The Best Private Schools in Fairmount, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Fairmount. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Judah Christian School
Independent Christian School
Judah Christian School is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving the broader Champaign County area, including Fairmount. Founded in 1979, the school offers comprehensive education from preschool through high school with a strong college preparatory focus. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 12:1 and offers robust extracurricular programs including competitive sports, fine arts, and community service opportunities. Parents consistently praise the school's academic rigor, caring faculty, and strong community atmosphere.
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The High School of Saint Thomas More
Roman Catholic Diocese of Peoria
Saint Thomas More is a premier Catholic college preparatory high school serving students from Fairmount and surrounding communities. Established in 1976, the school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 18 Advanced Placement courses and comprehensive STEM programs. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science laboratories, a performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. With a strong emphasis on character formation and community service, STM maintains a 13:1 student-teacher ratio and boasts a 100% college acceptance rate. The school is known for its competitive athletic programs and vibrant student life activities.
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Schlarman Academy
Roman Catholic Diocese of Peoria
Schlarman Academy is a well-established Catholic school serving students from Vermilion County and surrounding areas including Fairmount. Founded in 1949, the school offers comprehensive education from pre-kindergarten through high school with a strong college preparatory focus. The academy provides dual credit opportunities through partnerships with local colleges, advanced STEM curriculum, and extensive fine arts programs. The campus features modern classrooms, science laboratories, and athletic facilities. Parents consistently rate the school highly for its dedicated faculty, safe learning environment, and strong community values. The school maintains a tradition of academic excellence with graduates consistently attending top colleges and universities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Fairmount, Illinois
What are the primary private school options serving families in Fairmount, Illinois, and what grade levels do they cover?
Fairmount itself is a small village, so families typically look to nearby Champaign-Urbana for private school options. The top schools in the immediate area include Judah Christian School (PreK-12) in Champaign, The High School of Saint Thomas More (9-12) in Champaign, and Schlarman Academy (PreK-12) in Danville. While not located directly in Fairmount, these are the primary institutions that Fairmount residents consider, often involving a commute. There are very few, if any, private school buildings within Fairmount village limits, making these surrounding schools the standard choice.
How does tuition at private schools near Fairmount, IL, compare, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition varies significantly. For the 2024-25 academic year, Judah Christian School's tuition ranges from approximately $7,500 for elementary to over $10,000 for high school. The High School of Saint Thomas More is typically higher, often exceeding $11,000. Schlarman Academy is generally comparable to Judah. Illinois offers the Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which can provide significant financial aid to eligible families based on income. Additionally, all these schools have their own need-based financial aid and parish subsidy programs for church members. It's crucial to apply for these programs early, as funds are limited.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Fairmount, IL, offer that differentiate them from each other?
Each school has distinct strengths. Judah Christian School offers a comprehensive Bible-integrated curriculum and a strong arts program. The High School of Saint Thomas More is known for its rigorous college-prep curriculum, exceptional STEM programs, and competitive athletics (e.g., state-champion football). Schlarman Academy emphasizes its Catholic identity, offers dual-credit courses through local colleges, and has a notable agriculture program that appeals to families in the rural Fairmount area. For Fairmount families, transportation logistics to these specialized programs in Champaign or Danville are a key practical consideration.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Fairmount, Illinois, families?
The enrollment process for schools like Judah Christian, St. Thomas More, and Schlarman typically begins in January or February for the following fall. It's highly advised to attend open houses, often held in the fall. The process involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a family interview or student assessment. For Catholic schools, baptismal certificates are required. Due to limited seats, especially in popular grades, applying early is critical. Many Fairmount families also need to plan for transportation, as bus service from the village may not be provided, making this a vital part of the enrollment decision.
As a resident of rural Fairmount, IL, what are the key factors when comparing my local public school district with private options in Champaign or Danville?
The key comparison factors for Fairmount parents involve trade-offs between community, commute, and curriculum. Your local public school is likely Georgetown-Ridge Farm CUSD #4 or a similar rural district, offering no commute and strong community ties. The private options involve a 25-45 minute commute to Champaign or Danville but provide specific religious education (Christian or Catholic), often smaller class sizes, and different extracurricular emphases (like strong college-prep or agriculture). You must weigh the daily travel time against the perceived educational and values alignment. Additionally, the social network for your child will be more geographically dispersed with a private school choice.
Private Education Insights
Top Non-Religious Private Schools Near Fairmount, IL: A Parent's Guide
For parents in Fairmount, Illinois, beginning the search for the right educational environment for your child is a significant undertaking. You may be typing phrases like “non religious private schools near me” into your search bar, seeking an alternative that provides a rigorous, values-based education without a specific religious doctrine. This is a common and important consideration for many families in our area who desire the smaller class sizes, dedicated faculty, and enhanced academic opportunities of private schooling, but within a secular or non-denominational framework. While Fairmount and the broader Champaign-Urbana area are home to several excellent faith-based institutions like Judah Christian School, The High School of Saint Thomas More, and Schlarman Academy, it’s important to know that your search for a non-religious private option may require looking at a slightly wider geographic radius, with the reward being a perfect fit for your family’s needs.
Understanding the local landscape is key. Fairmount’s proximity to Champaign-Urbana, a major hub for the University of Illinois, actually expands your possibilities. The university community fosters a demand for diverse educational models, including secular private options. While there are no large, independent non-religious day schools within Fairmount itself, several compelling choices exist within a reasonable commute. This search often leads families to explore schools that emphasize a humanistic approach, character education grounded in universal ethics, and a curriculum free from religious instruction. These institutions typically focus on critical thinking, global citizenship, and individual student growth, aligning with many parents' desires for an inclusive environment.
When evaluating these options, consider what “non-religious” means for your family. Some schools are truly secular, with no spiritual component, while others might be non-denominational or have a very light philosophical framework that isn't doctrine-based. It’s crucial to visit campuses, even those a short drive from Fairmount, and ask direct questions about the curriculum, daily rituals, and school philosophy. Inquire about how they teach ethics and community values. The commute from Fairmount to Champaign-Urbana is manageable for many, and the trade-off can be access to specialized programs, advanced STEM labs, or unique arts integration that matches your child’s passions precisely.
Your search for “non religious private schools near me” in Fairmount, IL, is ultimately about finding a community that mirrors your family’s values and your child’s learning style. Don’t be discouraged if the immediate Fairmount listing seems limited; the broader region offers quality. Start by defining your academic and social priorities—whether it’s project-based learning, a strong college preparatory track, or exceptional extracurriculars. Then, reach out to admissions offices at schools in the Champaign-Urbana area for virtual or in-person tours. Many families from our community have found incredible educational homes just a short distance away, where their children thrive in an environment that is both academically challenging and personally affirming, without a religious affiliation. The investment of time in this search is an investment in your child’s future, right here in East Central Illinois.