The Best Private Schools in Elizabeth, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Elizabeth. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Wahlert Catholic High School
Dubuque Community Schools - Catholic
Wahlert Catholic High School is a highly-regarded private Catholic school located approximately 20 minutes from Elizabeth, serving students in grades 9-12. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with advanced placement courses, a dedicated STEM academy, and comprehensive fine arts programs. With small class sizes and a 13:1 student-teacher ratio, Wahlert provides personalized attention and strong academic support. The campus features modern science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities. The school has a strong tradition of academic excellence with over 98% of graduates continuing to higher education.
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Aquin Catholic Schools
Aquin Catholic School System
Aquin Catholic Schools, located approximately 25 minutes from Elizabeth in Freeport, serves students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. This longstanding Catholic school system offers a comprehensive educational program with advanced placement courses, strong STEM curriculum, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. The school features modern facilities including science laboratories, computer labs, library resources, and athletic complexes. With a commitment to faith-based education and academic excellence, Aquin maintains small class sizes and personalized attention. The school has a strong track record of college acceptance and alumni success, with many graduates attending prestigious universities.
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Galena Elementary and Middle School
Galena School District
Galena Elementary and Middle School serves students from Elizabeth and surrounding communities with a focus on personalized, Montessori-inspired education. Located approximately 15 minutes from Elizabeth, this private school alternative offers small class sizes and individualized learning plans that cater to each student's unique needs. The school features modern classrooms, technology integration, and specialized learning spaces. With a strong emphasis on character development and community involvement, the school maintains high parent satisfaction ratings and consistently demonstrates strong academic outcomes. The curriculum includes enrichment programs in arts, music, and physical education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Elizabeth, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families in and around Elizabeth, Illinois?
Elizabeth itself is a small village, so most private school options are located in nearby communities. The most prominent are Wahlert Catholic High School in Galena (about 15 miles away), Galena Elementary and Middle School (also in Galena), and Aquin Catholic Schools in nearby Freeport (about 25 miles away). These schools serve the broader Jo Daviess County area. For Elizabeth residents, this means commuting is a standard part of the private school experience, with many families carpooling. There are typically no private schools physically located within the village limits of Elizabeth.
How does tuition at private schools like Wahlert Catholic or Aquin compare, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid options?
Tuition varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 school year, Wahlert Catholic High School tuition is approximately $7,500-$8,500, while Aquin Catholic Schools' tuition ranges from $4,500 for elementary to around $7,000 for high school. A key Illinois-specific financial consideration is the **Invest in Kids Act Tax Credit Scholarship Program**. While this program is currently in a sunset phase, it has previously provided significant need-based scholarships funded by donations from Illinois taxpayers. Families should inquire directly with each school about remaining scholarship funds, diocesan aid, parish subsidies, and payment plans. Many local families also benefit from multi-child discounts.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Elizabeth, IL, area offer that reflect the local community?
Schools in this rural northwest Illinois region often integrate local history and environment into their programs. Wahlert Catholic, for instance, may offer agriculture-related science modules or field trips to historic Galena sites. Aquin Catholic Schools have a strong tradition in athletics, competing in the NUIC conference, which is a major part of the local culture. Given the area's proximity to the Mississippi River and Driftless Area geography, some schools incorporate environmental science projects focused on local ecosystems. Additionally, these schools often emphasize community service projects that directly benefit Jo Daviess County, fostering a strong connection to the region.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Galena Elementary and Middle School or Aquin for a family moving to Elizabeth?
Enrollment for the following academic year typically opens in January or February, with priority often given to existing families, parish members, and siblings. For families new to the Elizabeth area, it is recommended to contact the admissions office of the desired school by early spring. The process usually involves a school tour, submission of records from the previous school, and a meeting with the principal. Unlike in large urban areas, there is rarely a waitlist for most grades, but popular early elementary grades can fill. Given the commuting nature, schools are accustomed to enrolling students from surrounding villages like Elizabeth and can provide information on transportation options, which are primarily parent-provided.
For a family in Elizabeth, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school (East Dubuque or Galena districts) and a private school like Wahlert or Aquin?
The decision often hinges on a few location-specific factors. First is **commute and logistics**: Elizabeth's public school students attend East Dubuque or Galena Unit School District, which provide busing. Private schools require a daily commute to Galena or Freeport. Second is **educational approach**: The private options offer a faith-based education (Catholic) with typically smaller class sizes, which is appealing to many rural families seeking a close-knit community. Third is **extracurricular scope**: The public high schools (Galena, East Dubuque) may have slightly larger student populations, potentially offering a broader range of clubs or sports, while private schools like Wahlert offer a distinct identity and often compete very successfully in specific sports. Finally, **cost** is a major practical factor, weighing the value of tuition against the desired educational environment.
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