The Best Private Schools in Lawndale, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lawndale. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Nazareth Academy
Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of Chicago
Nazareth Academy is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory high school serving the Lawndale area and surrounding southwest Chicago suburbs. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 22 Advanced Placement courses and specialized programs in STEM, business, and fine arts. Students benefit from a 12:1 student-teacher ratio and extensive college counseling services. The campus features modern science labs, performing arts facilities, and comprehensive athletic complexes. Nazareth maintains strong college acceptance rates with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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St. Laurence High School
Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of Chicago
St. Laurence High School is a comprehensive Catholic college preparatory school located just minutes from Lawndale. The school offers both traditional college prep curriculum and International Baccalaureate programs, providing students with diverse academic pathways. St. Laurence features state-of-the-art STEM labs, competitive athletic programs, and extensive extracurricular activities. The school emphasizes character development and community service while maintaining strong academic standards. With a focus on personalized education, St. Laurence offers academic support services and college counseling to ensure student success.
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Queen of Peace High School
Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of Chicago
Queen of Peace High School served the Lawndale and surrounding communities as a Catholic college preparatory institution with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and character formation. The school offered a comprehensive curriculum including honors and AP courses, robust fine arts programs, and competitive athletics. While the school closed in 2017, it maintained an excellent reputation during its operation and many alumni continue to praise its educational impact. The institution was known for its supportive community, dedicated faculty, and successful college placement record for graduates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lawndale, Illinois
What are the primary private high school options available to families in Lawndale, Illinois, and what are their key characteristics?
Lawndale, IL, is served by several well-regarded private Catholic high schools in the surrounding area. The most prominent are Nazareth Academy (coeducational, located in La Grange Park), St. Laurence High School (all-boys, located in Burbank), and Queen of Peace High School (all-girls, located in Burbank). While not within Lawndale's exact municipal boundaries, these schools are key educational institutions for the community. Nazareth is known for its strong college-prep curriculum and extensive extracurriculars, St. Laurence emphasizes STEM and career pathways, and Queen of Peace focuses on empowering young women with leadership opportunities. Transportation via bus or carpool is a common consideration for Lawndale residents attending these schools.
How does tuition for private high schools near Lawndale, IL, typically work, and what financial aid options are available through the state?
Tuition for the private high schools serving Lawndale typically ranges from approximately $12,000 to $16,000 per year. All three major schools—Nazareth, St. Laurence, and Queen of Peace—offer need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. A critical Illinois-specific resource is the "Invest in Kids Act" Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which provides state-funded scholarships for eligible lower-income families to attend private schools. Additionally, many families utilize parish subsidies if they are members of a supporting Catholic church. It's essential to contact each school's admissions office directly to discuss their specific tuition models, payment plans, and deadline-driven aid applications.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Lawndale, Illinois, offer that differentiate them?
Private schools in the Lawndale area provide specialized programs that cater to diverse student interests. Nazareth Academy features a renowned Academy for the Performing Arts and a competitive Engineering Scholars program. St. Laurence High School has a strong focus on STEM with its Innovation Center and partnerships with local tech companies, as well as a distinctive Baseball Academy. Queen of Peace High School offers unique pathways in Nursing and Health Sciences, leveraging local hospital partnerships, and a comprehensive Women in Leadership program. These institutions often utilize their proximity to Chicago for internships, cultural trips, and college networking, providing an advantage not always available in standard public school curricula.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools serving Lawndale, IL, families?
The enrollment process for schools like Nazareth, St. Laurence, and Queen of Peace generally begins in the fall of a student's 7th or 8th grade year. Key steps include attending open houses (often held September-November), taking a mandatory entrance exam (typically the HSPT in December or January), submitting an application by a winter deadline, and completing a family interview. Admissions decisions and financial aid awards are usually communicated in February. Given the competitive nature and limited seats, especially for non-feeder school students, Lawndale families are advised to start research early, attend shadow days, and ensure all testing and application materials are submitted promptly.
For a Lawndale resident, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private high school?
Lawndale is part of the Lyons Township High School District 204, which serves multiple communities. The primary considerations are educational approach, cost, and community. Lyons Township High School is a large, comprehensive public school offering a wide array of AP courses, sports, and activities at no direct tuition cost. Private options offer smaller class sizes, a specific religious or value-based education (if desired), and specialized academic tracks. For Lawndale families, transportation is a key factor: public school provides district busing, while private school requires arranging transportation to Burbank or La Grange Park. The decision often hinges on whether a family seeks the diverse environment of a large public school or the tailored, mission-driven community of a private institution.