The Best Private Schools in Decatur, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Decatur. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Sacred Heart-Griffin High School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Illinois
Located in nearby Springfield, Sacred Heart-Griffin High School serves families throughout central Illinois including Decatur. As a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, SHG offers both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs alongside comprehensive college preparatory curriculum. The campus features state-of-the-art science and technology labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. The school maintains a 99% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top universities nationwide. SHG provides transportation options for students from Decatur and surrounding communities.
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St. Teresa High School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Illinois
St. Teresa High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school serving Decatur and central Illinois. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 17 Advanced Placement courses and comprehensive STEM programs. Facilities include modern science labs, technology-enhanced classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and emphasizes character development through service learning and spiritual formation. Extracurricular offerings include competitive athletics, fine arts programs, and numerous clubs and organizations.
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Lutheran School Association
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
Lutheran School Association provides comprehensive Christian education from preschool through 8th grade with a strong academic foundation. The school features small class sizes, individualized instruction, and integrated technology throughout the curriculum. Facilities include modern classrooms, science lab, computer lab, gymnasium, and music rooms. The school emphasizes faith-based education while offering robust extracurricular programs including athletics, music, and art. LSA graduates consistently perform above national averages and transition successfully to area high schools.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Decatur, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for K-12 education in Decatur, Illinois?
Decatur offers a few well-established private school options, primarily with religious affiliations. For high school, St. Teresa High School (Catholic, grades 9-12) and Sacred Heart-Griffin High School (Catholic, located in nearby Springfield but serving many Decatur families) are prominent choices. For a Pre-K through 8th grade education, the Lutheran School Association (LSA) is a key provider. The landscape is more limited than in larger metro areas, so many families consider the specific religious philosophy, academic rigor, and extracurricular offerings of these schools as their main decision points.
How does tuition at Decatur private schools compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition at Decatur's private schools is generally below the Illinois state average for private education, reflecting the local cost of living. For the 2023-2024 school year, annual tuition ranges from approximately $5,000 to $10,000 for parishioner rates at Catholic schools, with non-parishioner rates being higher. All major schools offer need-based financial aid, and Illinois' Tax Credit Scholarship Program (Invest in Kids Act) is a crucial resource for eligible families, providing scholarships funded by private donations in exchange for state tax credits. It's essential to apply for financial aid directly through the school and investigate scholarship portals early.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Decatur private schools offer that leverage the local community?
Decatur private schools often integrate the city's agricultural and industrial heritage into their programs. St. Teresa High School, for instance, has strong science and agriscience programs that can connect with local entities like Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) or the Farm Progress Show. The Lutheran School Association emphasizes hands-on learning and community service within Decatur. Furthermore, due to smaller class sizes, these schools often provide robust athletics and arts participation opportunities, with competitions through the Central Illinois Conference and special partnerships with local theaters and museums.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Decatur, IL?
The enrollment process for Decatur private schools typically begins in the winter (January-February) for the following academic year. Open houses are commonly held in early winter. Key steps include: 1) Attending an open house or scheduling a shadow day for your child, 2) Submitting an application by the school's deadline (often in early spring), 3) Providing records and teacher recommendations, and 4) Completing any required entrance assessments. For families seeking financial aid, submitting aid applications (like FACTS Grant & Aid) concurrently is critical. Waiting lists can form for certain grades, so initiating the process early is advised.
For families considering both sectors, what are the notable differences between Decatur Public Schools (DPS 61) and the private school options in the city?
The most pronounced differences are in class size, religious education, and program breadth. Decatur private schools like St. Teresa and LSA offer much smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students) compared to DPS 61, allowing for more individualized attention. The private schools have a mandatory religious curriculum and faith-based community, which is a core draw for many families. While DPS 61 has a wider variety of specialized programs and magnet schools due to its larger scale, private schools in Decatur often boast higher college placement rates and distinct discipline and values-based environments. Transportation is also a key differentiator, as DPS provides busing, while private school families typically arrange their own transportation.