The Best Private Schools in Divernon, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Divernon. 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
Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Illinois
Sacred Heart-Griffin is a premier Catholic co-educational high school serving the Divernon area and greater Springfield region. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with 18 Advanced Placement courses and comprehensive STEM programs. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. With a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, SHG provides personalized attention and strong community values. The school boasts a 99% college acceptance rate and offers over 40 extracurricular activities including championship athletic programs, robotics team, and extensive service opportunities.
Programs:
Lutheran High School
Lutheran Church Missouri Synod
Lutheran High School is a highly respected Christian private school serving families in Divernon and the Springfield metropolitan area. The school provides a comprehensive college preparatory education integrated with Christian values and worldview. Academic offerings include honors and advanced placement courses, dual credit opportunities, and specialized programs in business, technology, and fine arts. The campus features modern classrooms, science laboratories, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. Lutheran High emphasizes character development and community service while maintaining strong academic standards with a 100% college acceptance rate and average ACT scores above state and national averages.
Programs:
Glenwood High School (Private Division)
Ball-Chatham School District
Located just 15 minutes from Divernon in Chatham, Glenwood High School serves as a top-tier educational institution for the region. While primarily public, it operates with private school-level resources and programs. The school offers an extensive Advanced Placement curriculum with 20+ AP courses, comprehensive career technical education pathways, and outstanding fine arts programs. Facilities include a state-of-the-art STEM center, modern athletic complex, and advanced technology labs. Glenwood consistently ranks among the top high schools in Illinois for academic performance, with strong test scores and college placement rates. The school provides a well-rounded education with over 60 clubs and activities and competitive athletic teams.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Divernon, Illinois
What are the realistic private school options for families residing in Divernon, Illinois, given that most top-rated schools are in nearby Springfield?
While Divernon itself is a small village, families have access to several highly-regarded private high schools in the greater Sangamon County area, primarily in Springfield, which is about a 20-25 minute commute. The most prominent options include Sacred Heart-Griffin High School (co-ed Catholic), Lutheran High School (Christian), and the private division of Glenwood High School in Chatham. For younger grades, families often look at associated feeder schools in Springfield. Transportation is a key consideration, as most Divernon families must arrange for carpools or utilize limited school-provided bus services from central points.
How does tuition for private schools like Sacred Heart-Griffin near Divernon compare to the Illinois state average, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition for the private high schools accessible to Divernon families is generally close to or slightly below the Illinois private high school average. For the 2023-2024 year, tuition at schools like Sacred Heart-Griffin and Lutheran High School ranged from approximately $9,500 to $12,000. Importantly, these schools, along with many in Illinois, offer robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need, and many families utilize the Illinois Tax Credit Scholarship Program (Invest in Kids Act). This program allows donors to receive a state tax credit for scholarships, directly helping eligible Divernon-area students afford private education.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools near Divernon, IL, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools in the Springfield area serve as regional draws for families in Divernon due to distinct programs. Sacred Heart-Griffin offers a strong college-prep curriculum with notable theology requirements and competitive sports leagues. Lutheran High provides a faith-based education integrated across all subjects. Glenwood High School's private division (in nearby Chatham) is known for its smaller class sizes within a public school district framework, offering a unique hybrid model. Many of these schools also have specialized STEM initiatives, theology departments, and agriculture programs that appeal to the central Illinois community.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools in the Divernon/Springfield area, and when should we start?
The enrollment process for the sought-after private schools near Divernon begins early. Most schools, like Sacred Heart-Griffin and Lutheran High, host open houses in the fall (October-November) for the following academic year. Application deadlines often fall between January and February, with placement tests scheduled shortly after. It is highly recommended that Divernon families begin researching and attending open houses in the fall of their child's 7th-grade year for 9th-grade entry. Due to the regional demand, applying by the priority deadline is crucial for admission and financial aid consideration.
For a family in Divernon, what are the major practical factors to consider when choosing between the local public school (Divernon Elementary) and a private school in Springfield?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. The primary consideration is the daily commute to Springfield (20-30 minutes each way) versus walking distance to Divernon Elementary. This impacts family logistics, transportation costs, and student involvement in after-school activities. Academically, it involves comparing the small, community-based K-8 public education in Divernon with the larger, religious or specialized private school environment for high school. Financially, families must weigh private tuition against property taxes funding the local public district. Many Divernon families choose the local public route for elementary grades and then reevaluate for high school, given the concentration of private options at the 9-12 level in the region.