The Best Private Schools in Freeburg, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Freeburg. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Westminster Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Westminster Christian Academy is a highly-rated private Christian school that serves families from the Metro East area including Freeburg. The school employs a classical Christian education model with a rigorous college preparatory curriculum. Westminster features strong academic programs, competitive athletics, and comprehensive fine arts offerings. The campus includes modern classrooms, science laboratories, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. With a focus on developing critical thinking skills and Christian character, the school maintains high academic standards and strong parent satisfaction ratings.
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Father McGivney Catholic High School
Diocese of Belleville Catholic Schools
Father McGivney Catholic High School is a newer but highly-regarded private Catholic school serving the Freeburg and Metro East region. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with strong emphasis on STEM education, dual credit opportunities through local colleges, and competitive athletic programs. With modern facilities including state-of-the-art science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and athletic complexes, Father McGivney provides a contemporary educational environment. The school maintains small class sizes and has quickly established a reputation for academic excellence and strong community involvement.
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Althoff Catholic High School
Diocese of Belleville Catholic Schools
Althoff Catholic High School is a highly-regarded private Catholic school serving the Freeburg area and broader Metro East region. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with Advanced Placement courses, a dedicated STEM academy, and robust fine arts programs. With modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes, Althoff provides a well-rounded education. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with strong college acceptance rates and active parent involvement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Freeburg, Illinois
What are the main private high school options available for families in or near Freeburg, Illinois?
Freeburg itself is a smaller village, so most private secondary schools serving the area are located in nearby communities. The primary options include Althoff Catholic High School in Belleville (co-ed, college-prep), Westminster Christian Academy in St. Louis, MO (just across the river, non-denominational Christian), and Father McGivney Catholic High School in Glen Carbon (co-ed, Catholic). For younger grades, several Catholic elementary schools in the surrounding Belleville Diocese serve the Freeburg area. This means Freeburg parents typically consider a commute for private education, factoring in Illinois-Missouri differences for schools like Westminster.
How does tuition at private schools in the Freeburg, IL area compare, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid options?
Tuition varies significantly. For the 2024-25 year, Father McGivney Catholic High School tuition is approximately $9,500, while Althoff Catholic High School is around $10,500. Westminster Christian Academy, being in Missouri, has a higher tuition, often exceeding $20,000. Illinois offers the Tax Credit Scholarship Program through Invest in Kids, which provides need-based scholarships funded by donations to Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs). All local Catholic schools participate. Additionally, many schools offer parish subsidies for active members, multi-child discounts, and internal financial aid. It's crucial to apply for aid early.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Freeburg, Illinois, offer that leverage the local region?
Schools in this Metro-East area often have strong programs reflecting local interests and industries. Althoff Catholic offers robust engineering and computer science pathways, connections to Southwestern Illinois College, and a dominant athletics program in the Chicago Catholic League. Father McGivney has a growing STEM program and emphasizes character formation. Westminster Christian Academy provides extensive fine arts and a comprehensive AP program. Given the proximity to St. Louis and Scott Air Force Base, many schools have partnerships with cultural institutions and science centers in the bi-state region, enhancing field trip and internship opportunities.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools serving Freeburg, Illinois families?
The process is centralized for Catholic schools via the Belleville Diocese. For high schools like Althoff and Father McGivney, the enrollment cycle begins in the fall prior to the entry year (e.g., Fall 2024 for 2025-26). It typically involves an open house, application submission by January/February, placement testing, and financial aid applications due early in the calendar year. Westminster Christian Academy in Missouri follows its own timeline, often with applications due in February. Siblings and active parishioners usually receive priority. Given limited seats, especially in popular schools, Freeburg parents are advised to begin research and attend open houses in the September-November period.
For a family in Freeburg, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private school in the area?
Key considerations include: 1) **Commute:** Freeburg Community High School is local, while private options require a 20-45 minute drive to Belleville, Glen Carbon, or St. Louis. 2) **Curriculum & Values:** Freeburg public schools are well-regarded, but private schools offer specific religious formation (Catholic/Christian) or a particular pedagogical focus. 3) **Cost vs. Investment:** Weighing the direct cost of tuition against perceived value in smaller class sizes, college placement, and specialized programs. 4) **Extracurriculars:** Larger private schools may offer more niche sports or activities, but Freeburg High provides strong community-based programs. 5) **Student Population:** Private schools draw from a wider geographic area, potentially broadening your child's peer network beyond the immediate village.
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