The Best Private Schools in Laura, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Laura. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Peoria Notre Dame High School
Catholic Diocese of Peoria
Peoria Notre Dame is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory high school serving the greater Peoria area, including Laura. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 17 Advanced Placement courses and a comprehensive STEM program. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and extensive extracurricular opportunities including competitive athletics, fine arts, and service learning programs. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence.
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Dunlap High School
Dunlap Community Unit School District 323
While technically part of a public district, Dunlap High School is consistently ranked among the top schools in Illinois and serves students from Laura through tuition agreements. The school features exceptional academic programs with over 20 AP courses, state-of-the-art facilities, and outstanding extracurricular offerings. Known for its strong STEM curriculum and competitive athletics, Dunlap High School maintains high academic standards with test scores consistently above state and national averages. The school's college preparatory focus and comprehensive student support services make it a premier educational option.
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Metamora Township High School
Metamora Township High School District 122
Metamora Township High School serves the Laura area and is recognized for its strong academic programs and supportive learning environment. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum including numerous Advanced Placement courses, career technical education pathways, and extensive fine arts programs. With modern facilities and dedicated faculty, MTHS provides personalized attention through small class sizes and comprehensive student support services. The school boasts high graduation rates, strong college placement, and a wide range of extracurricular activities including championship athletic teams and award-winning arts programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Laura, Illinois
What are the actual private school options for families residing in Laura, Illinois?
Laura, Illinois is a very small village within Peoria County. It's important to understand that there are no private K-12 schools physically located within Laura itself. Families typically look to the greater Peoria metropolitan area for options. The schools listed (Peoria Notre Dame High School, Dunlap High School, Metamora Township High School) are all excellent, but note that Dunlap and Metamora are public high schools, not private. Peoria Notre Dame is the premier local private Catholic high school. For younger grades, families from Laura often consider private academies and parochial schools in Peoria, Washington, or Morton, such as St. Vincent de Paul School or Peoria Academy, which involve a commute.
How does Illinois' Tax Credit Scholarship Program affect private school tuition for Laura residents?
The Illinois Invest in Kids Act provides a significant financial consideration for Laura families. This tax credit scholarship program offers need-based scholarships for students to attend qualified private schools. While the program is currently paused for new applicants as of 2024 pending legislative review, it has historically helped make schools like Peoria Notre Dame more accessible. Families should monitor the Illinois State Board of Education website for updates and also inquire directly with schools about other available financial aid, parish subsidies (for Catholic schools), and payment plans to manage tuition costs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Laura, IL?
Private schools in the Peoria area, which serve Laura residents, often have specialized programs that leverage local institutions. For example, Peoria Notre Dame High School offers strong STEM pathways and partnerships with nearby Bradley University and OSF HealthCare. Many area private schools also emphasize agriculture and environmental science, reflecting the region's character, and have robust music and arts programs connected to the Peoria Symphony and civic theater. When researching, ask about transportation or carpool networks from Laura for after-school activities, as participation may require logistical planning.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools like Peoria Notre Dame for a student from Laura?
The enrollment process for private high schools in this region generally begins a full year in advance. For 9th grade entry at Peoria Notre Dame, the process typically opens in the fall (October-November) with open houses and shadow visits for 8th graders. Application deadlines are often in early winter, with acceptance notifications by spring. As a Laura resident, it's crucial to plan for transportation early. Many families form carpools with others from nearby towns. We recommend contacting the admissions office directly to discuss your specific location and to ensure you're on their mailing list for events.
How do the class sizes and community environment of private schools near Laura compare to the highly-rated public schools in Dunlap or Metamora?
This is a key consideration. The Dunlap and Metamora public school districts are consistently top-rated in Illinois, offering large-scale resources, advanced placement courses, and diverse extracurriculars. The primary distinction for private options like Peoria Notre Dame is a typically smaller average class size, a values-based (often faith-based) education, and a close-knit community that can be appealing for some families. For Laura residents, the choice may come down to educational philosophy and commute, as the local public schools are assigned by district boundaries, which for Laura is likely Illini Bluffs or another nearby district, not necessarily Dunlap or Metamora High School.
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