The Best Private Schools in La Prairie, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in La Prairie. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Quincy Notre Dame High School
Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Illinois
Quincy Notre Dame is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory high school serving the La Prairie area and broader Quincy region. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 14 Advanced Placement courses and a comprehensive STEM program. Students benefit from small class sizes averaging 18 students, with 95% of graduates attending college. The campus features modern science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities including a field house and stadium. Notable programs include competitive athletics, performing arts, and community service requirements.
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St. Peter School
Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Illinois
St. Peter School is one of the oldest and most established private schools in the region, serving students from preschool through 8th grade. The school provides a strong foundation in core academics while integrating Catholic values throughout the curriculum. Features include smart board technology in every classroom, dedicated computer lab, music program, and before/after school care. The school maintains small class sizes and has a reputation for excellent teacher-student relationships. Many graduates continue to Quincy Notre Dame or other private high schools.
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Blessed Sacrament School
Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Illinois
Blessed Sacrament School serves students from preschool through 8th grade with a comprehensive educational program that emphasizes academic excellence and character development. The school features a STEM-focused curriculum with dedicated science lab, Spanish language instruction starting in preschool, and robust technology integration including 1:1 iPad program in upper grades. The campus includes modern classrooms, library, computer lab, gymnasium, and playground facilities. The school community is known for strong parent involvement and high student achievement scores.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in La Prairie, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in La Prairie, Illinois?
La Prairie itself is a small village, so families typically look to nearby Quincy, Illinois for the most prominent private school options. The top schools serving the La Prairie area include **Quincy Notre Dame High School** (grades 9-12, co-ed Catholic), **St. Peter School** (PreK-8, Catholic), and **Blessed Sacrament School** (PreK-8, Catholic). These schools are part of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois. For families in La Prairie, these schools are a short commute and represent the core of private, faith-based education in the region, with no independent non-religious private schools immediately in the village.
How does tuition at private schools like Quincy Notre Dame compare to state averages, and what financial aid options exist for Illinois residents?
Tuition at Quincy Notre Dame and the associated elementary schools is generally below the Illinois state average for private schools, reflecting the lower cost of living in the Quincy/La Prairie area. For the 2024-2025 school year, Quincy Notre Dame's tuition is approximately $7,500-$8,500, while the elementary schools are typically $4,000-$5,500 for parishioners. Financial aid is primarily offered through the **Invest in Kids Act**, Illinois' tax credit scholarship program, which provides need-based scholarships for qualifying families. Additionally, all three schools offer parish subsidies, diocesan aid, and individual payment plans. The **Big Shoulders Fund** also provides some support for Catholic schools in the state.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from La Prairie, IL?
Schools serving La Prairie offer programs that leverage both their faith-based mission and community partnerships. **Quincy Notre Dame (QND)** is notable for its strong STEM curriculum, a renowned music program, and competitive athletics (especially football and basketball) within the West Central Conference. **St. Peter School** and **Blessed Sacrament School** emphasize foundational literacy and faith formation, with dedicated art and music instruction. A unique aspect for La Prairie families is QND's connection to local colleges like Quincy University for dual-credit courses, providing a significant head start on college credits—a distinctive advantage in this rural region.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like St. Peter or Blessed Sacrament for a family new to La Prairie?
The enrollment process for the Catholic elementary schools in the Quincy area (serving La Prairie) typically begins with an open house in January or February for the following academic year. Priority is often given to active parish members and siblings of current students. Families new to La Prairie should contact the school office directly, schedule a tour, and submit an application by early spring. Required documents usually include birth and baptismal certificates, immunization records, and previous school records. Unlike some urban private schools, there is often not a strict deadline, but spaces, particularly in younger grades, can fill, so early inquiry is recommended.
For a family in La Prairie, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private option like QND?
The key considerations for La Prairie families are community, curriculum, and cost. La Prairie is part of the **Quincy Public Schools District 172**. Choosing a private school like QND or a Catholic elementary school involves a commitment to a faith-based environment with typically smaller class sizes and a consistent values curriculum. The private options require a commute to Quincy, whereas public school transportation is provided. Academically, QND offers a college-prep focus with a 100% graduation and college acceptance rate. Financially, it involves tuition versus free public education, but the tax credit scholarships can help bridge that gap. The decision often centers on whether the family prioritizes religious education and the specific community identity these long-standing private institutions provide.