The Best Private Schools in Kankakee, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Kankakee. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Providence Catholic High School
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
Providence Catholic High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school serving the Kankakee region and surrounding communities. As part of the Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools, it offers a rigorous academic program with extensive honors and Advanced Placement course options. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science laboratories, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic complexes. Known for its strong tradition of academic excellence and character formation, Providence Catholic maintains high college acceptance rates and offers over 50 clubs and activities alongside competitive athletic programs in the Chicago Catholic League.
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Kankakee Trinity Academy
Independent Christian School
Kankakee Trinity Academy is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving students from preschool through high school. The school emphasizes college preparatory education with small class sizes and individualized attention. Their comprehensive curriculum includes advanced STEM courses, fine arts programs, and competitive athletics. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes. Parents consistently praise the school's strong academic foundation, dedicated faculty, and supportive Christian environment that focuses on character development alongside academic excellence.
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Bishop McNamara Catholic School
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
Bishop McNamara Catholic School serves students from preschool through high school with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and faith formation. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum featuring their innovative STEM Academy, extensive fine arts programs, and competitive athletic teams. Recent campus improvements include updated science and technology labs, renovated performing arts spaces, and modern athletic facilities. The school maintains a strong tradition of community service and character development while achieving impressive college placement results. Parents consistently highlight the supportive community, dedicated faculty, and well-rounded educational experience that prepares students for success in college and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Kankakee, Illinois
What are the main private school options available for K-12 education in Kankakee, Illinois?
Kankakee offers a few primary private school options, predominantly with a religious affiliation. For a comprehensive K-12 experience, Bishop McNamara Catholic School is a notable choice. For high school specifically, families often consider Providence Catholic High School in nearby New Lenox, which draws students from the Kankakee area, and Kankakee Trinity Academy, which is a local Christian school. The selection is more limited compared to larger metropolitan areas, so many families also consider private schools in neighboring communities like Bourbonnais or Bradley. It's important to visit each school, as their educational philosophies, campus facilities, and faith integration levels differ.
How does tuition at Kankakee-area private schools compare to the Illinois state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at Kankakee private schools like Bishop McNamara or Kankakee Trinity Academy is generally below the average for Illinois private schools, reflecting the region's cost of living. For the 2023-2024 academic year, elementary tuition often ranges from $5,000 to $8,000, while high school can be $9,000 to $12,000. Providence Catholic High School, being a larger regional institution, may be higher. Significant financial aid is available through need-based scholarships, parish subsidies for active Catholic families at diocesan schools, and the Illinois Tax Credit Scholarship Program (Invest in Kids Act). This state program provides scholarships funded by donations from Illinois taxpayers, and Kankakee schools actively participate, making private education more accessible to middle-income families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in Kankakee, IL, offer that distinguish them from local public schools?
Kankakee private schools leverage their smaller size and specific missions to offer distinctive programs. Bishop McNamara, as part of the Diocese of Joliet, offers a strong college-prep curriculum with mandatory theology and service hours. Its STEM programs and athletics are regionally competitive. Kankakee Trinity Academy emphasizes a biblical worldview integration across all subjects. A key differentiator for these schools is their focus on character and faith-based education, which is a primary draw for families. While Kankakee School District 111 public schools may offer broader elective variety due to larger size, private schools here provide a structured environment with consistent discipline and community values that many parents seek.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Kankakee, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for Kankakee private schools like Bishop McNamara and Kankakee Trinity Academy typically begins in January or February for the following fall. The process involves an application, submission of previous school records, a family interview, and often placement testing for incoming students. While these schools do not always have extensive waitlists like those in major cities, popular grades (especially kindergarten and early elementary) can fill quickly. Providence Catholic High School, serving a wider region, has a firm application deadline in the fall for incoming freshmen. It's highly advisable to attend open houses in the fall, often held between October and December, to express early interest and understand specific deadlines.
For families moving to Kankakee, what are the key local considerations when choosing between a private school here versus a nearby public school district?
Key local considerations include the specific Kankakee neighborhood and its assigned public school, as academic performance and resources can vary within Kankakee School District 111. Many families choose private schools for their perceived consistency in academic rigor, smaller class sizes, and a safe, values-based environment. Transportation is a major factor; unlike public schools, private schools in Kankakee do not provide district busing, so parents must arrange carpools or drop-off/pick-up. Additionally, the community aspect is strong in Kankakee's private schools, often centered around shared faith, which can help new families integrate. Evaluating the long-term investment through high school is also crucial, as the local private options provide a continuous pathway from elementary to graduation.
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