The Best Private Schools in Gilman, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Gilman. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Bishop McNamara Catholic School
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
Bishop McNamara Catholic School is a highly-regarded PreK-12 Catholic school serving the broader Gilman area. With a strong college preparatory focus, the school offers rigorous academic programs including 17 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM education, and extensive fine arts offerings. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 13:1 and has a 99% college acceptance rate. Extracurricular programs include 25+ sports teams, academic clubs, and community service opportunities.
Programs:
St. Anne Community High School
Independent Catholic School
St. Anne Community High School serves students from Gilman and surrounding communities with a comprehensive educational approach. The school offers both college preparatory tracks and vocational education programs, providing students with diverse pathways to success. Features include dual credit courses through local community colleges, modern technology integration, and strong athletic programs. The school maintains a family-like atmosphere with personalized attention and has established partnerships with local businesses for internship opportunities. Facilities include updated science labs, computer labs, and athletic facilities.
Programs:
Grace Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Grace Christian Academy provides Christ-centered education serving families in the Gilman region. The school offers a comprehensive PreK-12 program with strong academic foundations integrated with biblical principles. Curriculum includes college preparatory courses, advanced mathematics and science programs, and comprehensive fine arts education. The campus features modern classrooms, science laboratories, computer labs, and athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development and community service while maintaining small class sizes for individualized instruction. Extracurricular activities include competitive sports, music programs, and academic competitions.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Gilman, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families in Gilman, Illinois, and what grade levels do they serve?
Gilman, IL, offers a few key private school options, primarily with a religious affiliation. Bishop McNamara Catholic School in Kankakee is a regional Pre-K through 12th grade option that draws families from Gilman. Closer to home, St. Anne Community High School serves grades 9-12, and Grace Christian Academy typically offers a K-12 Christian education. Due to Gilman's smaller size, many families also consider private schools in nearby communities like Watseka or Kankakee, which may involve a commute. It's important to visit each school's website or contact them directly for the most current grade-level offerings.
How does tuition for private schools in the Gilman, Illinois, area compare, and are there any Illinois-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition in the Gilman area varies by school and grade level. For the 2023-2024 school year, schools like Grace Christian Academy and Bishop McNamara have tuition that can range from approximately $4,000 to $8,000+ annually, with discounts often available for multiple children. A significant Illinois-specific financial consideration is the **Invest in Kids Act Tax Credit Scholarship Program**. This program provides scholarships for eligible students to attend private schools, funded by donations from individuals and businesses who receive a state tax credit. Families must apply for these scholarships directly through a qualified Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO). Additionally, all schools offer their own need-based financial aid and parish subsidies for member families at Catholic schools.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Gilman, IL, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Gilman area often provide specialized programs rooted in their missions. Bishop McNamara Catholic School, as a larger regional institution, offers a comprehensive college-prep curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and a wider array of extracurriculars and sports. St. Anne Community High School provides a close-knit, faith-based environment with an emphasis on community service. Grace Christian Academy integrates a biblical worldview across all subjects and may offer programs like one-to-one technology initiatives. These schools typically have smaller class sizes than Gilman's public schools, allowing for more individualized attention, and they require religion/theology courses as part of their core curriculum.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools serving Gilman, Illinois families?
The enrollment process for schools like Bishop McNamara, St. Anne, and Grace Christian Academy usually begins in the winter or early spring for the following fall semester. Key steps include: 1) Attending an open house or scheduling a private tour (often held between January and March). 2) Submitting an application by a priority deadline, which can be as early as February or March for existing families and siblings, with rolling admissions thereafter if spaces remain. 3) Providing records from previous schools. 4) For Catholic schools, often providing a pastor's signature for parishioners. 5) Completing financial aid or scholarship applications (like the Illinois Tax Credit Scholarship) concurrently, as these have strict deadlines. It's crucial to contact each school directly, as timelines can vary, and spaces in specific grades may be limited.
For a family living in Gilman, what are the practical considerations regarding transportation and community when choosing a private school?
A major practical consideration is transportation. Gilman's public school district typically does not provide busing to private schools outside its boundaries. Therefore, families are responsible for arranging transportation to schools in St. Anne, Kankakee, or other locations. This often involves forming carpools with other local families. The community aspect, however, is a strong draw. These private schools foster tight-knit communities where families from Gilman and surrounding rural towns connect through shared values, school events, and extracurricular activities. Choosing a school often means joining a community that extends beyond the classroom, which can be especially valuable in a rural area like Iroquois County. It's advisable to talk to current parents from your area to understand the commute and community integration.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities