The Best Private Schools in Dennison, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Dennison. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Quincy Notre Dame High School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Illinois
Quincy Notre Dame is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory high school serving students throughout the region, including Dennison. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 95% of graduates continuing to higher education. Features include modern STEM labs, comprehensive athletic facilities, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. QND maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 13:1 and offers dual credit courses through partnerships with local colleges.
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St. Peter School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Illinois
St. Peter School is a premier Catholic elementary school serving students from preschool through 8th grade, drawing families from Dennison and surrounding communities. The school provides a strong foundation in core academics while integrating faith formation. Facilities include modern classrooms, a dedicated science lab, computer lab, and gymnasium. The school emphasizes character development and offers before/after school care programs for working families.
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St. Paul School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Peoria
St. Paul School serves students from preschool through 8th grade and attracts families from Dennison and surrounding counties. The school features a comprehensive curriculum with strong emphasis on literacy, mathematics, and technology integration. Recent facility upgrades include smart classrooms and updated science resources. The school community is known for its strong parent involvement and supportive learning environment, with numerous extracurricular activities including sports, choir, and academic competitions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Dennison, Illinois
What are the private school options available for families living in Dennison, Illinois?
Dennison, IL, is a small village, so most private school options are located in nearby communities. The primary private schools serving the Dennison area are Quincy Notre Dame High School (a Catholic, co-educational high school in Quincy), St. Peter School (a Catholic elementary school in Quincy), and St. Paul School (a Catholic elementary school also in Quincy). For Dennison residents, this typically means commuting to Quincy for private education. There are no private schools physically located within the village limits of Dennison itself, so transportation is an important consideration for families.
How does the tuition for private schools near Dennison, Illinois, compare, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition for the Catholic schools serving the Dennison area varies. For the 2024-2025 school year, elementary schools like St. Peter and St. Paul generally have parish-subsidized tuition rates for active parish members, often ranging from $3,000 to $5,000 annually, with higher rates for non-parishioners. Quincy Notre Dame High School tuition is higher, typically between $7,000 and $9,000. Illinois offers the Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which provides financial aid to eligible families (based on income) to attend private schools. Additionally, many schools have their own need-based aid and parish support, making private education more accessible for Dennison-area families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools serving Dennison, Illinois, offer?
The private schools accessible to Dennison students emphasize a faith-based education alongside strong academics. Quincy Notre Dame High School is known for its college preparatory curriculum, robust STEM programs, and competitive athletics (especially football and basketball). The elementary schools, St. Peter and St. Paul, offer foundational religious education, small class sizes, and often integrate technology into their classrooms. A notable aspect for Dennison families is the close-knit community these schools foster, which can be a significant draw compared to larger public districts. Specific programs like agricultural science may also be relevant given the rural context of the Dennison area.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools in the Quincy area that serve Dennison, Illinois?
The enrollment process for schools like Quincy Notre Dame, St. Peter, and St. Paul usually begins in January or February for the following academic year. It's crucial for Dennison families to apply early, especially for kindergarten and high school freshman classes, as spaces can be limited. The process typically involves submitting an application, providing records from previous schools (if applicable), a birth certificate, baptismal certificate (for Catholic schools), and often a registration fee. Many schools host open houses in the fall and winter. Given the commute from Dennison, it's also advisable to inquire about transportation options or carpool networks during the enrollment process.
For a family in Dennison, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private school in Quincy?
The decision hinges on several factors specific to Dennison's location. The local public school is likely part of a small, rural district (often Unit School District), offering proximity and a strong community feel. Choosing a private school in Quincy involves a daily commute (approximately 20-30 minutes) but provides a faith-based education, often with different curricular emphases and smaller class sizes. Financially, you must weigh tuition costs against property taxes funding public schools. For high school, Quincy Notre Dame offers a wider range of extracurricular activities and advanced courses than a very small public high school might. Ultimately, Dennison parents should consider values, academic goals, transportation logistics, and financial investment when making this choice.
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