The Best Private Schools in Kempton, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Kempton. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary's School
Diocese of Peoria Catholic Schools
St. Mary's School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving the broader Central Illinois region, including Kempton families. Established in 1949, the school offers comprehensive education from preschool through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on faith-based learning and academic excellence. The school features modern STEM labs, dedicated art and music programs, and competitive athletics. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty, strong community atmosphere, and rigorous academic preparation that prepares students for high school success. The school maintains small class sizes and individualized attention while offering a well-rounded curriculum.
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Central Catholic High School
Diocese of Peoria Catholic Schools
Central Catholic High School is a premier college preparatory school serving students from Kempton and surrounding communities. Founded in 1939, the school offers a rigorous academic program with multiple Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive fine arts programs, and competitive athletic teams. The campus features state-of-the-art science labs, modern technology integration, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. Parents highlight the school's strong moral foundation, exceptional college placement record, and supportive learning environment. The school maintains a 12:1 student-teacher ratio and has a reputation for developing well-rounded, college-ready graduates.
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Holy Cross School
Diocese of Peoria Catholic Schools
Holy Cross School serves families throughout East Central Illinois, including those from Kempton seeking quality private education. Established in 1964, the school provides education from preschool through 8th grade with a focus on faith formation and academic excellence. The school features comprehensive technology integration with 1:1 device programs, robust music and arts education, and competitive sports teams. Parents consistently commend the dedicated teachers, strong parent community, and the school's ability to provide individualized attention while maintaining high academic standards. The school's curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and character development alongside core academic subjects.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Kempton, Illinois
What are the private school options for K-12 education in Kempton, Illinois?
In Kempton, Illinois, private education is primarily offered through faith-based institutions. The main options include St. Mary's School, which typically serves elementary and middle grades, and Central Catholic High School for secondary education. Holy Cross School also serves the younger grades. Given Kempton's small-town setting, these schools provide a close-knit community environment. For a full K-12 private education, families often transition from a school like St. Mary's to Central Catholic. It's important to note that the limited number of schools means early inquiry and application is advisable.
How does tuition at Kempton, IL private schools compare to state averages, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition at Kempton's private schools, like St. Mary's and Central Catholic, is generally below the average for Illinois private schools, reflecting the area's lower cost of living. However, as parish-supported schools, active parishioners often receive a significantly reduced tuition rate. All schools offer need-based financial aid, and Illinois state programs like the Tax Credit Scholarship Program (Invest in Kids Act) can provide substantial assistance to eligible families. It's crucial to speak directly with each school's admissions office about parish discounts, multi-child discounts, and application deadlines for aid.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in Kempton, Illinois offer?
Kempton's private schools leverage their small size to offer personalized attention and strong core curricula rooted in faith-based values. Central Catholic High School often features dual-credit courses through partnerships with local Illinois community colleges, giving students a head start on college. Given the rural setting, agriculture and STEM programs may have a practical, local focus. Extracurriculars often emphasize community service, music, and athletics, with many teams competing in the small-school conference circuits within the Diocese of Peoria. These programs are designed to build character and community ties specific to the Kempton area.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Kempton, IL?
The enrollment process for Kempton's private schools usually begins in the winter (January-February) for the following academic year. Priority is often given to siblings of current students and active members of the supporting Catholic parishes. The process typically involves submitting an application, academic records, a pastor's recommendation (for Catholic schools), and often a family interview. Due to the limited seats, especially in early grades at St. Mary's or Holy Cross, it is highly recommended to initiate contact by the fall prior to desired enrollment. Open houses are commonly held in early winter.
For families new to the area, what are the key considerations when choosing between Kempton's public school district and its private schools?
The key considerations are educational philosophy, class size, and cost. Kempton's public schools are tuition-free and provide a broad, secular education. The private schools (St. Mary's, Central Catholic) offer a faith-based education integrated into the curriculum, typically with much smaller class sizes, allowing for individualized attention. The private school community is tightly woven, often extending beyond the school day. Families should weigh the value of this specific environment against the financial commitment. Visiting both a local public school and the private options is the best way to feel the difference in culture and approach specific to the Kempton community.