The Best Private Schools in Franklin Park, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Franklin Park. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy School
Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools
A highly-regarded Catholic elementary school serving the western suburbs including Franklin Park families. The school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education with strong emphasis on academic excellence, spiritual development, and character formation. Features modern classrooms, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, and extensive extracurricular programs including music, art, and competitive sports. Consistently receives high parent satisfaction ratings for its nurturing environment and strong community atmosphere.
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Fenwick High School
Dominican Order
A prestigious Catholic college preparatory high school serving students from Franklin Park and surrounding communities. Known for rigorous academic programs with 100% college acceptance rate. Features state-of-the-art science labs, extensive athletic facilities, and comprehensive arts programs. The school maintains small class sizes with dedicated faculty, many holding advanced degrees. Offers extensive AP courses, competitive sports teams, and numerous extracurricular activities. Strong tradition of academic excellence and community leadership.
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Trinity High School
Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters
A distinguished all-girls Catholic high school serving Franklin Park and the western suburbs. Offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with emphasis on empowering young women through education. Features advanced STEM laboratories, performing arts center, and modern athletic facilities. The school maintains a 12:1 student-teacher ratio with personalized academic support. Strong focus on leadership development, community service, and preparing students for competitive college programs. Consistently recognized for academic excellence and high college placement rates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Franklin Park, Illinois
What are the main private school options available to families residing in Franklin Park, Illinois?
Franklin Park itself is home to **St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy School**, a well-regarded Catholic elementary school (Pre-K through 8th grade). For high school, families commonly look to nearby institutions, with two prominent options being **Fenwick High School** in Oak Park (co-ed Dominican Catholic) and **Trinity High School** in River Forest (all-girls Catholic). While these high schools are not within Franklin Park's municipal boundaries, they are established feeder schools for the area and provide bus transportation or Metra access for many local students. Exploring these specific schools and their admission territories is a key first step for Franklin Park parents.
How does the Illinois Tax Credit Scholarship Program impact private school tuition for Franklin Park families?
The Illinois **Invest in Kids Act** (Tax Credit Scholarship Program) is a significant financial consideration. It provides need-based scholarships for students to attend private schools, including those in and around Franklin Park. Eligibility is based on household income (up to 300% of the federal poverty level). Families interested in St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy, Fenwick, or Trinity should inquire directly with the school's financial aid office about applying for these state-sponsored scholarships. The program's future is subject to state legislative decisions, so it's crucial to get the most current information from the schools during your research.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are notable at private schools serving the Franklin Park community?
Schools serving Franklin Park offer distinct programs. **St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy** emphasizes a faith-based foundation with standard elementary curricula. **Fenwick High School** is known for its strong STEM programs, extensive AP course offerings, and competitive athletics in the Chicago Catholic League. **Trinity High School** features a renowned Blazer Internship Program for seniors, a comprehensive engineering track, and a focus on women's leadership. For Franklin Park families, a major advantage is accessing these specialized high school programs without needing to relocate, though admission is competitive and requires separate application processes.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private elementary and high schools in the Franklin Park area?
Timelines differ by school level. For **St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy** (elementary), the process often begins in the fall prior to the desired enrollment year, with open houses and application deadlines typically in winter. For the selective high schools (**Fenwick and Trinity**), the process is more rigorous and earlier. It involves taking the **HS Placement Test** (usually in December or January of 8th grade), submitting applications in the fall, and meeting deadlines often by mid-December. Franklin Park parents with 7th or 8th graders must plan at least a year in advance for high school, attending open houses in the fall to understand each school's specific requirements.
How do transportation logistics work for Franklin Park students attending private schools outside the district?
Transportation is a key logistical consideration. For the local elementary school, options are typically parent-driven. For the high schools, both **Fenwick and Trinity** offer private bus service from designated pickup points in Franklin Park and surrounding suburbs for an additional fee. Many families also utilize the **Metra Milwaukee District West line**, which has stations in Franklin Park and Berkeley, providing direct access to Oak Park and River Forest. It's common for students to use public transit, and the schools often have programs to help facilitate carpooling among families from the same community.
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