The Best Private Schools in East Peoria, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in East Peoria. 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 East Peoria families. As an International Baccalaureate World School, it offers the IB Primary Years Programme for students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade. The school emphasizes inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, and global perspectives. With small class sizes averaging 15 students, personalized attention is a hallmark. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and extensive athletic facilities. The school maintains a diverse student body and offers robust extracurricular programs including robotics, theater, and competitive sports.
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Peoria Notre Dame High School
Catholic Diocese of Peoria
Peoria Notre Dame High School is a comprehensive Catholic college preparatory school serving students from East Peoria and throughout the Peoria metropolitan area. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 18 Advanced Placement courses and a specialized STEM Academy. With a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, students receive individualized attention. The 40-acre campus features state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, athletic complex, and technology-integrated classrooms. The school emphasizes character development through service learning and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities including championship athletic programs, competitive robotics, and comprehensive arts programs.
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The Christian Center Academy
The Christian Center
The Christian Center Academy provides classical Christian education to students from East Peoria and surrounding communities. Serving grades K-12, the school combines rigorous academics with character formation rooted in Christian values. The classical approach emphasizes grammar, logic, and rhetoric across all subjects. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and dedicated faculty. Facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, art studios, and athletic spaces. The school maintains strong college placement records and offers diverse extracurricular activities including competitive sports, music programs, and academic clubs. Many East Peoria families choose this school for its strong community atmosphere and academic excellence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in East Peoria, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in East Peoria, Illinois, and are there any located directly within the city?
While East Peoria itself has a limited number of standalone private schools, families commonly look to neighboring Peoria for established institutions. The top schools serving the East Peoria area include Peoria Academy (a secular, independent PreK-8 school), Peoria Notre Dame High School (a Catholic, co-ed 9-12 school), and The Christian Center Academy (a Christian PreK-12 school). It's important to note that these schools are located across the Illinois River in Peoria, but they actively enroll students from East Peoria and the broader Tri-County area. Transportation considerations are a key factor for East Peoria residents.
How does tuition for private schools in the East Peoria/Peoria area compare, and what financial aid options are available specifically for Illinois residents?
Tuition in the Peoria area varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $6,000-$10,000 annually for elementary grades at faith-based schools to over $15,000 for Peoria Academy. Peoria Notre Dame High School's tuition is typically around $10,000-$12,000. All major schools offer need-based financial aid through their own funds. Crucially, Illinois residents should explore the **Invest in Kids Act Tax Credit Scholarship Program**, which provides private school scholarships funded by donations from individuals and businesses who receive a state tax credit. Many local private schools participate in this program, offering significant tuition assistance to eligible families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools serving East Peoria students that differ from local public school offerings?
Private schools in the area offer distinct specializations. **Peoria Academy** emphasizes an International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme for younger students and a strong, inquiry-based curriculum. **Peoria Notre Dame High School** provides a comprehensive college-prep curriculum alongside distinctive programs like its Engineering Academy and extensive theology courses. **The Christian Center Academy** integrates a biblical worldview across all subjects and may offer smaller, more personalized classroom settings. A common advantage across these schools is their smaller average class size compared to larger public districts, allowing for more individualized attention. Specific extracurriculars like specialized robotics teams or unique language offerings can also be a differentiator.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Peoria area that serve East Peoria families?
The enrollment process is school-specific but generally follows a similar pattern. Most schools begin accepting applications for the following fall in September or October, with priority deadlines often in January or February. For **Peoria Academy**, the process includes a parent tour, student visit day, and application with teacher recommendations. **Peoria Notre Dame** requires an application, placement test, and review of academic records. **The Christian Center Academy** typically involves an application and family interview. We strongly recommend East Peoria families initiate inquiries in the fall prior to the desired enrollment year, as some grades, especially kindergarten and 9th grade, may have waiting lists. Most schools host open houses in the fall.
For an East Peoria resident, what are the key considerations when choosing between the Dunlap or East Peoria public school districts and a private school in Peoria?
The decision involves several local factors. **Transportation:** Public schools in East Peoria Community High School District 309 provide busing, while attending a private school in Peoria typically requires parent-provided transportation across the river. **Cost:** Public schools are tuition-free, whereas private schools require a significant financial investment, though aid may be available. **Educational Approach:** The Dunlap public district (which some parts of East Peoria feed into) is highly ranked academically, offering a strong, standardized curriculum. Private schools offer alternative pedagogies (like IB), religious education, or a specific community environment. **Extracurriculars:** Larger public districts like Dunlap may offer a wider array of sports and activities, while private schools often provide more opportunities for leadership and participation across all programs. Visiting both types is essential for a fair comparison.
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