The Best Private Schools in Crest Hill, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Crest Hill. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary Immaculate Parish School
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
St. Mary Immaculate Parish School is a highly-rated Catholic elementary and middle school serving families from Crest Hill and surrounding communities. With a rich history spanning over 170 years, the school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education with strong emphasis on academic fundamentals, faith formation, and character development. The campus features modern STEM laboratories, updated classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities. The school's rigorous curriculum prepares students for success at top area high schools, with particular strengths in mathematics, literacy, and technology integration throughout all grade levels.
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Providence Catholic High School
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
Providence Catholic High School is a highly-regarded coeducational Catholic institution serving the Crest Hill area and greater Will County. With over a century of educational excellence, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with 21 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and competitive athletic teams. The campus features modern science labs, performing arts facilities, and extensive athletic complexes. Known for its strong community values and academic achievement, Providence Catholic maintains a 99% college acceptance rate and emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence.
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Joliet Catholic Academy
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
Joliet Catholic Academy is a premier coeducational Catholic high school formed from the merger of two historic Joliet institutions. Located just minutes from Crest Hill, JCA offers a comprehensive college preparatory program with 18 Advanced Placement courses and extensive honors curriculum. The school is renowned for its championship athletic programs, particularly in football and wrestling, and features state-of-the-art facilities including modern classrooms, science laboratories, and athletic complexes. With a strong emphasis on faith formation and academic rigor, JCA consistently produces graduates who excel at top universities nationwide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Crest Hill, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Crest Hill, Illinois?
Crest Hill itself is a smaller suburb, so many of the top-rated private schools are located in neighboring communities within Will County. The most prominent options include Providence Catholic High School in New Lenox (grades 9-12), Joliet Catholic Academy in Joliet (grades 9-12), and St. Mary Immaculate Parish School in Plainfield (grades PreK-8). These schools serve the Crest Hill area and are common choices for local families seeking Catholic education. For younger grades, there are also several local parish-affiliated elementary schools in nearby towns. Transportation to these schools is typically a parent responsibility, which is an important logistical consideration for Crest Hill residents.
How does the tuition for private schools serving Crest Hill, IL, compare, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid options?
Tuition varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, high schools like Joliet Catholic Academy and Providence Catholic have tuition ranging from approximately $12,500 to $14,500 annually. Elementary schools like St. Mary Immaculate are generally lower, often between $5,000 and $7,000 for parishioners. Illinois offers the "Invest in Kids Act" tax credit scholarship program, which can provide significant financial aid to eligible families based on income. Additionally, all these schools have their own need-based financial aid and scholarship programs, and many offer multi-child discounts. It's crucial to apply for aid early, as funds are limited.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by the private high schools accessible to Crest Hill students?
The private high schools in the Crest Hill area are known for strong college preparatory curricula alongside distinctive programs. Joliet Catholic Academy and Providence Catholic both offer extensive Advanced Placement (AP) course selections and renowned athletic programs, particularly in football and wrestling, with a strong tradition of state championships. Providence Catholic also features a specialized STEM Academy. For students interested in the arts, Joliet Catholic Academy has robust fine arts and music programs. These schools often have partnerships with local colleges for dual-credit opportunities, giving Crest Hill students a head start on college credits.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Crest Hill, Illinois area?
The enrollment process for schools like St. Mary Immaculate Parish School (elementary) and the Catholic high schools generally begins in the fall or early winter for the following academic year. Many host open houses from October through January. Application deadlines for high schools are often in December or January, with placement tests (like the HSPT) scheduled shortly after. Admission decisions for high schools are typically released in February. For elementary schools, priority is often given to parish members and siblings of current students. It is highly recommended that Crest Hill families begin researching and visiting schools a full year in advance to meet all deadlines and requirements.
For a family in Crest Hill, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district (Plainfield SD 202 or Joliet PSD 86) and a private school?
The decision hinges on several factors specific to the Crest Hill location. Public schools in Plainfield District 202 or Joliet District 86 offer a tuition-free, comprehensive education with diverse student populations and extensive resources. Private options like those mentioned provide a faith-based education, often with smaller class sizes and a consistent disciplinary environment. A major practical consideration is transportation, as Crest Hill public school students have bus service, while private school families must arrange their own. Academically, private high schools boast near-100% college acceptance rates and structured college counseling. Ultimately, Crest Hill families must weigh the value of religious integration, specific academic or athletic focus, community culture, and the financial investment against the convenience and breadth of the public system.
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