The Best Private Schools in Jacksonville, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Jacksonville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Our Saviour School
Catholic Diocese of Springfield
Our Saviour School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving Jacksonville families for over four decades. The school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education with strong emphasis on faith-based learning, academic excellence, and character development. The curriculum includes robust STEM programs, music education, and arts integration. With small class sizes and dedicated teachers, the school maintains high parent satisfaction and strong community involvement. Facilities include modern classrooms, a dedicated science lab, and shared athletic facilities with the parish.
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Sacred Heart-Griffin High School
Catholic Diocese of Springfield
While located in Springfield, Sacred Heart-Griffin High School serves as a regional Catholic high school option for Jacksonville families, with many students commuting from the Jacksonville area. This highly-rated college preparatory school offers rigorous academic programs including Advanced Placement courses, a dedicated STEM academy, and comprehensive fine arts programs. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic complexes. With a strong track record of college acceptance and numerous extracurricular opportunities, SHG provides a well-rounded secondary education for students throughout central Illinois.
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The Godfrey School
Independent
The Godfrey School is a well-respected private elementary school in Jacksonville known for its personalized approach to education. Serving students from early childhood through elementary grades, the school emphasizes individualized learning plans and hands-on educational experiences. The curriculum focuses on developing strong foundational skills in literacy and mathematics while incorporating enrichment programs in arts, music, and physical education. The school features modern classrooms, outdoor learning spaces, and a nurturing environment that promotes both academic growth and social development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Jacksonville, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for K-12 education in Jacksonville, Illinois?
Jacksonville, IL, offers a few key private school options spanning different grade levels. For a comprehensive K-12 Catholic education, families often look to **Sacred Heart-Griffin High School** (9-12) in nearby Springfield, which draws many Jacksonville students. Within Jacksonville itself, **Our Saviour School** provides a faith-based education from Pre-K through 8th grade. **The Godfrey School** offers a private, non-religious educational alternative. It's important to note that Jacksonville has a more limited number of on-site private high schools compared to larger cities, so some families consider the commute to Springfield or explore online private academies as part of their search.
How does tuition for private schools in Jacksonville, IL, compare to state averages, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition in Jacksonville tends to be below the Illinois state average for private schools, reflecting the area's cost of living. For the 2024-2025 school year, tuition at Our Saviour School is approximately $4,000-$5,500 annually, while The Godfrey School's tuition is higher, reflecting its independent status. Illinois offers the **Invest in Kids Act Tax Credit Scholarship Program**, which can provide significant financial assistance to eligible families. Additionally, most Jacksonville private schools have their own need-based aid and parish subsidy programs for affiliated church members. It's crucial to apply for financial aid early, as funds are limited.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Jacksonville private schools offer that leverage the local community?
Jacksonville private schools often integrate the resources of the local college town and historic community. Given Jacksonville's proximity to **Illinois College** and **MacMurray College**, some schools facilitate college-level courses or partnerships for advanced students. Programs in agriculture, music, and civic leadership are emphasized, reflecting the region's character. For example, Sacred Heart-Griffin (though in Springfield) has strong athletic rivalries with Jacksonville public schools. Our Saviour School may participate in local history projects tied to Jacksonville's historic district. The smaller class sizes allow for individualized attention, a noted benefit in this close-knit community.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Jacksonville, and are there waiting lists?
The enrollment process for Jacksonville private schools typically begins in January or February for the following fall, with priority often given to current families, siblings, and parish members (for faith-based schools). **Our Saviour School** may require a parish verification form. **The Godfrey School**, being independent, has its own application and assessment process. Due to the limited number of seats, especially in popular early elementary grades, it's advisable to inquire a full year in advance. While not all grades have waiting lists every year, kindergarten and pre-K spots at Our Saviour can fill quickly. Open houses are usually held in the fall and winter.
For a family considering both sectors, what are the key differences between Jacksonville School District 117 and the local private schools?
The key differences lie in curriculum, environment, and resources. **Jacksonville School District 117** offers a broad, taxpayer-funded program with diverse extracurriculars, including a renowned music program at the high school level. The local private schools offer smaller class sizes (often 15:1 or lower), a specific value-based education (faith-based at Our Saviour; independent at Godfrey), and often a more uniform disciplinary approach. A practical consideration is transportation; District 117 provides busing, while private school families typically arrange their own. Academically, private schools here often use standardized test scores for placement and advancement, while the public district follows state standards and offers more specialized special education services.
Private Education Insights
Finding the Right Special Needs Private School in Jacksonville, IL: A Parent's Guide
When you find yourself searching for "special needs private schools near me" in Jacksonville, Illinois, you are embarking on a deeply personal journey to find the right educational environment for your child. This quest is about more than just academics; it’s about finding a community that understands your child’s unique strengths and challenges, and Jacksonville offers a supportive landscape for this search. While the city may not have a large number of private schools exclusively dedicated to special needs, several local institutions provide inclusive environments, tailored support, and a commitment to individualized learning that can make a profound difference.
Understanding the local options is key. Jacksonville is home to respected private schools like Our Saviour School, The Godfrey School, and Sacred Heart-Griffin High School. These schools, while not exclusively special needs schools, often have robust systems to support students with diverse learning profiles. The first step is to initiate a direct and detailed conversation with each school’s administration. Inquire specifically about their learning resource programs, the qualifications of their staff in special education, and their experience with your child’s specific needs. For instance, some schools may offer structured accommodations, one-on-one or small-group instruction, or partnerships with local therapists. The smaller class sizes typical of Jacksonville’s private settings can be a significant advantage, allowing for more personalized attention that is often crucial for a student’s success.
Beyond the school walls, Jacksonville’s community resources are an essential part of the support network. Collaborating with local pediatricians, child psychologists, and advocacy groups can provide invaluable insights and recommendations. Organizations in central Illinois can often point families toward the best-fitting educational environments, whether that’s a modified program within a traditional private school or guidance toward specialized schools in nearby larger cities like Springfield or Bloomington-Normal, which may offer more intensive programs. For many Jacksonville families, the ideal solution is a hybrid one: a nurturing local private school that is willing to create a customized plan, supplemented by external professional services available in the region.
Ultimately, your search for "special needs private schools near me" in Jacksonville is about finding a partnership. It’s about identifying a school that sees your child first and is proactive in designing a path for their growth. Schedule visits, observe classrooms, and talk to other parents in the community. The personal feel of Jacksonville means these conversations can be genuine and revealing. Trust your instincts about where your child feels accepted and encouraged. The right environment will not only address educational goals but will also foster confidence and social belonging, helping your child thrive both in Jacksonville and beyond. Your proactive approach is the most important step in securing an educational experience where your child is understood, valued, and given the tools to reach their full potential.
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