The Best Private Schools in Henning, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Henning. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Judah Christian School
Independent Christian School
Judah Christian School is a premier private Christian school serving families throughout East Central Illinois, including Henning. The school offers a comprehensive K-12 program with strong college preparatory curriculum and biblical integration across all subjects. Academic programs include Advanced Placement courses, dual enrollment opportunities, and specialized tracks in STEM and humanities. The campus features modern facilities including science laboratories, technology centers, athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces. The school is known for its strong community atmosphere and high parent satisfaction ratings.
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Schlarman Academy
Diocese of Peoria Catholic Schools
Schlarman Academy is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving the Henning area from nearby Danville. The school offers a comprehensive educational experience with rigorous academic programs, including Advanced Placement courses and dual credit opportunities. Facilities include modern science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities. The school maintains small class sizes with a 12:1 student-teacher ratio and emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence. Extracurricular offerings include competitive athletics, performing arts, and numerous clubs.
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St. Mary's School
Diocese of Peoria Catholic Schools
St. Mary's School in nearby Westville provides excellent private education serving the Henning community with a rich history of academic excellence. The school offers a faith-based education from preschool through 8th grade with strong emphasis on core academic subjects, character development, and community service. The curriculum includes advanced mathematics, comprehensive language arts, science exploration, and technology integration. Facilities include modern classrooms, computer labs, library resources, and recreational areas. The school maintains small class sizes and strong parent-teacher partnerships, creating a supportive learning environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Henning, Illinois
What are the private school options available for families living in or near Henning, Illinois?
Henning itself is a small village, so most private school options are located in nearby communities within a reasonable commuting distance. The primary schools often considered by Henning families include Schlarman Academy (a Catholic PK-12 school in Danville), Judah Christian School (a non-denominational Christian school in Champaign), and St. Mary's School (a Catholic elementary school in Westville). Given Henning's rural location in Vermilion County, parents should plan for transportation, as these schools are typically a 20-40 minute drive away. Exploring these options involves considering the commute alongside each school's specific mission and grade offerings.
How does tuition for private schools near Henning, IL, compare, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition varies significantly among the schools accessible to Henning residents. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Schlarman Academy's high school tuition is approximately $7,500, while Judah Christian School's tuition ranges from $8,000 to $10,000+. St. Mary's elementary tuition is typically lower. Critically, Illinois offers the Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which can provide significant need-based financial aid for qualifying families to use at participating private schools (like Schlarman). Additionally, many schools offer parish subsidies for member families, sibling discounts, and merit-based scholarships. It's essential to inquire directly with each school's financial office about aid applications and deadlines.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving the Henning area offer?
Schools near Henning provide distinct programs leveraging their institutional identities. Schlarman Academy, with its Diocesan curriculum, offers strong college-prep courses, theology, and growing STEM initiatives. Judah Christian School emphasizes a biblical worldview integrated across subjects, along with fine arts and competitive athletics. St. Mary's School focuses on foundational Catholic education with character development. A notable consideration for Henning families is that these schools often provide more specialized arts, advanced placement, or faith-based programming than the local public district, but may have fewer agricultural or vocational tech offerings common in rural public high schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools near Henning, Illinois?
Enrollment processes for schools like Schlarman, Judah Christian, and St. Mary's generally begin in January or February for the following fall, with priority given to current families and parish members. The process typically involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a family interview or student assessment. For Henning residents, early inquiry is crucial due to limited seats and potential waiting lists, especially in lower grades. Many schools host open houses in the fall; attending these events from Champaign-Urbana or Danville requires planning for the drive. It's advisable to contact admissions offices a full year in advance.
For a family in rural Henning, what are the key factors when comparing local public schools to private school options in the area?
The key comparison points for Henning families include educational approach, community, and logistics. Henning students are served by the small Oakwood CUSD 76 public system, offering a close-knit, local environment. Opting for a private school like Schlarman or Judah Christian involves a commute but provides a specific religious foundation and often smaller class sizes. Academically, private schools may offer more consistent access to advanced courses or specialized staff. Financially, it's a direct cost (tuition) versus an indirect cost (transportation time and fuel). The decision often hinges on how much a family values a faith-based education and is willing to commit to the daily travel to Danville or Champaign.