The Best Private Schools in Hillsdale, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Hillsdale. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Rivermont Collegiate
Independent
Rivermont Collegiate is a premier independent college preparatory school serving the Quad Cities region, including Hillsdale families. As the only International Baccalaureate (IB) World School in the area, it offers a rigorous academic program for students from preschool through 12th grade. The school features small class sizes with a 7:1 student-to-teacher ratio, state-of-the-art facilities including science labs and technology centers, and extensive extracurricular programs in arts, athletics, and leadership. Located just across the river in Bettendorf, it has served Illinois families for decades with a track record of 100% college acceptance and significant scholarship awards.
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St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School
Diocese of Davenport
St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School provides exceptional private education to students from preschool through 8th grade, serving families throughout the Quad Cities area including Hillsdale. The school offers a comprehensive academic program grounded in Catholic values with strong emphasis on literacy, mathematics, and faith formation. Features include modern technology integration, dedicated STEM labs, music and art programs, and competitive athletic teams. With small class sizes and experienced faculty, the school maintains high academic standards while fostering character development and community service.
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Alleman Catholic High School
Diocese of Peoria
Alleman Catholic High School is a highly-regarded college preparatory school located in Rock Island, serving students throughout the Illinois Quad Cities region including Hillsdale. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum with 16 Advanced Placement courses, strong STEM programs, and competitive athletics. With a 12:1 student-to-teacher ratio, students receive personalized attention and academic support. The school boasts a 99% college acceptance rate and has been recognized for academic excellence. Facilities include modern science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes, providing a well-rounded educational experience rooted in Catholic tradition.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Hillsdale, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for K-12 education in Hillsdale, Illinois?
In Hillsdale, Illinois, families have a few distinct private school options covering different grade levels. For a non-sectarian, college-preparatory education, Rivermont Collegiate serves students from preschool through 12th grade. For families seeking a Catholic education, St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School typically covers elementary and middle school grades, while Alleman Catholic High School serves students in grades 9-12. This structure means a family could choose a continuous Catholic education from elementary through high school within the Hillsdale area. There are also a limited number of smaller, faith-based academies in the broader Quad Cities region that Hillsdale residents may consider.
How does the tuition for private schools in Hillsdale, IL, compare, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid options?
Tuition in Hillsdale varies by school and grade level. Rivermont Collegiate, as an independent college-prep school, generally has the highest tuition. St. Paul the Apostle and Alleman Catholic High School, as parish-supported institutions, typically have lower, though still significant, tuition rates. A key Illinois-specific financial aid option is the Invest in Kids Act Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which provides need-based scholarships for students to attend private schools. Many Hillsdale-area private schools participate in this program. Additionally, schools often have their own need-based financial aid and, for Catholic schools, active parishioner discounts and multi-child discounts are common.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Hillsdale private schools offer that leverage the local area?
Hillsdale private schools offer programs that connect students to the broader Quad Cities region. Rivermont Collegiate emphasizes STEM and global studies, with potential partnerships with local engineering firms and John Deere. Alleman Catholic High School often has strong athletics programs that compete in the Western Big 6 conference against larger public schools, providing a unique competitive environment. Given Hillsdale's location on the Mississippi River, schools may incorporate regional history, environmental science projects related to the river ecosystem, and access to cultural institutions in nearby Davenport and Moline into their curricula.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Hillsdale, Illinois?
The enrollment process in Hillsdale typically begins in the winter (January-February) for the following academic year, especially for Rivermont Collegiate and the Catholic schools' priority registration for parish families. Most schools host open houses from fall through winter. The process usually involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a student visit or assessment. For Alleman Catholic High School, placement tests for incoming freshmen are common. It's crucial to contact schools directly, as some may have waiting lists for certain grades. Rolling admission may be available if spots remain, but early application is strongly advised.
For a family moving to Hillsdale, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school?
Key considerations include educational philosophy, cost, and community. Hillsdale is served by the Moline-Coal Valley School District (Moline Public Schools). Compared to the larger, comprehensive Moline High School, private options like Rivermont or Alleman offer smaller class sizes, distinct religious or values-based education (if desired), and often a more focused college-prep environment. Transportation can be a factor, as Illinois does not require public districts to bus private school students, though some services may exist. The decision often hinges on whether a family prioritizes the specific mission, community, and specialized programs of a private school versus the no-tuition cost and extensive extracurricular offerings of the larger public system.