The Best Private Schools in Franklin, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Franklin. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary's School
Diocese of Belleville Catholic Schools
St. Mary's School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving the Franklin area and surrounding communities. Established in 1959, the school offers comprehensive education from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on faith-based learning combined with rigorous academics. The school features modern classrooms, dedicated faculty with an average of 15+ years teaching experience, and a well-rounded curriculum that includes advanced STEM programs, fine arts, and competitive athletics. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, small class sizes, and strong community values. The campus includes updated facilities with technology integration, a library, gymnasium, and outdoor play areas.
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Christ Our Rock Lutheran School
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
Christ Our Rock Lutheran School serves students from Franklin and throughout the Central Illinois region with a comprehensive Christian education program. Founded in 2004, the school offers education from preschool through 12th grade with a strong college preparatory focus. The curriculum integrates faith-based learning with rigorous academics, including advanced placement courses, comprehensive music and arts programs, and competitive sports teams. The school features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. Parents highlight the school's strong community atmosphere, dedicated teachers, and excellent college acceptance rates. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 12:1.
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St. Mary's Catholic School
Diocese of Belleville
St. Mary's Catholic School provides quality private education to families in Franklin and the greater Mount Vernon area. Established in 1969, the school offers programs from early childhood through 8th grade with a focus on developing the whole child spiritually, academically, and socially. The school features a comprehensive curriculum that includes religion, language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies complemented by art, music, physical education, and technology classes. The campus includes well-maintained classrooms, a library, computer lab, and playground facilities. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the school's caring environment, experienced faculty, and strong emphasis on character development and academic achievement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Franklin, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for K-12 education in Franklin, Illinois?
In Franklin, Illinois, private education is primarily offered through faith-based institutions. The main options are St. Mary's School (a Catholic school), Christ Our Rock Lutheran School, and St. Mary's Catholic School. These schools typically serve students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade. For high school, families in Franklin often look at private options in nearby larger communities like Springfield or consider Catholic high schools in the Diocese of Springfield. The limited number of schools means spaces can be competitive, especially in specific grade levels, so early inquiry is recommended.
How does tuition at Franklin, IL private schools compare to the state average, and are there any Illinois-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition at Franklin's private schools is generally below the state average for Illinois private institutions, reflecting the area's cost of living. Annual tuition typically ranges from $3,000 to $6,000 per student, varying by school, grade level, and parish membership for Catholic schools. Illinois-specific aid includes the "Invest in Kids Act" Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which provides need-based scholarships funded by donations from Illinois taxpayers. While availability can vary year-to-year, all Franklin-area private schools are qualified to accept these scholarships. Additionally, many families utilize the state's 529 plan for K-12 tuition expenses.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in Franklin, IL, offer that leverage the local community?
Franklin's private schools often integrate the town's strong agricultural and close-knit community values into their programs. For instance, schools may have agriculture-focused science units, participate in the Franklin Fall Festival, or engage in community service projects with local organizations. Given their religious affiliations, robust faith formation and weekly chapel or Mass are cornerstones. While limited by size, these schools often provide strong foundational academics, with some offering specialized tutoring and small-group instruction that is highly personalized—a direct benefit of their small class sizes and rural setting.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Franklin, Illinois?
The enrollment process for Franklin's private schools usually begins in January or February for the following academic year, with priority often given to siblings of current students and active parish members. The process typically involves submitting an application, providing birth and baptismal certificates (for religious schools), academic records, and sometimes a family interview. Given the small size of these schools, many grades have limited seats, and waiting lists are common. It is highly advisable for Franklin parents to contact their school of choice by early winter to request an information packet and schedule a tour.
For a family in Franklin, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school?
The key considerations for Franklin families include educational philosophy, class size, cost, and convenience. The Franklin public school district (Franklin CUSD #1) provides a tuition-free, comprehensive K-12 education in one location. Private schools offer a faith-based education with typically smaller class sizes (often 15:1 or lower) and a consistent moral framework throughout the curriculum. However, they require tuition and may involve transportation logistics, as they do not provide district busing. For many Franklin families, the decision centers on whether they value the specific religious education and intimate environment enough to offset the cost and logistical planning.