The Best Private Schools in Forsyth, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Forsyth. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Teresa High School
Private Catholic High School
St. Teresa High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving Forsyth and the greater Decatur area. With a 100% college acceptance rate, the school offers rigorous academic programs including multiple AP courses, comprehensive STEM education, and competitive athletics. The campus features modern science labs, technology integration throughout classrooms, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. Parent and alumni satisfaction is exceptionally high, with the school consistently recognized for academic excellence and character development.
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Holy Family Catholic School
Diocese of Springfield in Illinois
Holy Family Catholic School serves students from Forsyth and surrounding communities with a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education. The school emphasizes academic excellence within a faith-based environment, featuring small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and modern facilities. Their curriculum includes advanced STEM programs, fine arts, and comprehensive religious education. The school maintains strong parent involvement and community partnerships, with many graduates successfully transitioning to top high schools in the region.
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Central Catholic High School
Diocese of Peoria
Central Catholic High School in Bloomington serves students from Forsyth and surrounding communities, offering one of the region's premier private education experiences. As an International Baccalaureate World School, it provides globally-recognized academic rigor alongside comprehensive college preparatory programs. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. With a strong emphasis on community service and character development, Central Catholic maintains excellent college placement records and high parent satisfaction ratings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Forsyth, Illinois
What are the private school options available specifically within the village of Forsyth, Illinois, and what grade levels do they serve?
Within the village limits of Forsyth, IL, the primary private school option is Holy Family Catholic School, which serves students from Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade. For high school, families typically look to nearby Decatur. The most common options are St. Teresa High School (co-ed, Catholic) and Central Catholic High School (all-boys, Catholic), both located just a short drive away. This means Forsyth residents have a clear K-8 parochial pathway locally, with a decision point for high school between two well-regarded Catholic institutions in the broader Macon County area.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Forsyth, IL area compare, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Holy Family Catholic School's tuition is approximately $5,000-$6,000 for parishioners. St. Teresa and Central Catholic High Schools have tuition ranging from $8,000 to $10,000. A critical Illinois-specific financial resource is the "Invest in Kids Act" Tax Credit Scholarship Program. While new applications are currently paused, existing scholarships are honored, and families should inquire directly with schools about any available aid, parish subsidies, or multi-child discounts. Additionally, Illinois' 529 plan funds can be used for K-12 private school tuition.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the Forsyth-area private schools offer that distinguish them from local public schools?
The Forsyth-area private schools emphasize faith-based education and often have more specialized programs within that framework. Holy Family Catholic School integrates Catholic values throughout its curriculum. St. Teresa High School is known for its strong college-prep curriculum, robotics team, and extensive athletic programs. Central Catholic High School offers a distinctive all-boys environment focused on leadership and character development. Compared to the highly-rated Maroa-Forsyth public district, these private options provide a specific religious education, typically smaller class sizes, and, for the high schools, a focus on a particular educational philosophy (single-gender vs. co-ed) that public schools do not offer.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for families seeking to enroll a child at Holy Family Catholic School in Forsyth?
For Holy Family Catholic School in Forsyth, the enrollment process typically begins in January or February for the following fall. Priority is often given to registered parishioners of St. Patrick's Catholic Church and siblings of currently enrolled students. The process involves submitting an application, providing birth and baptismal certificates, immunization records, and previous school records. A family interview or meeting with the principal may be part of the process. It is highly advisable for Forsyth families to contact the school office by early winter to express interest and receive specific dates, as spaces, particularly in Pre-K and Kindergarten, can be limited.
For families moving to Forsyth, what are the key considerations when choosing between the excellent public schools (Maroa-Forsyth District) and the local private options?
The key considerations are educational philosophy, cost, and community. The Maroa-Forsyth public school district is consistently high-performing, tuition-free, and offers a comprehensive secular education with robust extracurriculars. Choosing a Forsyth private school like Holy Family involves a commitment to a faith-based environment, tuition payments, and often a closer-knit community centered around the church. For high school, the choice expands to include the specific culture of St. Teresa or Central Catholic versus the public Maroa-Forsyth High School. Transportation is also a factor; while public schools provide busing within Forsyth, private school families often must arrange their own transportation, especially to the high schools in Decatur.
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