The Best Private Schools in Kent, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Kent. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Keith Country Day School
Independent
Keith Country Day School is an elite independent school serving students from Kent and surrounding communities. As Rockford's only International Baccalaureate World School, Keith offers both Primary Years and Diploma Programs alongside Advanced Placement courses. The school features a 7:1 student-teacher ratio, state-of-the-art facilities including dedicated science and innovation labs, and comprehensive arts programs. With a focus on global citizenship and critical thinking, Keith graduates consistently gain admission to top-tier universities. The campus includes modern athletic facilities, performing arts spaces, and extensive outdoor learning environments.
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Aquin Catholic Schools
Diocese of Rockford
Aquin Catholic Schools is a highly-regarded PreK-12 private school system serving Northwest Illinois, including the Kent area. With a 100% college acceptance rate and small class sizes averaging 15 students, Aquin provides rigorous academic preparation through its college preparatory curriculum. The school offers advanced placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, competitive athletics across 12 sports, and extensive fine arts opportunities. Facilities include modern science labs, technology-enhanced classrooms, and athletic complexes. Aquin consistently ranks among the top private schools in the region for academic achievement and student development.
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Rockford Christian Schools
Christian Schools International
Rockford Christian Schools provides comprehensive PreK-12 education serving families throughout Northern Illinois, including Kent residents. The school combines rigorous academic preparation with Christian character development through its college preparatory curriculum. Features include advanced STEM laboratories, competitive athletic programs across 20+ sports, extensive fine arts offerings, and technology integration across all grade levels. The 50-acre campus features modern academic buildings, athletic complexes, and performing arts centers. Rockford Christian maintains small class sizes and offers extensive college counseling, with graduates regularly attending selective colleges and universities nationwide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Kent, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Kent, Illinois?
Kent, Illinois, is a small village within Winnebago County, so families typically look to nearby Rockford for private school options. The top schools serving the area include **Aquin Catholic Schools** (PreK-12, with campuses in Freeport and a strong regional draw), **Keith Country Day School** (a secular, independent PreK-12 school in Rockford known for its college prep), and **Rockford Christian Schools** (a PreK-12 system in Rockford with a Protestant Christian foundation). Due to Kent's size, most private schooling involves a commute, and these schools are the most common choices for Kent families seeking private education.
How does Illinois' tax credit scholarship program, Invest in Kids, affect tuition affordability for private schools near Kent, IL?
The **Illinois Tax Credit Scholarship Program** (Invest in Kids) is a significant financial consideration for Kent-area families. This program provides scholarships for eligible students to attend private schools, including those like Aquin Catholic, Keith Country Day, and Rockford Christian. Eligibility is based primarily on household income. While the program's future has been subject to state legislative debate, it has historically helped make private school tuition more accessible. Parents should contact each school's financial aid office directly to understand current scholarship availability, application timelines, and how it might offset the annual tuition, which can range from approximately $6,000 to over $20,000 depending on the school and grade level.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools serving the Kent, IL, community?
Private schools in the Rockford/Kent area differentiate themselves with specialized programs. **Keith Country Day School** emphasizes a global studies curriculum and advanced STEM initiatives. **Rockford Christian Schools** offers robust athletics and fine arts programs, competing in the Illinois High School Association. **Aquin Catholic Schools** is known for its strong faith-based education and consistently high standardized test scores, often ranking among top Illinois high schools. For Kent families, these programs provide alternatives to the local public school offerings, with many schools featuring smaller class sizes, college counseling from an early stage, and unique electives not always available in smaller public districts.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools near Kent, Illinois?
Enrollment timelines for schools like Aquin, Keith, and Rockford Christian are crucial due to limited seats. The process typically begins **in the fall (September-October)** for the following academic year, with application deadlines often set by **January or February**. Key steps include: 1) Attending open houses (usually held in fall), 2) Submitting an application with fees, 3) Providing academic records and teacher recommendations, 4) Completing a student assessment or shadow day (where the student visits a classroom), and 5) Applying for financial aid concurrently. We strongly advise Kent parents to initiate contact with schools 12-18 months before desired enrollment, especially for entry-level grades (PreK, Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th), as spaces fill quickly.
How do transportation and the commute factor into choosing a private school for Kent, IL, residents?
Transportation is a major practical consideration for Kent families, as the village does not provide public busing to private schools in Rockford or Freeport. Most families are responsible for arranging their own transportation, which can mean a **daily commute of 20-45 minutes** depending on the chosen school's location. Some schools, particularly **Aquin Catholic Schools** and **Rockford Christian Schools**, may offer private bus service from centralized pickup locations in the broader region for an additional fee, but routes rarely extend directly into small villages like Kent. **Keith Country Day School**, being an independent school, typically does not provide bus service. This logistical factor often influences school choice as much as tuition and curriculum, requiring parents to evaluate carpool options and daily travel time.