The Best Private Schools in Ferris, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Ferris. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Quincy Notre Dame High School
Private Catholic Institution
Quincy Notre Dame serves as a regional Catholic high school drawing students from across Western Illinois, including the Ferris area. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with 16 Advanced Placement courses and a specialized STEM academy. Academic excellence is demonstrated by consistently high ACT scores and 100% college acceptance rates. The campus features modern science laboratories, extensive athletic facilities including a fieldhouse and stadium, and dedicated fine arts spaces. Student life includes over 40 clubs and organizations, competitive athletic teams, and comprehensive service learning programs. Parent satisfaction is exceptionally high, with reviews praising the school's nurturing environment, dedicated faculty, and strong alumni network.
Programs:
St. Mary's School
Diocese of Springfield in Illinois
St. Mary's School in Hamilton serves the broader Hancock County region including Ferris, providing a comprehensive Catholic education for students in pre-K through 8th grade. The school features small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, modern technology integration, and a strong emphasis on character development. Their curriculum includes advanced mathematics, science labs, and comprehensive language arts programs. The school maintains excellent facilities including a modern library, computer lab, and gymnasium. Extracurricular activities include sports teams, music programs, and academic competitions. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty and strong community atmosphere.
Programs:
Illini West High School
Illini West CUSD #307
Illini West High School serves students from multiple Hancock County communities including Ferris, offering a robust private education option through its tuition-based programs. The school features advanced placement courses, dual credit opportunities with local colleges, and comprehensive career technical education pathways. Facilities include state-of-the-art science laboratories, modern athletic complexes, and specialized vocational training spaces. The school boasts strong academic performance with above-average ACT scores and high college acceptance rates. Extracurricular offerings include championship athletic teams, competitive academic clubs, and extensive fine arts programs. Parent reviews highlight the school's commitment to individual student success and strong community partnerships.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Ferris, Illinois
What are the actual private school options available for families residing in Ferris, Illinois?
Ferris, IL, is a very small community, and there are no private schools physically located within its boundaries. However, families in Ferris typically look to nearby cities for private education. The most commonly considered options include St. Mary's School (a K-8 Catholic school in nearby Hamilton), Illini West High School (a public high school in Carthage, not private), and Quincy Notre Dame High School (a private Catholic high school in Quincy, about an hour's drive). For elementary education, St. Mary's is the primary private choice, while for high school, Quincy Notre Dame is the leading private institution serving the region. This requires planning for transportation.
How does the tuition for private schools serving Ferris, IL, compare, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid options?
Tuition varies significantly based on the school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. Mary's School (K-8) has an active parishioner tuition rate of approximately $3,500-$4,500 per child, with higher rates for non-parishioners. Quincy Notre Dame High School's tuition is approximately $8,000-$9,000 annually. Illinois offers the Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which provides scholarships for eligible students to attend private schools. Families in Ferris with modest incomes should apply for this program immediately upon enrollment, as funds are limited. Additionally, all schools offer need-based financial aid and parish subsidies for Catholic families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools accessible from Ferris, IL, offer?
Given the rural setting, the private schools serving Ferris focus on providing robust, well-rounded programs. Quincy Notre Dame High School is known for its strong college-prep curriculum, competitive athletics (especially football and basketball), and distinctive programs like its Engineering and Biomedical Science tracks through Project Lead The Way. St. Mary's School emphasizes foundational Catholic education with dedicated STEM and art programs, and often participates in regional academic competitions. A notable aspect for Ferris families is the close-knit community and high teacher-student ratios these schools maintain, which is a significant draw compared to larger, consolidated public districts in the area.
What is the enrollment process and timeline for schools like St. Mary's and Quincy Notre Dame for a family from Ferris?
The process typically begins in the January-February period prior to the desired fall enrollment. For St. Mary's School, you should contact the parish office in Hamilton to express interest, schedule a tour, and submit an application along with baptismal records (if applicable) and previous school records. Quincy Notre Dame holds an "Raider for a Day" shadow visit program for prospective students and requires an application, entrance exam, and interview. Deadlines are often in early spring. As a family from Ferris, it's crucial to initiate contact early due to the geographic distance and to secure transportation plans, which are the family's responsibility.
For a family in Ferris, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school like QND or St. Mary's?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. The public school option for Ferris students is typically the Hamilton County school system, which involves busing to a consolidated unit district. Key considerations include: **1. Commute:** Private schools require a significant daily drive (up to an hour to QND), while public school bus transportation is provided. **2. Cost:** Public school is tuition-free. **3. Educational Approach:** Private schools offer a faith-based education and often smaller class sizes. **4. Community:** Private schools can provide a consistent, tight-knit peer group from K-12, whereas public school cohorts may change due to district consolidation. Many Ferris families value the moral foundation and college placement record of the private options enough to manage the commute and cost.