The Best Private Schools in Crete, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Crete. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Providence Catholic High School
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
Providence Catholic High School is a co-educational Catholic college preparatory school serving the Crete area and surrounding communities. With a strong academic reputation spanning over five decades, the school offers a comprehensive curriculum including Advanced Placement courses, a dedicated STEM academy, and extensive fine arts programs. The 43-acre campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. The school maintains a 12:1 student-teacher ratio and boasts a 99% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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St. Jude School
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
St. Jude School provides Catholic education from preschool through 8th grade, serving families in Crete and the surrounding Frankfort/New Lenox area. The school emphasizes academic excellence within a faith-based environment, offering a strong core curriculum enhanced by technology integration, Spanish language instruction, and comprehensive extracurricular activities. The school features modern classrooms, dedicated science and computer labs, and maintains small class sizes to ensure personalized attention. Parents consistently praise the supportive community and strong academic foundation provided to students.
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St. Mary School
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
St. Mary School in nearby Mokena serves the Crete community with a comprehensive Catholic education program from preschool through 8th grade. The school features a rigorous academic curriculum with accelerated learning opportunities, dedicated reading intervention programs, and strong emphasis on faith formation. Facilities include modern classrooms, STEM labs, a full library, and gymnasium. The school maintains an active parent community and offers extensive extracurricular activities including sports, music programs, and academic competitions. With over 70 years of educational service, the school has established a strong reputation for academic excellence and character development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Crete, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Crete, Illinois, and what grade levels do they serve?
Crete, Illinois, offers a few key private school options, primarily with a Catholic affiliation. The notable institutions are Providence Catholic High School (a co-ed diocesan high school for grades 9-12), St. Jude School (a parish elementary school typically serving Pre-K through 8th grade), and St. Mary School (another parish elementary school, also generally Pre-K through 8th). It's important for parents to note that there are no private, non-sectarian day schools within Crete's village limits; the options are faith-based. For broader choices, families often look at independent or other religious schools in neighboring towns like Frankfort, Mokena, or the Chicago Southland region.
How does tuition at private schools in Crete, IL, compare, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition varies significantly between the elementary and high school levels in Crete. Parish elementary schools like St. Jude and St. Mary often have lower, parish-subsidized tuition rates for registered and contributing parishioners, with higher rates for non-parishioners. Providence Catholic High School's tuition is higher, reflecting a comprehensive high school program. For the 2024-2025 academic year, families should expect tuition at Providence to be approximately $12,000-$14,000, while elementary parish schools may range from $4,000-$7,000 for parishioners. Illinois offers the "Invest in Kids Act" tax credit scholarship program, which can provide significant financial aid to eligible families, though funding is limited and application is competitive. All these schools also offer their own need-based financial aid and parish subsidies.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools in Crete, Illinois, offer that distinguish them from local public schools?
The private schools in Crete offer distinct programs rooted in their missions. Providence Catholic High School is known for its strong college-prep curriculum, extensive athletic programs (competing in the Chicago Catholic League), and unique offerings like Theology courses and campus ministry. St. Jude and St. Mary Schools integrate faith-based education throughout the day and typically offer smaller class sizes than Crete's public elementary districts (e.g., Crete-Monee School District 201-U). A notable differentiator is the consistent environment from elementary through high school for families seeking a Catholic education. Public schools in the area may offer more diverse elective pathways and larger-scale facilities, but Crete's private schools provide a specific value-based community and continuity.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools in Crete, especially for families new to the area?
The enrollment process for Crete's private schools usually begins in the winter for the following fall. For parish elementary schools (St. Jude, St. Mary), priority is typically given to registered parishioners and siblings of current students, with open enrollment for others in January or February. Tours and open houses are often held in the fall. Providence Catholic High School follows a separate timeline, with entrance exams (the HSPT) usually held in November or December of a student's 8th-grade year, and application deadlines in early winter. For families moving to Crete mid-year, it's essential to contact the school's admissions office directly, as spaces may be available depending on grade level. All schools require birth certificates, baptismal records (for Catholic schools), and previous academic records.
For families considering both public and private options, what are the key logistical factors to consider specific to living in Crete, Illinois?
Key logistical factors for Crete families include transportation, community integration, and long-term planning. The Crete-Monee public school district provides bus transportation, while private schools in Crete generally do not; parents are responsible for transportation, which is a significant daily consideration. For younger children, the parish elementary schools often foster a tight-knit community centered around the local church, which can be a major draw. For high school, the choice is between the public Crete-Monee High School and Providence Catholic. This decision may involve assessing academic fit, extracurricular interests (e.g., sports, arts), and the desire for a faith-based environment. Financially, choosing a private elementary school may mean planning for the continued investment through high school at Providence or transitioning to the public system later.
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