The Best Private Schools in Harvey, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Harvey. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Providence-St. Mel School
Independent Private School
Providence-St. Mel School has gained national recognition for its exceptional college preparatory program and remarkable success in sending nearly 100% of graduates to four-year colleges. Located in nearby Chicago, the school serves students from Harvey and throughout the metropolitan area with a rigorous curriculum emphasizing critical thinking, leadership, and character development. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, and comprehensive support services. Notable features include mandatory extended day programs, Saturday academies, and extensive college counseling services that have made it a model for urban education excellence.
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Marian Catholic High School
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
Marian Catholic High School is a highly-regarded Dominican college preparatory school serving students from Harvey and throughout the Chicago Southland region. The school is known for its rigorous academic programs, including 24 Advanced Placement courses and a nationally-recognized performing arts department. The 40-acre campus features state-of-the-art science laboratories, a professional performing arts center, and comprehensive athletic facilities. Marian Catholic consistently ranks among the top Catholic high schools in Illinois for academic achievement and college placement rates.
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Seton Academy
Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools
Seton Academy is a co-educational Catholic high school serving the Harvey and South Suburban Chicago area. Founded by the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with strong emphasis on character development and academic excellence. The campus features modern science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities. Notable programs include Advanced Placement courses, competitive sports teams, and community service requirements that build well-rounded students prepared for higher education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Harvey, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available within Harvey, Illinois, and what grade levels do they serve?
Harvey, IL, is home to a few notable private schools, primarily serving middle and high school students. Seton Academy is a co-educational Catholic high school (grades 9-12). Marian Catholic High School, located just outside Harvey in Chicago Heights, is a highly-regarded Dominican Catholic college-preparatory high school (grades 9-12) that draws many students from Harvey. Providence-St. Mel School, located in Chicago's West Side with a significant history of serving students from surrounding areas including Harvey, is a renowned independent college-prep school for grades K-12. For younger grades, families in Harvey often look at Catholic elementary schools in neighboring communities like South Holland or Dolton, as dedicated K-8 private options within Harvey city limits are limited.
How does the Illinois Tax Credit Scholarship Program (Invest in Kids Act) benefit families considering private schools in Harvey?
The Illinois Tax Credit Scholarship Program is a crucial financial consideration for Harvey families. This state program provides scholarships for eligible students to attend qualified private schools, using donations from individuals and businesses who receive a state tax credit. Families at or below 300% of the federal poverty level can apply. For a Harvey family considering schools like Seton Academy or Marian Catholic, this scholarship can significantly offset tuition costs. It's important to apply through a registered Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) as soon as applications open, as funds are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Check directly with your chosen school's financial aid office for guidance.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are emphasized by private high schools serving the Harvey area?
Private high schools accessible to Harvey students offer distinct specializations. Marian Catholic High School is renowned for its exceptional fine arts program, particularly its nationally recognized marching band and choir, alongside robust STEM curricula. Seton Academy emphasizes a strong college-prep curriculum with a focus on character formation and recently has built programs in career and technical education. Providence-St. Mel School is famous for its rigorous "No Excuses" college-preparatory model and a near-100% college acceptance rate, focusing intensely on academic discipline and leadership. These schools provide structured environments and programs that may differ from the offerings of Harvey's public District 152, often with smaller class sizes and specific religious or value-based education.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools like Marian Catholic or Seton Academy for a student from Harvey?
The enrollment process for these schools begins early, often in the fall of a student's 7th or 8th-grade year. For Marian Catholic and Seton Academy, the key steps include: 1) Attending an open house (usually held September-November). 2) Taking a placement exam (typically in January for incoming freshmen). 3) Submitting an application, transcripts, and recommendations by a February/March deadline. 4) Applying for financial aid and tax credit scholarships simultaneously. Rolling admissions may continue if spaces remain. Given the competitive nature, especially at Marian Catholic, Harvey families are advised to start the process over a year in advance. Providence-St. Mel has its own rigorous application and interview process, starting even earlier for younger grades.
For a family living in Harvey, what are the key considerations when comparing local public schools to private school options?
Key considerations include educational approach, cost, and community environment. Harvey Public Schools (District 152) face significant financial and academic challenges, which leads many families to seek private alternatives for perceived stability and rigorous college preparation. Private options like those listed offer structured, often faith-based environments with typically smaller class sizes and distinct disciplinary codes. However, this comes with substantial tuition costs (ranging from several thousand to over $15,000 annually) and potentially longer commutes. Families must weigh the investment against their child's specific needs, the value of specialized programs (like arts or intense college prep), and the availability of financial aid. The sense of community and alumni networks associated with schools like Marian Catholic or Providence-St. Mel is also a significant draw for Harvey parents seeking long-term opportunities for their children.
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