The Best Private Schools in Farmington, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Farmington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Vincent de Paul School
Catholic Diocese of Peoria
St. Vincent de Paul School is one of the oldest and most respected Catholic schools in the Peoria area, serving students from Farmington and surrounding communities. The school provides a classical Catholic education from preschool through 8th grade, emphasizing academic excellence, faith formation, and character development. The curriculum includes strong foundations in literacy and mathematics, complemented by enrichment programs in STEM, music, art, and physical education. The school features modern classrooms, technology labs, and athletic facilities. Parent satisfaction is exceptionally high, with families praising the supportive community and strong academic preparation for high school.
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Peoria Academy
Independent
Peoria Academy is a highly-regarded independent school serving the greater Peoria area including Farmington. The school offers an International Baccalaureate curriculum from preschool through 8th grade, emphasizing inquiry-based learning and global perspectives. With small class sizes averaging 15 students, the school provides personalized attention and strong academic foundations. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, art studios, and athletic spaces. Extracurricular programs include robotics, music, drama, and competitive sports. The school is known for its diverse community and strong college preparatory foundation.
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Peoria Notre Dame High School
Catholic Diocese of Peoria
Peoria Notre Dame is a comprehensive Catholic high school serving students from Farmington and throughout the Peoria region. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with 18 Advanced Placement courses and specialized academies in STEM, business, and arts. The 40-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts center, and athletic complex. Student life includes over 40 clubs and organizations, competitive athletics in the Big 12 Conference, and extensive community service opportunities. The school maintains a 99% college acceptance rate and is recognized for its strong moral and spiritual formation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Farmington, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Farmington, Illinois, and are there schools directly in town?
While Farmington itself is a smaller community, families have access to several well-regarded private schools in the broader Peoria metropolitan area. The most prominent options include Peoria Academy (a PreK-8 independent school), Peoria Notre Dame High School (a Catholic, co-ed high school), and St. Vincent de Paul School (a Catholic PreK-8 school). It's important to note that these schools are located in Peoria, approximately a 25-30 minute commute from Farmington. There are no major private school campuses physically located within Farmington city limits, so transportation is a key consideration for local families.
How does Illinois' Tax Credit Scholarship Program impact tuition affordability for Farmington families considering private schools?
Illinois' Invest in Kids Act offers significant financial assistance through a tax credit scholarship program. This is a crucial consideration for Farmington families. The program provides scholarships for eligible students to attend qualified, non-public schools (like Peoria Notre Dame or St. Vincent de Paul) based on financial need. While Peoria Academy, as an independent school, may have its own separate financial aid, the state program can substantially reduce the cost of tuition at participating schools. Families should check each school's website or contact their admissions office directly to understand their specific participation and application process for these scholarships.
For a Farmington student interested in agriculture or STEM, do local private schools offer specialized programs relevant to our region?
Yes, the private schools serving the Farmington area have developed programs that connect to both regional and global interests. Peoria Notre Dame High School, for instance, offers robust STEM curricula and Project Lead The Way courses, which are highly valuable. Furthermore, given Farmington's location within an agricultural region, some schools integrate relevant themes. While not offering a dedicated "ag-science" major, Peoria Academy's emphasis on experiential, hands-on learning and environmental science can provide a strong foundation. St. Vincent de Paul's curriculum aligns with Catholic teachings on stewardship, which can be applied to environmental and agricultural topics. It's best to inquire directly about specific clubs, electives, or project-based learning units that touch on these areas.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Peoria Academy or Peoria Notre Dame for a family from Farmington?
The enrollment process for these schools typically begins nearly a full year in advance. For fall admission, applications often open in September or October, with priority deadlines in January or February. The process usually includes submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a student visit or interview. For Farmington families, planning for the commute is an essential part of the process. It's highly recommended to attend open houses (often held in the fall) to fully understand the daily logistics. Sibling and legacy applicants may receive priority, so starting early is key. Each school has its own calendar, so checking their websites in the summer before your target enrollment year is the best first step.
How do the class sizes and community environments of private schools like Peoria Academy compare to the Farmington public school district?
This is a fundamental point of differentiation. The Farmington Central School District (Unit 265) provides a quality public education with the benefits of a consolidated community school. In contrast, private options like Peoria Academy and St. Vincent de Paul offer significantly smaller class sizes, often with a student-to-teacher ratio of 10:1 or lower, compared to larger public school classrooms. This allows for highly individualized attention. The community environment is also distinct; the private schools create a close-knit community drawn from across the metro area (including Farmington), often centered around a specific educational philosophy or faith tradition. The trade-off for Farmington families is the daily commute to Peoria versus the local, neighborhood-based environment of the public schools.
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