should note that while residency in the village isn't a requirement for these private schools, applying early is critical due to competitive spaces, especially for non-parishioners or for entry points like Pre-K and 9th grade.
How do the academic and extracurricular offerings at Clarendon Hills' feeder private schools differ from the highly-rated public School District 181?
District 181 (which includes Clarendon Hills Middle School and feeds into Hinsdale Central High School) is consistently top-ranked in Illinois, offering a rigorous, comprehensive curriculum with extensive AP courses and athletics. The private alternatives provide distinct models: **Notre Dame** integrates Catholic faith throughout its curriculum and standardized test scores are strong. **The Lane School** emphasizes project-based learning, social-emotional development, and small class sizes without standardized testing. **Benet Academy** offers a structured college-prep environment with a required theology curriculum, nationally recognized athletics, and a defined community ethos. The choice often hinges on desired class size, religious education, pedagogical approach, and whether parents prefer a K-8 public pathway to a public high school or a private school continuum.
What are some unique logistical and community considerations for a Clarendon Hills family choosing a private school like Benet Academy or The Lane School?
A key consideration is transportation. Clarendon Hills School District 181 does not provide busing to private schools. Families must arrange carpools or utilize Benet Academy's fee-based bus service from designated stops, which may include one in or near Clarendon Hills. For The Lane School in Hinsdale, daily driving is typical. Community integration is another factor. Children attending Notre Dame or The Lane may have fewer neighborhood classmates than those in District 181, requiring more effort to connect with local peers. Conversely, Benet draws from over 50 communities, creating a wide regional network. The vibrant downtown Clarendon Hills community and its park district programs remain accessible and can help bridge social gaps for private school students.
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