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.
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