The Best Private Schools in Elburn, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Elburn. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy
Diocese of Rockford Catholic Schools
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy serves students from Elburn and surrounding communities with a rigorous academic program rooted in Catholic values. The school offers small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a comprehensive curriculum that includes advanced STEM courses, fine arts, and competitive sports. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic fields. The school maintains strong parent involvement and high academic achievement with graduates consistently accepted to top-tier high schools.
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Westminster Christian School
Independent Christian School
Westminster Christian School serves families from Elburn and the broader Fox Valley region with an academically rigorous Christian education. The school features a comprehensive college preparatory program with AP courses, extensive fine arts offerings, and competitive athletic teams. Campus facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. The school is known for its strong community atmosphere, dedicated faculty, and high college acceptance rates to prestigious universities.
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Marmion Academy
Benedictine Monks of Marmion Abbey
Marmion Academy is a premier all-boys Catholic college preparatory school serving Elburn and the greater Fox Valley area. The school offers a rigorous academic program with extensive AP course offerings, specialized STEM academies, and comprehensive athletic programs. With a focus on character formation and leadership development, Marmion provides small class sizes, dedicated faculty mentorship, and modern facilities including advanced science labs, technology centers, and extensive athletic complexes. The school maintains a strong tradition of academic excellence and college placement success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Elburn, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Elburn, Illinois, and what grade levels do they serve?
While Elburn itself is a smaller village, families have access to several well-regarded private schools in the immediate surrounding area. The most prominent options include St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy (Pre-K through 8th grade) in nearby Geneva, Westminster Christian School (Pre-K through 12th grade) in Elgin, and Marmion Academy (an all-boys Catholic college preparatory high school) in Aurora. For Elburn residents, these schools are a short commute away and represent the core of private K-12 education in the region, offering religious-based education and college-prep curricula.
How does the tuition for private schools near Elburn, IL, compare, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid options?
Tuition varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect a range from approximately $6,000-$8,000 for elementary grades at schools like St. Francis of Assisi, to over $18,000 for high school at Marmion Academy. A critical Illinois-specific financial consideration is the **Invest in Kids Act Tax Credit Scholarship Program**. This state program provides scholarships for eligible students to attend private schools, funded by donations from individuals and businesses who receive a state tax credit. All mentioned schools participate in this program, which can substantially reduce the net cost for qualifying families based on income.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools serving the Elburn, IL, community?
Schools in this area offer distinctive programs that leverage their missions and locations. **Marmion Academy** is renowned for its robust Army JROTC program and rigorous STEM curriculum. **Westminster Christian School** emphasizes a biblical worldview across all subjects and offers competitive athletics and fine arts. **St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy** provides a strong foundational education with dedicated Spanish instruction and faith formation. For Elburn families interested in agriculture or rural life, some schools may offer related science clubs or outdoor education, aligning with the community's character, though specific agriscience programs are more common in local public high schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools near Elburn, and are there considerations for siblings or parish members?
The enrollment process generally begins in the fall or winter for the following academic year. Most schools, like St. Francis of Assisi and Westminster Christian, host open houses from October through January. Priority is often given to several groups: **siblings of currently enrolled students, active members of the supporting church parish** (for Catholic schools), and early applicants. Marmion Academy conducts entrance exams for high school applicants, typically in January. Given the competitive nature for limited spots, especially in younger grades, Elburn parents are strongly advised to begin inquiries and applications nearly a full year in advance.
For an Elburn resident, what are the key factors when comparing the local Kaneland public school district to nearby private school options?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, class size, and cost. The **Kaneland School District** (serving Elburn) provides a well-regarded, tuition-free public education with diverse AP courses, sports, and extracurriculars. Private options offer smaller class sizes, a specific religious or value-based education integrated into the curriculum, and often a more traditional college-prep focus. For Elburn families, commuting is a practical factor—public schools are within the community, while private options require a drive to Geneva, Aurora, or Elgin. The investment in private school tuition must be weighed against the offerings of the strong local public system and the family's educational priorities.