The Best Private Schools in Grant Park, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Grant Park. 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 institution serving the Grant Park and broader Kankakee County area. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with advanced placement courses, strong STEM programs, and extensive extracurricular opportunities including competitive athletics and fine arts. With modern facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes, the school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence. Parent satisfaction is consistently high due to small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a supportive community environment.
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Providence Catholic High School
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
Providence Catholic High School is a prestigious college preparatory school serving students from Grant Park and surrounding communities. With over a century of educational excellence, the school offers rigorous academic programs including extensive AP course offerings, a dedicated STEM academy, and comprehensive fine arts programs. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science laboratories, technology-integrated classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities. The school maintains strong college placement records and emphasizes leadership development through various student organizations and service opportunities.
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St. George Elementary School
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
St. George Elementary School provides exceptional PreK-8 education serving families in Grant Park and the Bourbonnais area. The school offers a well-rounded curriculum emphasizing core academic subjects while incorporating technology integration, STEM enrichment, and comprehensive fine arts programs. With small class sizes and individualized attention, students receive strong foundational preparation for high school. The school community is known for its family-oriented atmosphere, active parent involvement, and commitment to developing students' moral and academic character. Facilities include modern classrooms, computer labs, and dedicated spaces for music and art instruction.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Grant Park, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Grant Park, Illinois?
Grant Park itself is a smaller village, so most private school options are located in nearby communities, drawing from the Grant Park area. The notable institutions you'll find include Bishop McNamara Catholic School (K-12) in Kankakee, Providence Catholic High School in New Lenox, and St. George Elementary School in Bourbonnais. These schools represent the Catholic educational network serving the region. For families in Grant Park, transportation is a key consideration, as these schools are a short commute away. Exploring each school's specific feeder parish or transportation services is an important first step.
How does tuition at private schools near Grant Park, IL, compare, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid options?
Tuition varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-25 academic year, expect a range. St. George Elementary typically has lower elementary tuition, often around $4,000-$6,000 for parishioners. Bishop McNamara's high school tuition is higher, often exceeding $10,000. Providence Catholic is similarly priced for high school. Illinois offers the Invest in Kids Act Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which can provide significant need-based financial aid for qualifying families at participating private schools. All the mentioned schools have financial aid processes and may offer parish subsidies, multi-child discounts, and payment plans. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school's admissions office.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Grant Park area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Schools like Bishop McNamara and Providence Catholic offer distinct college-preparatory curricula with a focus on faith-based education and character development. Specific differentiators include: Bishop McNamara's STEM Academy and International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, Providence Catholic's renowned athletics and fine arts programs, and St. George's emphasis on early childhood education in a faith-based setting. These schools often have smaller class sizes than the regional public districts, allowing for more individualized attention. Their religious education component is a primary draw for many families in the Grant Park community.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Grant Park, IL, families?
The enrollment process for these schools usually begins in the winter for the following academic year. For example, open houses and application deadlines for fall enrollment often occur between January and March. Many schools, particularly the Catholic ones, have priority enrollment periods for active parish members and siblings of current students. For Grant Park residents, it's important to note that these schools do not have geographic boundaries like public schools, so admission is based on application, and sometimes testing or interviews (especially for high school). Contacting the admissions office early is recommended, as some grades may have waiting lists.
For a family in Grant Park, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school in a neighboring town?
The decision hinges on several local factors. Grant Park is served by Grant Park Community Unit School District #6. Key considerations include: **Commute & Logistics:** Private schools require daily transportation to Kankakee, Bourbonnais, or New Lenox. **Cost:** Public schools are tuition-free. **Educational Philosophy:** Public schools offer a secular education, while private options provide religious instruction and often a traditional, structured environment. **Class Size:** Grant Park schools offer a small-town public education, while private schools may offer even smaller ratios. **Program Offerings:** For specialized programs like IB or intense athletic development, the private options may have an edge. Visiting both your local public school and the private options is essential to feel the difference in community and approach.
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