The Best Private Schools in Hurst, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Hurst. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Joseph Catholic School
Diocese of Belleville
St. Joseph Catholic School is a highly-regarded private institution serving the Southern Illinois region, including Hurst. Founded in 1959, this parochial school offers comprehensive education from Pre-K through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on faith-based learning combined with rigorous academics. The school features modern classrooms, dedicated faculty with an average of 15+ years teaching experience, and a robust curriculum that includes advanced mathematics, science labs, and literacy programs. Extracurricular offerings include competitive sports teams, choir, band, and various clubs. Parent reviews consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, academic excellence, and strong community values.
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First Baptist Academy
First Baptist Church of Marion
First Baptist Academy provides exceptional private Christian education to students throughout Williamson County and surrounding areas including Hurst. Established in 1994, the academy offers programs from Pre-K through 12th grade with a strong college preparatory focus. The school features small class sizes (12:1 student-teacher ratio), state-of-the-art technology integration, and comprehensive athletic programs. Academic highlights include Advanced Placement courses, dual credit opportunities with local colleges, and specialized programs in STEM and performing arts. The campus includes modern science labs, a performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. Parents consistently rate the school highly for academic rigor, spiritual development, and supportive community atmosphere.
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Carbondale Community High School (Private Academy Program)
Carbondale Community High School District
While primarily a public institution, Carbondale Community High School operates a highly-regarded private academy program that serves students throughout Southern Illinois, including Hurst residents seeking specialized educational opportunities. Established in 1979, the school offers exceptional academic programs including International Baccalaureate diplomas, extensive Advanced Placement courses, and career technical education pathways. The campus features state-of-the-art science laboratories, performing arts theaters, and comprehensive athletic facilities. The school is particularly noted for its diverse student body, experienced faculty with advanced degrees, and strong college placement record. Parent reviews highlight the school's academic challenges, extensive extracurricular opportunities, and preparation for higher education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Hurst, Illinois
What are the specific private school options available for families residing in Hurst, Illinois?
Hurst, Illinois, is a small village, so on-site private school options are limited but supplemented by nearby institutions. Within Hurst, St. Joseph Catholic School (K-8) is a core parochial option. Many families also consider First Baptist Academy in nearby Carbondale for a Protestant Christian education. For high school, the notable local option is the Private Academy Program at Carbondale Community High School, which is a public school with a dedicated, tuition-based private academy track offering a rigorous college-prep curriculum. Parents in Hurst often look at private schools in the broader Carbondale and Murphysboro areas to expand their choices.
How does tuition for private schools in the Hurst, IL, area compare, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid options?
Tuition in the Hurst area varies by institution type. St. Joseph Catholic School typically has lower tuition, often under $5,000 annually, with discounts for parish members and multiple children. First Baptist Academy and other regional private schools may range from $6,000 to $10,000+. The Private Academy Program at Carbondale Community High School charges tuition as it operates within a public school. Illinois-specific aid includes the Tax Credit Scholarship Program, where donors fund scholarships for eligible students, and the Invest in Kids Act. Additionally, many schools offer need-based aid and parish subsidies for Catholic schools.
What unique academic programs or specializations are offered by private schools serving Hurst, Illinois?
Schools serving Hurst offer distinct programs. St. Joseph Catholic School provides a faith-based curriculum with sacramental preparation. The Private Academy Program at Carbondale Community High School is unique, offering an accelerated, honors-level track with an emphasis on STEM, advanced placement, and college dual-credit courses through Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC). First Baptist Academy integrates biblical worldview across subjects. Given the proximity to SIUC, some programs may facilitate university resources or partnerships, which is a notable advantage for college-bound students in this region.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools in Hurst, Illinois?
For Hurst-area schools, timelines align with the academic calendar but start early. St. Joseph Catholic School often begins registration for existing families in January, opening to new families in February. The Private Academy Program at CCHS usually has application deadlines in the winter (January-February) for the following fall, with possible entrance exams. First Baptist Academy and others have rolling admissions but encourage spring applications. Key steps include submitting applications, academic records, teacher recommendations, and possibly attending an interview or assessment. Contacting schools by early winter is crucial, especially for limited-space programs.
How do private school options in Hurst, Illinois, compare to the local public school district?
Hurst is part of the Hurst-Bush Elementary School District (public K-8) and the Carbondale Community High School District. The main private alternative, St. Joseph, offers smaller class sizes and religious education. For high school, the comparison is unique: the public Carbondale Community High School houses the tuition-based Private Academy Program, allowing families to choose between the standard public curriculum and a more rigorous, private-like track within the same building. This setup provides a hybrid choice not commonly found. Generally, private options emphasize specific values (faith-based) or accelerated academics, while public schools offer no-cost education and broader extracurriculars.