The Best Private Schools in Industry, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Industry. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Paul School
Diocese of Peoria Catholic Schools
St. Paul School is a highly-regarded Catholic school serving the McDonough County area, including Industry. The school offers comprehensive education from preschool through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on faith-based learning combined with rigorous academics. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic facilities. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 15:1 and offers extensive extracurricular programs including sports, music, and academic competitions. Parent satisfaction is exceptionally high with praise for the dedicated faculty and strong community environment.
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St. Mary School
Diocese of Peoria Catholic Schools
St. Mary School in Canton serves the broader western Illinois region, including families from Industry. The school offers education from preschool through 8th grade with a balanced approach to spiritual, academic, and social development. The campus features modern classrooms, computer labs, a gymnasium, and playground facilities. Academic programs include advanced technology integration, foreign language instruction, and comprehensive STEM education. The school is known for its strong community involvement, dedicated faculty with average 15+ years experience, and excellent student achievement records. Parent reviews consistently praise the school's welcoming atmosphere and academic rigor.
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St. Rose of Lima Catholic School
Diocese of Peoria Catholic Schools
Located in nearby Rushville, St. Rose of Lima Catholic School serves families throughout Schuyler and McDonough counties, including Industry. The school provides education from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade with a strong academic foundation rooted in Catholic values. The curriculum emphasizes core subjects while offering specialized programs in mathematics and literacy. The school features updated technology resources, a comprehensive library, and active parent-teacher organization. Reviews highlight the school's nurturing environment, experienced teachers, and excellent preparation for high school.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Industry, Illinois
What are the private school options for families living in or near Industry, Illinois?
Industry, Illinois, is a small village, and as such, there are no private schools physically located within its village limits. However, families in Industry typically look to nearby communities for private education. The primary options, as you noted, are Catholic schools in neighboring towns: St. Paul School in Macomb, St. Rose of Lima Catholic School in Cuba, and St. Mary School in Macomb. These schools serve the broader region, including McDonough County. For a wider selection, parents may also consider private schools in larger regional hubs like Peoria or Quincy, though this involves a significant commute.
How does tuition for private schools serving Industry, IL, compare to the state average, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition for the Catholic schools serving the Industry area is generally below the Illinois state average for private schools, reflecting the lower cost of living in rural western Illinois. For the 2023-2024 school year, tuition at these parish-affiliated schools often ranges from $3,000 to $5,000 per student, with discounts for multiple children and active parish members. Financial aid is primarily offered through the parish itself and the Diocese of Peoria's scholarship funds. Additionally, Illinois' Tax Credit Scholarship Program, "Invest in Kids," can provide significant assistance to eligible families, though funding is limited and application is competitive.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools near Industry, IL, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools near Industry, like St. Paul, St. Rose, and St. Mary, emphasize a faith-based education integrated into all subjects, which is their primary differentiator. Academically, they often feature small class sizes (frequently 15:1 or lower) allowing for individualized attention. While they may not have the extensive elective catalog of a large public high school, they often provide strong foundational programs in STEM, music, and art. Many also participate in regional academic competitions and offer service-learning projects rooted in Catholic social teaching. Their sports teams typically compete in the Lincoln Trail Conference, fostering a close-knit athletic community.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for families in Industry seeking to enroll in a private school like St. Paul or St. Mary?
The enrollment process for the Catholic schools serving Industry usually begins in January or February for the following academic year. It is a multi-step process: First, families, especially those new to the parish, should schedule a meeting with the pastor and school principal. Second, they must complete registration paperwork and provide sacramental records (like baptismal certificates) and academic records from any previous school. Priority is typically given to active parishioners and siblings of current students. It's crucial to contact the school office directly by early spring, as some grades (particularly kindergarten and early elementary) may have waiting lists due to small class sizes.
For an Industry family, what are the key practical considerations when choosing between the local public school (West Prairie District) and a private Catholic school in a neighboring town?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. **Commute:** Industry is part of the West Prairie CUSD #103. Attending a private option means a daily commute of 15-30 minutes to Macomb or Cuba, which involves time and transportation logistics. **Cost:** Public school is tuition-free, while private school requires tuition, though financial aid may offset this. **Environment:** West Prairie offers a consolidated K-12 public school experience with broader extracurriculars. The private schools offer a specific religious environment and very small community feel. **Continuity:** Consider the long-term plan; the private schools near Industry are typically K-8, meaning you would need to plan for a transition to a private high school (like Costa Catholic in Galesburg or Quincy Notre Dame) or back to West Prairie High School for 9-12 grade.