The Best Private Schools in La Grange Park, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in La Grange Park. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Cletus School
Archdiocese of Chicago
St. Cletus School is a highly-regarded Catholic elementary school serving La Grange Park and surrounding communities. With over 75 years of educational excellence, the school offers a comprehensive curriculum rooted in Catholic values while emphasizing academic rigor. The school features modern STEM labs, dedicated art and music programs, and strong community involvement. Parent reviews consistently praise the dedicated faculty, safe learning environment, and well-rounded education that prepares students for high school and beyond. The school serves students from preschool through 8th grade with a focus on developing the whole child academically, spiritually, and socially.
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Nazareth Academy
Sisters of St. Joseph
Nazareth Academy is a premier Catholic college preparatory high school located in La Grange Park, serving students from throughout the western suburbs. Founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph, the school offers an International Baccalaureate program alongside traditional college prep courses. The campus features state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities. With a 100% college acceptance rate, Nazareth emphasizes academic excellence, faith formation, and leadership development. The school is particularly noted for its strong STEM programs, competitive athletics, and vibrant student life that includes numerous clubs and service opportunities.
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Walther Christian Academy
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
Walther Christian Academy is a highly-respected Lutheran college preparatory school serving students from La Grange Park and surrounding western suburbs. The school offers a comprehensive Christian education from preschool through high school with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and character development. The curriculum includes advanced placement courses, robust STEM programs, and extensive fine arts opportunities. The campus features modern classrooms, science laboratories, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. Parents consistently praise the school's caring community, dedicated teachers, and the strong moral foundation provided alongside rigorous academics. The school maintains small class sizes to ensure personalized attention for each student.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in La Grange Park, Illinois
What are the main types of private schools available to families in La Grange Park, IL, and how do they differ?
La Grange Park offers a few distinct types of private schools within and immediately surrounding the village. Your primary options include parish-based Catholic elementary schools like St. Cletus School, which serves Pre-K through 8th grade. For high school, you have college-preparatory Catholic institutions such as Nazareth Academy (co-ed) and Walther Christian Academy (Lutheran, co-ed). These schools differ in religious affiliation, grade spans, and educational philosophy. While St. Cletus provides a continuous K-8 experience, Nazareth is known for its rigorous academics and extensive extracurriculars, and Walther offers a Christian education with a strong sense of community. Many La Grange Park families also consider private schools in neighboring towns like La Grange, Western Springs, and Chicago.
How does the tuition for private schools in the La Grange Park area compare, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid options?
Tuition varies significantly based on grade level and school type. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. Cletus School tuition for parishioners is approximately $5,000-$6,000 annually, while Nazareth Academy's tuition is around $15,000, and Walther Christian Academy's is roughly $13,000. Illinois offers two key financial aid programs that benefit many La Grange Park families: the Invest in Kids Act Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which provides need-based scholarships funded by private donations, and the Illinois Tax Credit for Educational Expenses, which allows you to claim a credit for a portion of qualified education expenses. Additionally, all these schools offer their own need-based financial aid and parish subsidies for active members.
What are the typical enrollment timelines and key deadlines for private schools near La Grange Park, IL?
Timelines are crucial and generally begin a full year before the desired start date. For elementary schools like St. Cletus, open houses and applications often open in September-October, with deadlines in January for the following fall. Priority is frequently given to parish members and siblings. For high schools like Nazareth and Walther, the process is more formalized: prospective student events start in the fall, the application deadline is usually in early December, and placement test/high school entrance exams (like the HSPT) are typically held in December or January. Admissions decisions are communicated in February. It's highly recommended to attend fall open houses and schedule shadow days for a true feel of the school culture.
Beyond religious education, what unique academic or extracurricular programs do La Grange Park area private schools offer?
Each school has developed notable specializations. Nazareth Academy boasts a renowned Engineering and STEM program, a nationally recognized Speech Team, and extensive Advanced Placement (AP) offerings. Walther Christian Academy emphasizes project-based learning and offers distinctive pathways in areas like Computer Science and Digital Media. St. Cletus School provides a strong foundational curriculum with dedicated specialists for art, music, Spanish, and physical education, and incorporates technology like SMART Boards and iPads into daily learning. Proximity to Chicago also allows these schools to facilitate unique field trips and cultural experiences not as readily available in more remote areas.
As a La Grange Park resident, how do I weigh the choice between the highly-rated public schools (District 102 & 105) and local private options?
This is a common consideration, as La Grange Park is served by excellent public schools like Park Junior High (District 102) and Lyons Township High School (District 204). The decision often hinges on priorities like class size, religious or values-based education, and specific program offerings. Private schools typically offer smaller class sizes (e.g., 20:1 vs. 25:1+ in public) and a unified community from elementary through 8th grade at St. Cletus. The public path involves a transition between districts. Conversely, the public system provides a tax-supported, diverse environment with vast extracurriculars at the high school level. Many families choose private for the formative K-8 years and then transition to Lyons Township High School, which is a top-rated public option. Visiting both types of schools is essential to feel the difference in environment.
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