The Best Private Schools in East Dubuque, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in East Dubuque. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Wahlert Catholic High School
Holy Family Catholic Schools
Wahlert Catholic High School is a premier private Catholic high school serving the tri-state area including East Dubuque. Founded by the Archdiocese of Dubuque, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with 16 Advanced Placement courses and a comprehensive STEM program. The campus features modern science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. With a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, Wahlert emphasizes individualized attention and character development. The school boasts a 99% college acceptance rate and numerous state championships in athletics and activities.
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Holy Family Catholic Schools
Archdiocese of Dubuque
Holy Family Catholic Schools operates multiple campuses serving the Dubuque metropolitan area including East Dubuque families. The system provides comprehensive Catholic education from preschool through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and faith formation. The curriculum includes advanced mathematics, literacy programs, and technology integration with 1:1 device programs. Facilities include modern classrooms, STEM labs, and athletic complexes. The school system is known for its strong community involvement and high parent satisfaction rates, with many graduates continuing to Wahlert Catholic High School.
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Resurrection Elementary School
Dubuque Community School District (Private Catholic School)
Resurrection Elementary School serves students from preschool through 5th grade in the greater Dubuque area, including East Dubuque residents. The school provides a strong foundation in core academic subjects while integrating Catholic values throughout the curriculum. Features include small class sizes, dedicated specialty teachers for art, music, and physical education, and comprehensive technology resources. The school offers extensive extracurricular opportunities including sports, clubs, and community service programs. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment and academic preparation that prepares students for success in middle school and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in East Dubuque, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in East Dubuque, Illinois?
East Dubuque itself is a small city, so most of the prominent private school options are part of the Catholic school system located across the river in Dubuque, Iowa, which many East Dubuque families attend. The top institutions include Wahlert Catholic High School (grades 9-12), Holy Family Catholic Schools (a system with multiple elementary campuses), and Resurrection Elementary School. Due to proximity, Illinois residents often utilize these Iowa-based schools, and transportation considerations are a key part of the decision. There are limited, if any, private school campuses physically within East Dubuque city limits.
How does tuition work for East Dubuque, IL residents attending private Catholic schools in Dubuque, IA?
Tuition for East Dubuque families at schools like Wahlert or Holy Family is typically set at a "non-parishioner" or "out-of-state" rate, which is higher than the rate for members of supporting Iowa parishes. For the 2024-2025 school year, expect high school tuition to range from approximately $10,000 to $12,000 and elementary tuition from $5,000 to $7,000 annually. Illinois' Tax Credit Scholarship Program, "Invest in Kids," can provide significant financial aid, but it is income-based and subject to funding availability. It's crucial to contact each school's financial aid office directly to discuss your specific situation and application process.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Dubuque-area private schools offer that attract East Dubuque families?
Schools like Wahlert Catholic High School offer distinctive college-prep and STEM programs, including advanced placement (AP) and dual-credit courses through partnerships with local colleges like Loras College and Northeast Iowa Community College. Holy Family Catholic Schools emphasize a continuous, faith-based education from preschool through 8th grade. A notable draw for East Dubuque students is the ability to participate in Iowa's robust athletic and activity associations (IHSAA/IGHSAU), which may offer different competitive opportunities compared to Illinois. Many schools also have strong arts, robotics, and character education programs integrated into their curriculum.
What is the enrollment timeline and process for an East Dubuque student applying to a private school in Dubuque?
The enrollment process typically begins in the winter prior to the desired school year (January-February). For East Dubuque residents, the first step is to contact the admissions office of the specific school (e.g., Wahlert or a Holy Family campus) to schedule a tour and receive an application packet. Critical deadlines for financial aid applications, especially for the Illinois Tax Credit Scholarship, often fall in early spring. Since these schools serve a tri-state area, spaces can be competitive, particularly in certain grade levels, so early application is advised. Registration for the upcoming school year is usually finalized by early summer.
How do parents in East Dubuque typically navigate the daily commute and transportation to private schools in Dubuque, Iowa?
Transportation is a primary logistical consideration. Most private schools in Dubuque do not provide bus service from Illinois. Therefore, East Dubuque families must arrange for private carpooling, driving their children across the Dubuque bridges daily, or utilizing after-care programs. The commute can be significantly affected by bridge traffic and weather conditions. Many families connect through school parent networks to establish reliable carpools. This daily cross-state commute is a defining factor for East Dubuque residents choosing private education and requires planning around work schedules and potential tolls or travel time (typically 15-25 minutes).