The Best Private Schools in Elmwood Park, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Elmwood Park. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Fenwick High School
Dominican Friars
Fenwick High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school serving Elmwood Park students and families throughout the western suburbs. As an International Baccalaureate World School, Fenwick offers rigorous academic programs including the prestigious IB Diploma Programme alongside Advanced Placement courses. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, extensive athletic complexes, and advanced technology resources. With a strong tradition of academic excellence and competitive athletics, Fenwick prepares students for success in college and beyond through a balanced approach emphasizing intellectual, spiritual and physical development.
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Walther Christian Academy
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
Walther Christian Academy is a highly-regarded Lutheran college preparatory school serving the Elmwood Park area and surrounding western suburbs. The school offers a comprehensive educational experience with strong academic programs, competitive athletics, and extensive fine arts opportunities. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Walther provides personalized attention while maintaining rigorous academic standards. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. The school emphasizes character development and Christian values alongside academic excellence.
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St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic School
Archdiocese of Chicago
St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic School provides exceptional faith-based education to students from Elmwood Park and surrounding communities. The school features a challenging academic curriculum with strong emphasis on mathematics, language arts, and technology integration across all grade levels. The dedicated faculty maintains high educational standards while fostering spiritual growth and community service. Facilities include modern classrooms, computer labs, science facilities, and extensive playground areas. The school community is known for its strong parent involvement and supportive environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Elmwood Park, Illinois
What are the main private school options available for families residing in Elmwood Park, Illinois?
Elmwood Park, IL, offers a few key private school options, primarily with a religious affiliation. Within the village itself, St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic School serves students from Pre-K through 8th grade. For high school, many Elmwood Park families consider nearby Fenwick High School, a prestigious Dominican Catholic college-preparatory school in Oak Park, which is accessible via a short commute. Additionally, Walther Christian Academy, a Lutheran Pre-K-12 school in Melrose Park, is another close option. While Elmwood Park's on-site private choices are limited, its location in the Chicago suburbs provides access to a wider range of schools in neighboring communities.
How does tuition for private schools in the Elmwood Park area compare, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid options?
Tuition in the Elmwood Park area varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. Vincent Ferrer's elementary tuition is approximately $6,000-$7,000, while Fenwick High School's tuition is over $18,000. Walther Christian Academy's high school tuition is around $15,000. Importantly, Illinois offers the "Invest in Kids Act" tax credit scholarship program, which can provide need-based financial assistance for qualifying families to attend participating private schools. All the mentioned schools typically offer their own need-based financial aid and parish/sibling discounts. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school about their specific tuition rates and aid applications.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools serving Elmwood Park students?
Private schools near Elmwood Park provide distinctive programs that attract local families. Fenwick High School is renowned for its rigorous academics, extensive Advanced Placement (AP) curriculum, and strong traditions in athletics (like its historic rivalry) and robotics. St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic School offers a faith-based education with Spanish instruction and a focus on community service. Walther Christian Academy provides a continuous Lutheran education from Pre-K to 12th grade, with career pathway programs and a notable performing arts department. A unique local advantage is the proximity to Chicago, allowing schools like Fenwick to leverage city resources for internships, cultural trips, and academic partnerships.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like St. Vincent Ferrer in Elmwood Park?
For Elmwood Park's St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic School, the enrollment process typically begins in January for the following fall. Priority is often given to registered parishioners of St. Vincent Ferrer Parish, siblings of current students, and then the general community. The process involves submitting an application, providing birth and baptismal certificates, previous school records, and often a family interview. For feeder high schools like Fenwick and Walther, the process for 8th graders starts with open houses in the fall, entrance exams (like the HSPT) in winter, and admission decisions by early spring. It's highly advised to attend open houses and contact school admissions offices a full year in advance.
For an Elmwood Park resident, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school district to private school options?
The key consideration is the structure and focus of education. Elmwood Park Community Unit School District 401 operates Elmwood Elementary and Elmwood Park High School, offering a tuition-free, comprehensive public education with diverse programs. Choosing a private school like St. Vincent Ferrer, Fenwick, or Walther involves a commitment to a specific religious and value-based environment, often with smaller class sizes and a particular college-prep focus. For high school, Fenwick offers a historically competitive academic environment that draws students regionally. Parents must weigh factors like tuition cost, commute (to schools outside the village), religious education, and the specific academic or extracurricular strengths of each option against the community-centered, tax-supported public system.
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