The Best Private Schools in La Moille, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in La Moille. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Bede Academy
Roman Catholic Diocese of Peoria
St. Bede Academy is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving the La Moille area and surrounding communities. Founded by Benedictine monks, the school offers a rigorous academic program with 14 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM education, and competitive athletic programs. The 135-acre campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic complexes. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, St. Bede emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, preparing students for top colleges and universities.
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Dimmick Community Consolidated School District 175
Dimmick CCSD 175
While primarily a public district, Dimmick CCSD 175 operates highly-regarded private preschool and early childhood programs that serve the La Moille community. The district is known for its exceptional teacher quality, with many educators holding advanced degrees and specialized certifications. The school offers comprehensive educational programs with strong emphasis on literacy, mathematics, and social development. Facilities include modern classrooms, technology labs, and outdoor learning spaces. The district maintains small class sizes and personalized attention, earning high parent satisfaction ratings.
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Ottawa Township High School
OTHS District 140
Ottawa Township High School serves as a regional educational hub for communities including La Moille, offering comprehensive college preparatory and career-focused programs. The school features extensive Advanced Placement offerings, state-of-the-art STEM facilities, and competitive athletic programs. OTHS is recognized for its strong academic performance, with graduates consistently accepted to prestigious universities. The campus includes modern science laboratories, performing arts center, career technical education facilities, and comprehensive athletic complexes. The school maintains a tradition of academic excellence and community engagement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in La Moille, Illinois
What are the actual private school options for families residing in or near La Moille, Illinois?
La Moille itself is a small village, so there are no private schools physically located within its boundaries. However, families in La Moille commonly look to nearby communities for private education. The most prominent option is St. Bede Academy, a private, Catholic, co-educational college preparatory school for grades 9-12 located in Peru, IL, approximately a 25-minute drive from La Moille. For younger students, private elementary options would require looking at Catholic or other private schools in Princeton, Mendota, or Ottawa. It's important to note that Dimmick Community Consolidated School District 175 and Ottawa Township High School, mentioned in some lists, are public school districts, not private institutions.
How does the tuition at St. Bede Academy compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are available for Illinois residents?
For the 2024-2025 school year, St. Bede Academy's tuition is approximately $9,400 for parishioners and $11,400 for non-parishioners. This is generally below the Illinois state average for private high schools, which often exceeds $12,000. As an Illinois resident, you can explore several financial aid avenues. St. Bede offers need-based financial aid and scholarships, including the "Invest in Kids Act" Tax Credit Scholarship Program, a state initiative that provides scholarships for lower-income families to attend private schools. Additionally, many local parishes offer tuition assistance for member families, and payment plans are typically available to manage the cost.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs does St. Bede Academy offer that might benefit a student from the La Moille area?
St. Bede Academy provides several distinctive programs that are attractive to rural students from areas like La Moille. Academically, it offers a robust college-prep curriculum with over 40 dual-credit courses through partnerships with Illinois Valley Community College and Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, allowing students to earn significant college credit. For students interested in agriculture or science, its proximity to the Illinois Valley provides unique opportunities for environmental studies. Extracurricularly, St. Bede has a strong tradition in athletics, fine arts, and unique clubs like Scholastic Bowl and a nationally recognized Trap Shooting team, which can be a particular draw for students from a rural community.
What is the enrollment process and timeline for a private high school like St. Bede Academy for a student coming from La Moille's public school system?
The enrollment process for St. Bede Academy typically begins in the fall for the following academic year. For an 8th-grade student from the La Moille area planning to enter as a freshman, the key steps are: 1) Attending an Open House (usually held in October/November). 2) Completing an online application, which opens in November. 3) Submitting records from their current school (Dimmick CCSD 175 or other). 4) Taking a placement exam, usually scheduled for a Saturday in January. Acceptance and financial aid award letters are typically sent out in February/March. It's highly recommended for La Moille families to initiate contact early, as transportation considerations (busing is not typically provided from La Moille) and scholarship deadlines are important factors to plan for.
For a family in La Moille, what are the key considerations when deciding between the local public school pathway and a private school like St. Bede Academy?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. The public pathway for a La Moille student typically involves attending local elementary schools (like Dimmick) and then La Moille Junior-Senior High School (part of the La Moille CUSD 303), which offers the advantages of proximity, no tuition, and strong community ties. Choosing St. Bede Academy involves a daily commute to Peru (about 20-25 miles), tuition costs, and a different social environment, but offers a distinct college-preparatory focus, religious education (if desired), and often smaller average class sizes. For high school, some families also consider the public option of transferring to a larger district like Ottawa Township High School through a tuition agreement, which adds another layer of local comparison. The choice often comes down to educational philosophy, budget, and the value placed on the specific programs and environment each option provides.
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