The Best Private Schools in Cortland, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Cortland. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Westminster Christian School
Independent Christian School
Westminster Christian School is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving the broader northern Illinois region, including Cortland area families. Established in 1976, the school offers a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum with strong emphasis on academic excellence and character development. The campus features modern STEM labs, performing arts facilities, and athletic complexes. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 12:1 and offers extensive extracurricular programs including competitive sports, robotics, and fine arts. Parent reviews consistently praise the rigorous academics, supportive community environment, and strong college placement record.
Programs:
St. Mary School
Catholic Diocese of Rockford
St. Mary School in DeKalb is one of the oldest and most established private schools serving the Cortland area, with a history dating back to 1861. The school provides a faith-based education with strong academic foundations, featuring technology-integrated classrooms and advanced mathematics programs. The school serves students from preschool through 8th grade and is known for its tight-knit community atmosphere and dedicated faculty. Facilities include modern classrooms, a STEM lab, and gymnasium. Parents consistently rate the school highly for its academic rigor, safe environment, and strong moral foundation that prepares students for high school success.
Programs:
St. Mary School
Catholic Diocese of Rockford
St. Mary School in Sycamore is another highly-rated Catholic school serving families in the Cortland region. Founded in 1858, the school has a long tradition of academic excellence within a faith-based environment. The curriculum emphasizes strong foundational skills in reading and mathematics, with specialized intervention programs to support diverse learning needs. The school features updated technology resources, music and art programs, and before/after school care. Parent reviews highlight the caring teachers, strong community involvement, and comprehensive education that effectively prepares students for their transition to local high schools. The school maintains an active parent-teacher organization and numerous family engagement opportunities.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Cortland, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available specifically within Cortland, Illinois, and what are their educational affiliations?
Within the village of Cortland itself, the primary private school option is St. Mary School, a Catholic institution serving grades Pre-K through 8. For families seeking a Protestant Christian education, Westminster Christian School, located just a few miles away in Elgin, is a common choice for Cortland residents, offering a K-12 program. It's important to note that Cortland is a small village, so many families also consider private schools in the broader DeKalb County and Kane County regions, including those in nearby Sycamore or DeKalb. The availability is limited within the immediate village boundaries, making transportation a key consideration.
How does the tuition for private schools like St. Mary School in Cortland compare to state averages, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition at St. Mary School in Cortland is typically below the Illinois state average for private elementary schools. For the 2023-2024 academic year, parishioner tuition was approximately $4,000-$5,000, while non-parishioner rates were higher. This is favorable compared to the state average, which often exceeds $6,000 for elementary grades. Illinois offers the Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which allows donors to receive a state tax credit for contributions to scholarship-granting organizations, thereby providing need-based financial aid to eligible families at qualified schools like St. Mary's. Additionally, the Illinois Invest in Kids Act supports these scholarships, making private education more accessible for Cortland families who qualify.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Cortland-area private schools offer that leverage the local community?
St. Mary School in Cortland integrates its Catholic identity with a standard core curriculum and often emphasizes community service projects within the village and surrounding DeKalb County. Given Cortland's proximity to agricultural areas and Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, some private schools in the region may foster partnerships for science or agriculture-related learning. While specific advanced STEM or language immersion programs are more common in larger metropolitan private schools, the Cortland-area schools focus on strong foundational academics, character education, and often have smaller class sizes that allow for individualized attention, which is a notable benefit in a tight-knit community setting.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for St. Mary School in Cortland, and are there considerations for families moving into the area?
St. Mary School in Cortland generally begins its enrollment period for the following academic year in January or February, with priority often given to existing families and registered parishioners of St. Mary Catholic Church. The process typically involves submitting an application, providing birth and baptismal certificates, academic records, and possibly a family interview. For families moving to Cortland outside this window, it is recommended to contact the school office directly, as mid-year enrollment may be possible depending on class sizes. Given the school's small size, spaces can be limited, so early inquiry is advised, especially for non-parishioners.
For Cortland residents, what are the key factors when deciding between the local public school (Cortland Elementary, part of DeKalb CUSD 428) and a private school like St. Mary?
The decision often hinges on several location-specific factors. Cortland Elementary is a public school with no tuition, funded by local property taxes, and offers a standard curriculum aligned with Illinois state standards. Choosing St. Mary School involves tuition but provides a faith-based education environment, typically with smaller class sizes. For Cortland families, transportation is a practical difference; the public district provides busing, while private school families usually arrange their own transportation. Additionally, the continuity of education is a consideration: Cortland Elementary feeds into public middle and high schools in DeKalb, whereas St. Mary School ends at 8th grade, requiring a transition to a private high school (like Westminster Christian) or the public system later on.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities