The Best Private Schools in Freeport, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Freeport. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Keith Country Day School
Independent
Located in nearby Rockford, Keith Country Day School is a premier independent school serving students from Freeport and the broader region. As the only International Baccalaureate World School in northern Illinois, it offers a globally-recognized curriculum for grades PreK-12. The school features exceptional faculty with advanced degrees, state-of-the-art facilities, and a 9:1 student-teacher ratio. Keith emphasizes critical thinking, global citizenship, and character development, with graduates consistently gaining admission to prestigious universities nationwide. The school provides transportation options for Freeport-area families.
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Aquin Catholic Schools
Diocese of Rockford Catholic Schools
Aquin Catholic Schools is a highly-regarded PreK-12 private school system serving Freeport and surrounding communities for nearly a century. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and individualized attention. Notable programs include advanced STEM courses, dual credit opportunities through Highland Community College, competitive athletics, and extensive fine arts offerings. The school maintains strong community ties and emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with many graduates attending top universities.
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Monroe Catholic Elementary Schools
Diocese of Rockford Catholic Schools
Monroe Catholic Elementary Schools serve students from PreK through 8th grade in the Freeport community with a strong faith-based education grounded in Catholic traditions. The school offers a comprehensive academic program with integrated technology, STEM curriculum enhancements, and dedicated art and music programs. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention, and the school maintains strong parent involvement and community partnerships. Many graduates continue to Aquin Catholic High School or other college preparatory programs, demonstrating the solid academic foundation provided.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Freeport, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for K-12 education in Freeport, Illinois, and what are their core educational philosophies?
Freeport, IL, offers a few distinct private school options, each with a different focus. **Aquin Catholic Schools** is a PreK-12 system offering a faith-based, college-preparatory education rooted in Catholic values. **Keith Country Day School**, located just outside Freeport in Rockford, is a popular choice for many Freeport families and is the only independent, non-sectarian school in the region, offering an advanced, project-based curriculum from PreK through 12th grade. For younger students, **Monroe Catholic Elementary Schools** in nearby Monroe, WI, serves PreK-8 with a Catholic foundation. The limited number of in-city options means many Freeport families also consider private schools in nearby Rockford or Galena.
How does tuition at Freeport-area private schools compare to the Illinois state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for Freeport-area private schools is generally below the Illinois state average for private education, reflecting the region's cost of living. For the 2023-2024 year, Aquin Catholic Schools' tuition ranges from approximately $4,500 to $6,000 annually, with significant multi-child discounts and parish subsidies for members. Keith Country Day School's tuition is higher, aligning with its independent school status, ranging from around $10,000 to $15,000. Critically, all these schools participate in the **Illinois Tax Credit Scholarship Program**, which can provide substantial need-based tuition assistance funded by private donations. Additionally, most offer their own need-based financial aid and flexible payment plans.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Freeport, IL, area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Freeport area leverage their smaller size to offer specialized programs. **Aquin Catholic Schools** features a strong STEM curriculum with dedicated labs and a 1:1 technology program, alongside mandatory theology and service learning. Its small class sizes allow for individualized attention. **Keith Country Day School** emphasizes global education, advanced arts programs, and foreign language instruction starting in preschool, which is uncommon in the region. Its upper school offers a wide array of Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Both schools offer robust athletics and clubs, but with a focus on participation due to smaller student bodies, unlike the larger, more competitive teams at Freeport Public Schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Aquin Catholic Schools in Freeport, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for Freeport-area private schools typically begins in January for the following fall. For **Aquin Catholic Schools**, priority is given to current families and registered parishioners of supporting Catholic churches, with open enrollment for the community starting in February. The process involves submitting an application, academic records, and often a family interview or student assessment. While Aquin often has space in many grades, popular entry points like Kindergarten and 6th grade can fill quickly. **Keith Country Day School** in Rockford has a more formalized process with application deadlines, student visit days, and standardized testing for middle and upper school admission. It's advisable to contact schools by early winter to understand their specific timelines and current availability.
For a family in Freeport, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district (Freeport School District 145) and a private school?
The decision hinges on several local factors. **Freeport School District 145** offers a no-tuition option with diverse programs, larger athletic departments, and extensive resources for special education. Choosing a private school like **Aquin** or commuting to **Keith** often centers on desire for a specific religious foundation, smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students vs. 25+ in public), and a particular educational philosophy (e.g., classical, project-based). Transportation is a key practical consideration; while District 145 provides buses, private school families often must arrange their own transportation or pay for optional bus service. Additionally, the community aspect is different; private schools often foster a tight-knit, multi-age community that some families in Freeport highly value.
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