The Best Private Schools in Lakewood, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lakewood. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Prairie Ridge High School
Community High School District 155
Prairie Ridge High School is a highly-rated public high school serving the Lakewood area through District 155. Known for its strong academic programs, the school offers extensive Advanced Placement courses and a specialized STEM Academy. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, performing arts centers, and comprehensive athletic facilities. The school maintains high parent satisfaction with its dedicated teaching staff and diverse extracurricular opportunities including championship athletic teams, robotics programs, and extensive arts offerings.
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Marian Central Catholic High School
Diocese of Rockford
Marian Central Catholic High School is a private, diocesan Catholic high school serving students from Lakewood and throughout McHenry County. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum rooted in Catholic values and traditions. Academic programs include honors and advanced placement courses, comprehensive STEM education, and extensive fine arts offerings. The campus features modern academic facilities, chapel, athletic complexes, and technology resources. The school is known for its strong community atmosphere, dedicated faculty, and high college acceptance rates with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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Crystal Lake Central High School
Community High School District 155
As one of the original District 155 schools, Crystal Lake Central High School offers the prestigious International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme alongside traditional college preparatory curriculum. The school features comprehensive Career Technical Education pathways and maintains strong arts and athletic programs. With historic roots in the community, the school combines tradition with modern educational approaches, featuring updated facilities including technology-integrated classrooms, professional-grade performance spaces, and extensive athletic complexes that serve students from Lakewood and surrounding areas.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lakewood, Illinois
What are the primary private high school options available to families residing in Lakewood, Illinois?
While Lakewood itself is a smaller village, families have access to several well-regarded private high schools in the surrounding McHenry County area. The notable options you mentioned include Marian Central Catholic High School in Woodstock (a diocesan college-preparatory school), and the public high schools Prairie Ridge (Crystal Lake) and Crystal Lake Central, which are part of District 155. It's important to clarify that Prairie Ridge and Crystal Lake Central are public schools, not private. For private education, Marian Central is a key local Catholic option. Additionally, families in Lakewood often consider other private institutions in nearby Crystal Lake, Huntley, and Barrington, such as Immanuel Lutheran School (K-8) and various Montessori or Christian academies for younger grades.
How does tuition at private schools like Marian Central Catholic in Woodstock compare, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition at Marian Central Catholic High School for the 2024-2025 academic year is approximately $11,500 for parishioners and $13,500 for non-parishioners, not including fees. This is competitive for a college-prep Catholic high school in Illinois. Illinois offers the Tax Credit Scholarship Program, funded by donations to Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs). This program provides need-based scholarships for students attending qualified non-public schools, significantly aiding many families at Marian Central and other participating schools. Additionally, most private schools in the area offer their own need-based financial aid and merit scholarships, and many support flexible payment plans.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving Lakewood students offer?
Private schools in the Lakewood area often differentiate themselves with specialized programs. Marian Central Catholic, for instance, offers a strong STEM curriculum, a renowned music and fine arts department, and a comprehensive theology program. It also provides numerous dual-credit courses through partnerships with McHenry County College. For younger students, local private elementary schools often feature low student-to-teacher ratios, foreign language immersion starting in early grades (like Spanish at Immanuel Lutheran), and faith-based character education. Many also emphasize outdoor and experiential learning, leveraging the natural surroundings of McHenry County.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools in the Lakewood, IL area?
The enrollment process for private schools like Marian Central Catholic typically begins in the fall for the following academic year. Open houses are usually held between October and January. The application deadline for freshman admissions is often in early February, with placement tests (like the HSPT) scheduled in January. Acceptance letters and financial aid awards are typically communicated in March. For families moving into Lakewood mid-year, it's essential to contact the school's admissions office directly, as some schools may have rolling admissions or waiting lists depending on grade-level availability. Early inquiry is strongly recommended due to competitive spots.
For a family in Lakewood, what are the key considerations when choosing between the highly-rated District 155 public schools and a private option?
This is a common consideration in Lakewood, as the village is served by the top-tier Prairie Ridge High School (District 155). The decision often hinges on several factors: **Educational Philosophy:** Public schools offer a broad, secular curriculum with extensive AP courses and large-scale sports/arts programs. Private schools like Marian Central offer a faith-based education with integrated moral teaching. **Class Size:** District 155 schools are larger, while private schools offer smaller, more personalized environments. **Cost:** Public schools are tuition-free, while private schools require tuition but may offer financial aid. **Special Needs:** District 155 has robust, legally mandated special education programs. **Community:** Some families seek the close-knit community associated with a parochial or private school. Many Lakewood families ultimately choose District 155 for its academic excellence and cost, while others select private schools for specific religious or pedagogical alignment.
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