The Best Private Schools in Glen Ellyn, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Glen Ellyn. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Glen Ellyn Bible Church School
Glen Ellyn Bible Church
Glen Ellyn Bible Church School is a highly-regarded Christian private school offering comprehensive education from preschool through 8th grade. The school emphasizes academic excellence within a faith-based environment, featuring small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and strong community involvement. Their curriculum includes advanced STEM programs, comprehensive arts education, and competitive athletics. The school is known for its nurturing environment and strong parent-teacher partnerships, with many graduates successfully transitioning to top area high schools.
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Wheaton Academy
Independent Christian School
Wheaton Academy is a prestigious Christian college preparatory high school serving the Glen Ellyn area and surrounding western suburbs. As one of the oldest continuously operating Christian schools in Illinois, it offers rigorous academic programs including Advanced Placement courses, a comprehensive STEM academy, and outstanding fine arts programs. The 48-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performance spaces, and athletic complexes. The school maintains a strong focus on spiritual development alongside academic excellence, with graduates consistently attending top-tier universities.
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Benet Academy
St. Procopius Abbey
Benet Academy is a highly respected Catholic college preparatory school serving students from Glen Ellyn and throughout the western suburbs. Operated by St. Procopius Abbey, the school offers a challenging academic curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement offerings, outstanding STEM programs, and renowned performing arts departments. The school features excellent facilities including modern science laboratories, extensive athletic complexes, and dedicated arts spaces. Benet is known for its strong community spirit, competitive athletics programs, and exceptional college placement record, with graduates regularly accepted to prestigious universities nationwide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Glen Ellyn, Illinois
What are the primary types of private school options available to families residing in Glen Ellyn, Illinois?
Glen Ellyn residents have access to several distinct types of private schools. Within the village itself, you'll find parochial options like Glen Ellyn Bible Church School, which offers a Christian education from a Protestant perspective. Just outside Glen Ellyn in nearby communities are highly regarded independent and Catholic institutions. Wheaton Academy, located in West Chicago, is a prominent non-denominational Christian high school. Benet Academy in Lisle is a top-ranked, co-educational Catholic high school operated by the Benedictine order. Additionally, the broader DuPage County area offers Montessori, Lutheran, and other independent preparatory schools, all within a reasonable commute from Glen Ellyn.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Glen Ellyn, IL area compare, and what financial aid options are commonly available?
Tuition in the Glen Ellyn area varies significantly by school type and grade level. Parish-supported Catholic elementary schools often have the lowest tuition, while independent college-preparatory schools like Wheaton Academy and Benet Academy have higher tuition, typically ranging from $15,000 to $20,000+ annually for high school. Illinois has a unique tax-advantaged program called the Invest in Kids Act, which offers tax credit scholarships for eligible families, though funding is limited. Most schools in the area, including those mentioned, offer their own need-based financial aid and merit scholarship programs. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school about their specific tuition, fees, and aid application process, which often uses a service like FACTS Management.
What are the enrollment timelines and key deadlines for top private high schools like Wheaton Academy and Benet Academy for Glen Ellyn students?
The enrollment process for competitive private high schools in the Glen Ellyn area begins early. For schools like Wheaton Academy and Benet Academy, the admissions cycle for incoming freshmen typically starts in the fall of a student's 8th-grade year. Key steps include attending open houses (often held September-November), submitting applications by December or January, taking required entrance exams (like the HSPT), and completing interviews or shadow visits. Admissions decisions are usually released in February. It is highly recommended that Glen Ellyn families begin researching and visiting schools in the spring of 7th grade to ensure they meet all deadlines, as spaces are limited and these schools draw applicants from a wide region.
Beyond religious affiliation, what are some notable academic or extracurricular specializations offered by private schools serving Glen Ellyn, IL?
Private schools in the Glen Ellyn area offer robust programs that complement their academic rigor. Benet Academy is renowned for its strong STEM curriculum, extensive AP course offerings, and legendary state-championship athletic programs, particularly in volleyball and basketball. Wheaton Academy emphasizes global engagement, with distinctive off-campus interim courses and a focus on faith-integrated learning across all subjects. Many local private schools also leverage their proximity to Chicago for enhanced arts and science programs, including frequent field trips and partnerships with city institutions. Additionally, schools in this affluent, educated suburb often feature exceptional college counseling, with high rates of matriculation to top-tier universities.
For families considering both, what are the main practical differences between Glen Ellyn's highly-rated public schools (District 41/87) and the surrounding private school options?
The choice often centers on educational philosophy, class size, and specific program needs. Glen Ellyn's public schools (Glenbard West High School) are consistently top-ranked in Illinois, offering a comprehensive, tax-funded education with diverse AP/IB courses, large-scale athletics, and extensive extracurriculars. The main draws for private options are a specific faith-based environment, often smaller average class sizes for more individualized attention, and a distinct community identity. For example, a family seeking a daily immersive Christian education would choose Wheaton Academy over Glenbard West. Conversely, the public system provides a no-tuition option with a broad peer group from the immediate neighborhood. The commute is also a factor; Glen Ellyn public schools are within walking distance for many, while private options require transportation to neighboring towns.
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