The Best Private Schools in Glendale Heights, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Glendale Heights. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Petronille School
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
St. Petronille School is a highly-regarded Catholic elementary school serving students from preschool through 8th grade. Located just minutes from Glendale Heights in neighboring Glen Ellyn, this school has maintained an excellent academic reputation for over six decades. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum with strong emphasis on faith formation, academic excellence, and character development. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, computer labs, and extensive athletic facilities. The school community is known for its strong parent involvement and supportive environment, with many graduates successfully transitioning to top-tier high schools in the area.
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St. Francis High School
Private Catholic High School
St. Francis High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school serving students from Glendale Heights and surrounding communities. With a rigorous academic program that includes 24 Advanced Placement courses and a comprehensive STEM academy, the school consistently achieves exceptional college placement results. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science laboratories, performing arts center, extensive athletic complex, and technology-enhanced classrooms. The school emphasizes holistic education with over 60 clubs and activities, competitive athletic programs, and strong community service requirements. Parent and student satisfaction remains high due to the school's commitment to individual student success and character formation.
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St. Petronille Elementary School
Catholic Diocese of Joliet
Serving the Glendale Heights area from its Glen Ellyn location, St. Petronille Elementary School provides a strong foundation in Catholic education with excellent academic preparation. The school offers small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a comprehensive curriculum that includes advanced mathematics, literature-based language arts, and hands-on science instruction. Technology integration is emphasized with 1:1 iPad program in upper grades and smartboard technology throughout the school. The school features a robust extracurricular program including sports, music, art, and academic clubs. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, strong community values, and excellent preparation for high school.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Glendale Heights, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available within Glendale Heights, Illinois, and what are their educational models?
Glendale Heights, IL, is primarily served by faith-based private schools, with St. Petronille Elementary School (Pre-K through 8th grade) being a central Catholic option within the village itself. For high school, families often look to nearby institutions like St. Francis High School in Wheaton, a co-ed Catholic college-preparatory school. While there are few non-religious private schools directly in Glendale Heights, the broader DuPage County area offers a wider range, including Montessori and secular preparatory academies, typically requiring a short commute. The local private school landscape is characterized by a strong emphasis on values-based education and community.
How does tuition for private schools in the Glendale Heights area compare, and what financial aid options are available for Illinois residents?
Tuition varies significantly. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. Petronille Elementary School's tuition is approximately $6,000-$8,000 for parishioners, with higher rates for non-parishioners. St. Francis High School tuition is around $16,000. Illinois offers the Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which provides significant financial aid to eligible families based on income, and can be used at participating schools like those in the Glendale Heights area. Additionally, most schools offer parish subsidies, multi-child discounts, and need-based grants. It's crucial to apply for financial aid simultaneously with admission.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Glendale Heights-area private schools offer that leverage their local context?
Schools like St. Petronille and St. Francis integrate their DuPage County location into their programs. St. Francis High School offers robust STEM initiatives and partnerships with local businesses and Argonne National Laboratory for internships. Given Glendale Heights' diverse community, these schools often have strong world language programs and cultural clubs. Furthermore, their Catholic identity translates into required service learning, with students engaging in projects throughout Glendale Heights and neighboring Chicago suburbs, fostering a strong sense of local civic responsibility alongside academic rigor.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like St. Petronille in Glendale Heights, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for Glendale Heights private schools often begins a full year in advance. For St. Petronille Elementary, open houses typically start in the fall (October-November), with application deadlines in January or February for the following academic year. Priority is usually given to siblings of current students and active parishioners of St. Petronille Church. St. Francis High School holds entrance exams in the fall for 8th graders. Due to strong demand and limited seats, especially in early grades, waitlists are common. It is highly recommended to attend open houses and complete applications early.
For families in Glendale Heights, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district (Queen Bee District 16/Glenbard District 87) and a private school?
The decision hinges on several Glendale Heights-specific factors. Glenbard East High School (public) is a large, diverse school with extensive AP courses and extracurriculars. Choosing a private school like St. Francis often means seeking a smaller, structured environment with a specific values framework and a consistent college-prep curriculum from elementary through high school. Financially, it involves weighing tuition against property taxes funding public schools. For younger children, it may also involve choosing between neighborhood public elementary schools and a centralized K-8 community at St. Petronille. Transportation is another key factor, as private schools do not provide district busing.
Private Education Insights
Discover the Top Private Schools in Glendale Heights, IL: A Parent's Guide
For families in Glendale Heights, Illinois, the search for the best private schools is often driven by a desire for a specific educational environment—one that aligns closely with family values, offers rigorous academics, and fosters a strong sense of community. While the term "best" is highly subjective, in our local context, it frequently translates to institutions that provide a structured, values-based education with a proven track record of preparing students for future success. The landscape here is predominantly shaped by faith-based institutions, which offer a compelling alternative to the public school system for many parents seeking a holistic approach to their child's development.
Among the most prominent options are St. Petronille Elementary School and St. Francis High School, which represent a continuous Catholic educational pathway from early childhood through adolescence. St. Petronille School is deeply woven into the fabric of the community, known for its family-like atmosphere and a curriculum that integrates faith with core academic subjects. For parents, a significant advantage is the potential for a seamless transition from a familiar elementary environment to the next level. St. Francis High School, while located just a short drive away in Wheaton, is a natural destination for many Glendale Heights graduates seeking a college-preparatory experience. Its reputation for strong academics, extensive extracurricular programs, and a focus on service offers a comprehensive high school journey.
When evaluating the best private schools for your family in Glendale Heights, it's crucial to consider logistics and philosophy. The convenience of a local school like St. Petronille cannot be overstated, reducing commute times and allowing for greater involvement in school events and community. However, "best" also means finding the right fit for your child's unique needs. This involves looking beyond reputation to visit campuses, observe classrooms, and speak with current parents. Ask about class sizes, teacher qualifications, and how the school supports different learning styles. In a close-knit suburb like ours, the experiences of neighbors and friends can be invaluable, so tap into local parent networks for firsthand insights.
Furthermore, the financial commitment is a practical reality for Glendale Heights families. Most local private schools offer tuition assistance, scholarships, or parish subsidy programs, making a private education more accessible than some might initially assume. It's essential to have early conversations with admissions offices to understand all costs and available support. Ultimately, the best private school in Glendale Heights is the one where your child will thrive—a place that challenges them intellectually, nurtures their character, and feels like an extension of the values you cultivate at home. By focusing on the specific strengths of our local institutions and how they match your family's goals, you can make a confident, well-informed decision for your child's educational journey right here in our community.
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