The Best Private Schools in Dunlap, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Dunlap. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Peoria Academy
Independent School
Peoria Academy is a highly-regarded independent school serving the greater Peoria area, including Dunlap families. The school offers an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme and emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning. With small class sizes and a student-teacher ratio of 8:1, the school provides individualized attention. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, art studios, and extensive outdoor learning spaces. The school consistently receives high marks for academic excellence and innovative teaching approaches that prepare students for competitive high schools.
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Peoria Notre Dame High School
Catholic Diocese of Peoria
Peoria Notre Dame is a comprehensive Catholic high school serving students from Dunlap and surrounding communities. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with over 20 Advanced Placement and honors courses. Notable programs include a dedicated STEM Academy, extensive fine arts offerings, and competitive athletic teams. The 40-acre campus features state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, and athletic facilities. Parent reviews consistently praise the strong community atmosphere, dedicated faculty, and excellent college placement record.
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The Islamic School of Peoria
Islamic Foundation of Peoria
The Islamic School of Peoria provides a dual-curriculum education combining strong academic programming with Islamic studies, serving families throughout the Peoria metropolitan area including Dunlap. The school offers a comprehensive K-8 education with emphasis on core academic subjects, STEM education, and character development. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention, and the school maintains high academic standards while fostering cultural awareness and community values. The facility includes modern classrooms, computer labs, and recreational spaces, with many families commuting from Dunlap for the school's strong reputation and inclusive environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Dunlap, Illinois
Are there any private schools physically located within Dunlap, Illinois, or do families typically commute to nearby cities?
There are no major private K-12 schools with campuses physically located within the village boundaries of Dunlap, IL. Families seeking private education typically commute to schools in the greater Peoria area. The most common destinations include Peoria Academy (PreK-8, in Peoria), Peoria Notre Dame High School (9-12, in Peoria), and The Islamic School of Peoria (PreK-8, in Peoria). Dunlap's location just north of Peoria makes these commutes manageable, often within a 15-25 minute drive. Some families also explore options in other nearby communities like Washington or Morton.
How does the academic reputation of Dunlap Community Unit School District 323 influence the decision to choose a private school?
Dunlap District 323 is consistently ranked among the top public school districts in Illinois, known for high test scores and strong college preparatory programs. This creates a unique dynamic for private school consideration in Dunlap. Parents often look to private schools not due to dissatisfaction with public quality, but for specific philosophical alignments (like Montessori or religious education), smaller class sizes, or specialized programs (e.g., language immersion or particular religious curricula) not offered by the high-performing public system. The decision frequently centers on educational approach rather than academic remediation.
What are the tuition ranges and financial aid landscapes for Peoria-area private schools serving Dunlap families?
Tuition for the primary private schools accessed by Dunlap families varies. For the 2024-25 academic year, Peoria Academy tuition ranges approximately from $12,000 for PreK to $16,000 for middle school. Peoria Notre Dame High School tuition is approximately $11,000-$12,000. The Islamic School of Peoria has a lower tuition range, typically around $6,000-$8,000. All these schools offer need-based financial aid, and Illinois state programs like the Tax Credit Scholarship Program (Invest in Kids Act) can provide significant assistance to eligible families, though this program's future is subject to state legislative changes. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school about aid applications and deadlines.
For a family in Dunlap considering Peoria Notre Dame High School, how does the transition from Dunlap's public middle schools work?
The transition from Dunlap's public middle schools (Dunlap Middle School and Dunlap Valley Middle School) to Peoria Notre Dame (PND) is a well-trodden path. PND actively recruits from Dunlap and hosts specific open houses for area families. The enrollment process typically begins in the fall of a student's 8th-grade year, with application deadlines in early winter. Placement tests are required. Academically, students from Dunlap's rigorous middle schools are generally well-prepared for PND's curriculum. Parents should note the need to plan for transportation, as Dunlap School District does not provide busing to private schools in Peoria; carpooling is very common among Dunlap families attending PND.
What unique extracurricular or specialized programs do Peoria-area private schools offer that might attract Dunlap families?
Dunlap public schools offer robust extracurriculars, so private schools differentiate with unique specialties. Peoria Academy emphasizes global citizenship and inquiry-based learning, with a strong focus on environmental science and world languages starting in early childhood. Peoria Notre Dame High School offers a distinctive combination of college-prep academics with faith-based education and competitive athletics in the Big 12 Conference, which some families prefer over the IHSA conference Dunlap High School participates in. The Islamic School of Peoria provides full-time Arabic language instruction and Islamic studies integrated into a standard academic curriculum. These specialized identities are key factors for Dunlap families choosing a private pathway.
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