The Best Private Schools in Concord, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Concord. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Peoria Academy
Independent
Peoria Academy is a highly-regarded independent school serving central Illinois with an International Baccalaureate curriculum from preschool through 8th grade. The school emphasizes inquiry-based learning, global perspectives, and personalized education. With small class sizes averaging 15 students, dedicated faculty, and comprehensive arts and STEM programs, the school maintains exceptional academic standards. The 25-acre campus features modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. Families from Concord and surrounding communities choose Peoria Academy for its rigorous academics, inclusive community, and strong college preparatory foundation.
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Peoria Notre Dame High School
Catholic Diocese of Peoria
Peoria Notre Dame is a comprehensive Catholic high school serving students from multiple counties including Mason County where Concord is located. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with 18 Advanced Placement courses, extensive STEM programs, and competitive athletic teams. With a student-teacher ratio of 14:1 and a commitment to faith-based education, PND provides a supportive environment for academic and personal growth. The campus features modern science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. The school has a strong tradition of academic excellence and community service.
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The Cathedral School
Catholic Diocese of Springfield
The Cathedral School in Springfield serves families throughout central Illinois with a classical Catholic education rooted in tradition and academic excellence. Serving students from preschool through 8th grade, the school offers a comprehensive curriculum emphasizing core academics, faith formation, and character development. The historic campus features modernized classrooms, science lab, library, and gymnasium. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school maintains strong academic outcomes and prepares students for success in high school and beyond. Families from Concord and surrounding areas appreciate the school's strong community, values-based education, and rigorous academic program.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Concord, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Concord, Illinois?
Concord itself is a small village, so families typically look to nearby communities for private education. The top schools in the broader Peoria area include Peoria Academy (PreK-8, independent), Peoria Notre Dame High School (9-12, Catholic), and The Cathedral School (PreK-8, Catholic). For Concord residents, this means a commute to Peoria is generally required. It's important to research each school's specific mission, with Peoria Academy offering a secular, International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, while the Catholic schools provide faith-based education. Transportation is a key logistical consideration for Concord families.
How does tuition for private schools in the Concord/Peoria area compare, and what financial aid options are available through Illinois state programs?
Tuition varies significantly. For the 2024-25 academic year, Peoria Academy's tuition ranges approximately from $10,000 for lower grades to $13,000 for middle school. Peoria Notre Dame High School tuition is around $10,000-$11,000, with lower rates for parishioners. The Cathedral School is typically less, often around $5,000-$7,000. Beyond school-specific aid and scholarships, Illinois offers the **Invest in Kids Act Tax Credit Scholarship Program**, which provides need-based scholarships funded by donations from individuals and businesses who receive a state tax credit. This can be a crucial resource for qualifying Concord families to make private school more accessible.
What unique academic programs or specializations do private schools near Concord, IL, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools in the Peoria area serving Concord students offer distinct curricular strengths. **Peoria Academy** is the only school in central Illinois authorized for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme, emphasizing inquiry-based, global learning. **Peoria Notre Dame High School** offers a robust college-prep curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement (AP) courses, renowned arts programs, and a wide array of extracurriculars and sports, often rivaling larger public schools. **The Cathedral School** provides a strong foundational education integrated with Catholic values and character development. These specialized approaches offer alternatives to the curriculum of the Olympia CUSD 16 public school district that serves Concord.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Peoria Academy or Peoria Notre Dame for a family from Concord?
The process is competitive and requires early planning. Most schools have admissions seasons that begin in the fall prior to the desired enrollment year (e.g., apply in Fall 2024 for the 2025-26 school year). Key steps include: 1) Attending open houses (often held in October-November), 2) Submitting an application by January or February deadlines, 3) Providing transcripts and teacher recommendations, 4) Completing a student assessment or shadow day, and 5) Applying for financial aid simultaneously. For high school, placement exams are common. Concord families must factor in application timelines for multiple schools and be prepared for potential waitlists, especially in popular grade levels.
For a family in Concord, what are the major considerations when choosing between the local Olympia School District public schools and a private school in Peoria?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. **Logistics & Community:** The daily commute to Peoria (20-30+ minutes) for private school versus local busing to Olympia schools in Stanford or Danvers is a major practical consideration. This affects extracurricular participation and community connection. **Educational Approach:** Olympia provides a comprehensive, tuition-free K-12 system within the community. Private options offer specific pedagogies (like IB at Peoria Academy) or faith-based education. **Cost:** Weighing the significant financial investment of private tuition against the tax-supported public system is paramount. **Class Size & Offerings:** Private schools often boast smaller class sizes, while Olympia High School may offer a wider variety of certain sports or vocational programs due to its larger student body. Visiting both types of schools is essential for Concord parents.
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