The Best Private Schools in La Fayette, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in La Fayette. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Peoria Academy
Independent
Peoria Academy is a highly-regarded independent school serving central Illinois with a comprehensive International Baccalaureate curriculum. The school serves students from preschool through 8th grade and is known for its strong academic foundation, diverse student body, and individualized learning approach. With small class sizes averaging 12:1 student-teacher ratio, the school emphasizes critical thinking, global awareness, and character development. The 25-acre campus features modern facilities including science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. Many families from La Fayette commute to this respected institution for its rigorous academic program and supportive community environment.
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Peoria Notre Dame High School
Catholic Diocese of Peoria
Peoria Notre Dame is a comprehensive Catholic high school serving the greater Peoria area, including La Fayette families. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with 18 Advanced Placement courses and specialized programs in STEM, business, and fine arts. With a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, students receive personalized attention and academic support. The campus features state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes faith formation, academic excellence, and service learning, with 99% of graduates attending college. Transportation options are available for students from surrounding communities.
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Costa Catholic Academy
Catholic
Costa Catholic Academy serves students from preschool through 8th grade in the western Illinois region, including families from La Fayette seeking quality private education. The school provides a strong faith-based academic foundation with emphasis on character development and community service. The curriculum includes comprehensive STEM education, Spanish language instruction from early grades, and robust fine arts programs. The school features modern classrooms, technology integration, and athletic facilities. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Costa Catholic maintains high academic standards while fostering a nurturing environment. The school has strong parent involvement and serves as a feeder to several respected high schools in the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in La Fayette, Illinois
Are there any private schools actually located within La Fayette, Illinois, or do families typically look to nearby cities?
There are no private K-12 schools physically located within the village limits of La Fayette, IL. Families in La Fayette seeking private education typically look to institutions in the broader Peoria metropolitan area, which is about a 30-minute drive northeast. The schools you mentioned, like Peoria Academy, Peoria Notre Dame High School, and Costa Catholic Academy, are all located in Peoria, IL. This commute is a significant local consideration for La Fayette residents, involving planning for transportation and potential carpooling arrangements.
What are the tuition ranges for the top private schools near La Fayette, IL, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid options?
Tuition for the primary private schools serving La Fayette families varies. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges of approximately $6,000-$9,000 for elementary grades at schools like Costa Catholic Academy, and $10,000-$14,000 for high school at Peoria Notre Dame. Peoria Academy, as an independent school, may have higher tuition. A critical Illinois-specific financial aid resource is the **Invest in Kids Act Tax Credit Scholarship Program**. This state program provides need-based scholarships funded by donations from Illinois taxpayers, and all these schools participate. Additionally, each school offers its own need-based financial aid and parish subsidies for affiliated families.
How do the academic specializations of private schools near La Fayette, IL, differ, and which might suit a child with specific interests?
The schools accessible from La Fayette offer distinct academic profiles. **Peoria Academy** (PreK-8) emphasizes an International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme, fostering inquiry-based, global learning. **Peoria Notre Dame High School** (9-12) offers a strong college-prep curriculum with notable STEM pathways and a wide array of extracurriculars, including competitive athletics. **Costa Catholic Academy** (PreK-8) provides a faith-based education integrated with a classical curriculum model, focusing on core knowledge and virtues. For a La Fayette family, the choice often hinges on prioritizing an IB foundation, a Catholic college-prep high school experience, or a classical elementary education within a faith community.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Peoria area that serve La Fayette students?
The enrollment process for these schools generally begins in the winter for the following fall. Open houses and shadow days typically occur from November through February. Application deadlines for priority consideration are often in late February or early March, with financial aid applications due around the same time. A key local factor for La Fayette families is that many of these schools have geographic "parish boundaries" or give priority to in-district or sibling applicants. Since La Fayette is outside these immediate zones, applying early is crucial. Rolling admissions may continue after priority deadlines if spaces remain. Contacting the admissions office directly to discuss your La Fayette residency is highly recommended.
For a La Fayette resident, what are the practical considerations when comparing the local public school (Midland School District) to a private school in Peoria?
The primary consideration is **commute and community integration**. Midland schools (Midland Elementary and Middle/High School in nearby Sparland) offer a close-knit, rural community environment with no commute. Choosing a private school in Peoria involves a daily 25-45 minute drive each way, impacting family schedules and a child's ability to easily participate in after-school activities or spontaneous social events. Academically, private schools may offer smaller class sizes, specialized curricula (like IB or classical), and a specific religious foundation. Financially, you must weigh the cost of tuition and gas against the "free" public option. Many La Fayette families value the distinctive mission of the private schools enough to make the commute, while others prioritize the convenience and community of the local public district.