The Best Private Schools in Galena, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Galena. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Wahlert Catholic High School
Holy Family Catholic Schools
Wahlert Catholic High School is a highly-regarded private Catholic school located just across the state line in Dubuque, Iowa, serving students from the tri-state area including Galena. The school offers a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum with advanced placement courses, a dedicated STEM academy, and extensive fine arts programs. Facilities include modern science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Wahlert emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, serving as a primary private school option for Galena families seeking Catholic education.
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Holy Family Catholic Schools - Mazzuchelli Campus
Holy Family Catholic Schools
Mazzuchelli Middle School serves as the middle school campus within the Holy Family Catholic Schools system, providing education for grades 5-8. Located in nearby Dubuque, Iowa, this school serves many families from the Galena area with its rigorous academic program that includes advanced mathematics, science labs, and comprehensive language arts. The school features modern technology integration, competitive athletics, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. Parent satisfaction is high due to the school's strong community atmosphere and focus on developing well-rounded students prepared for high school success.
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St. Mary's Elementary School
Diocese of Madison
St. Mary's Elementary School in Platteville, Wisconsin, is one of the region's oldest and most established private schools, serving students from preschool through 8th grade. While located in Wisconsin, the school serves families from the broader tri-state region including Galena, Illinois. The school offers a strong foundation in core academic subjects integrated with Catholic values and faith formation. Features include small class sizes, dedicated teachers, modern technology resources, and a safe learning environment. The school has maintained excellent academic standards and community reputation for generations, making it a popular choice for Galena-area families seeking private elementary education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Galena, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families in Galena, Illinois, and what grade levels do they serve?
Galena, IL, offers a few key private school options, primarily with a Catholic affiliation. Wahlert Catholic High School in nearby Dubuque, Iowa, serves many Galena students for grades 9-12. Within Galena itself, Holy Family Catholic Schools - Mazzuchelli Campus typically serves middle school grades, and St. Mary's Elementary School serves preschool through elementary grades. It's important for Galena parents to note that the full K-12 private pathway involves multiple campuses and may include a commute to Dubuque for high school, as there is no private high school physically located in Galena.
How does tuition at Galena's private Catholic schools compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Illinois families?
Tuition for Galena's private schools like St. Mary's and Mazzuchelli Campus is typically lower than many urban private schools, often ranging from $3,000 to $6,000 annually per child, with discounts for multiple children and parishioners. Illinois offers the "Invest in Kids Act" tax credit scholarship program, which can provide significant financial aid to eligible families. Additionally, the local parishes and the Holy Family Catholic Schools system often have their own need-based aid and fundraising support, such as the "Futures Fund," to help make tuition manageable for Galena-area residents.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Galena's private schools offer that leverage the local community and environment?
Galena's private schools integrate the rich local history and natural environment into their programs. For instance, St. Mary's and Mazzuchelli Campus may organize field trips to the Galena & U.S. Grant Museum, the historic downtown, or the Mississippi River for science studies. Given the area's strong Catholic heritage, religion classes often include local church history. Furthermore, being part of the Holy Family Catholic Schools system allows students to participate in shared extracurriculars, like sports teams that compete in the Iowa-based conference (for Wahlert High School), which is a unique cross-state arrangement for Illinois students.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like St. Mary's in Galena, and are there considerations for families moving to the area?
The enrollment process for Galena's private schools usually begins in January or February for the following academic year, with priority often given to registered parishioners and siblings of current students. Given the small size of these schools, spaces can be limited, so early inquiry is recommended. For families moving to Galena outside this timeline, it's best to contact the school office directly, as they may have mid-year openings. The process typically involves submitting an application, birth and baptismal certificates, previous school records, and a registration fee. A family interview or classroom visit may also be part of the process.
For Galena parents considering the choice, what are the notable differences between the local public school (Galena Primary/High School) and the available private school options?
The key differences lie in school size, religious education, and structural pathway. Galena Public Schools (District 120) operate as a single, consolidated PK-12 system within the community, offering a wide range of public school programs and extracurriculars. The private Catholic pathway is smaller, with a strong focus on faith-based education and values, but requires a transition between campuses (e.g., St. Mary's to Mazzuchelli to Wahlert in Dubuque). The private option may involve a daily commute to Dubuque for high school, whereas the public high school is in Galena. Academically, both are well-regarded, so the choice often centers on a family's preference for a religious education environment versus the convenience and continuity of the local public system.
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