The Best Private Schools in Junction, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Junction. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
University of Illinois Laboratory High School
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Founded as part of the University of Illinois, Uni High serves as both a laboratory school and an academically rigorous college preparatory institution. The school offers an accelerated curriculum with small class sizes and exceptional faculty. Students benefit from university resources, research opportunities, and a comprehensive STEM program. Known for producing National Merit Scholars and offering unique interdisciplinary courses, Uni High maintains one of the highest academic standards in central Illinois.
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St. Thomas More Catholic School
Diocese of Peoria
St. Thomas More provides a comprehensive Catholic education from preschool through high school, serving families throughout central Illinois. The school features a rigorous academic program with advanced placement courses, strong STEM curriculum, and competitive athletics. With modern facilities and dedicated faculty, STM emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence. The school maintains small class sizes and offers extensive extracurricular activities including music, theater, and community service programs.
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The High School of Saint Thomas More
Diocese of Peoria
As the dedicated high school campus of the St. Thomas More educational system, this institution offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum rooted in Catholic values. The school features state-of-the-art science labs, modern athletic facilities, and a strong fine arts program. With a 100% college acceptance rate, STM High School provides numerous AP courses, dual credit opportunities, and personalized college counseling. The school serves students from multiple counties including those from the Junction area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Junction, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families in Junction, Illinois, and what grade levels do they serve?
Junction, Illinois, is home to a few notable private schools, primarily clustered around the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign community. The top options include University of Illinois Laboratory High School (Uni High), a selective, public-affiliated laboratory school for grades 8-12; St. Thomas More Catholic School, which typically serves students from preschool through 8th grade; and The High School of Saint Thomas More, a diocesan Catholic high school for grades 9-12. This means Junction families have access to a nationally recognized lab school and a K-12 Catholic education pathway, but options for non-religious elementary private schools outside the Uni High model are more limited.
How does the admissions process for University of Illinois Laboratory High School (Uni High) differ from other private schools in Junction, IL?
The admissions process for Uni High is unique and highly competitive, more akin to a magnet or selective enrollment school than a typical private school. As a laboratory school for the University of Illinois, it requires a separate application, typically including transcripts, standardized test scores, teacher recommendations, essays, and an entrance exam. Admission is based on academic merit and is not religiously affiliated. In contrast, The High School of Saint Thomas More and St. Thomas More Catholic School have admissions processes focused on supporting the Catholic mission, often requiring parish verification, an application, and student/parent interviews, with priority frequently given to Catholic families and siblings of current students.
What are the tuition ranges for private schools in Junction, Illinois, and are there financial aid options specific to Illinois families?
Tuition in Junction varies significantly by school and religious affiliation. For the 2024-25 academic year, St. Thomas More Catholic School's elementary tuition is approximately $5,000-$7,000 annually, with lower rates for parish members. The High School of Saint Thomas More tuition is roughly $9,000-$11,000. University of Illinois Laboratory High School, while publicly affiliated, charges tuition (often called a fee) of around $6,000-$8,000 for in-district students, which is unique for a lab school. All schools offer need-based financial aid. Crucially, Illinois residents can benefit from the state's Invest in Kids Act tax credit scholarship program, which provides private school scholarships funded by donations from individuals and businesses who receive a state tax credit. Availability of these scholarships can vary annually.
What specialized academic programs or extracurricular strengths are notable at Junction, Illinois private schools?
Junction private schools leverage their proximity to the University of Illinois for distinct advantages. Uni High is renowned for its accelerated curriculum, allowing students to take university courses for dual credit, and its emphasis on research and independent study. The High School of Saint Thomas More offers a strong college-prep curriculum with notable programs in STEM, theology, and fine arts, and it competes in the East Central Illinois athletic conference. A unique local consideration is access to university resources; students at both high schools may have opportunities for internships, using university libraries, and attending lectures, which is a significant draw for academically motivated families in the Junction area.
For Junction parents considering the choice between top-rated public schools and private options, what are the key local differentiators?
The decision in Junction is nuanced. The Champaign Unit 4 School District (serving much of the Junction area) includes highly-rated public schools like Central High School and University Laboratory High School's sibling, University Elementary. The main differentiators for private schools are: 1) **Religious Education:** The St. Thomas More schools provide a faith-based education integrated throughout the curriculum. 2) **Selective Academic Environment:** Uni High offers a small, intensely academic setting for gifted students. 3) **Community Size:** Both private high schools offer smaller, more intimate environments than the large comprehensive public high schools. 4) **Continuity:** The Catholic school system provides a seamless Pre-K-12 pathway. Parents must weigh these factors against the no-tuition cost of public schools, which in Champaign-Urbana are also known for strong academic and extracurricular programs.
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