The Best Private Schools in Lebanon, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lebanon. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
McKendree Day School
Independent
McKendree Day School operates on the campus of McKendree University, providing a unique educational environment with access to university facilities. The school serves students from preschool through elementary grades with a strong emphasis on academic preparation and character development. The program features small class sizes, individualized instruction, and utilizes the university's resources including library, athletic facilities, and specialized classrooms. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment and the quality of academic preparation students receive.
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Westminster Christian Academy
Independent Christian
Westminster Christian Academy is a highly-regarded Christian college preparatory school serving the greater St. Louis metropolitan area, including Lebanon, Illinois families. The academy offers a comprehensive curriculum with Advanced Placement courses, extensive athletic programs, and robust fine arts offerings. With a 12:1 student-teacher ratio and a focus on integrating faith and learning, Westminster has established a strong reputation for academic excellence and character development. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes.
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Good Shepherd Lutheran School
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
Good Shepherd Lutheran School has been serving families in the Metro East area for over six decades, providing Christ-centered education from preschool through 8th grade. The school features a strong academic foundation with integrated technology, comprehensive music and arts programs, and competitive athletics. With small class sizes and dedicated Christian teachers, the school emphasizes both academic achievement and spiritual growth. The campus includes modern classrooms, a gymnasium, and dedicated spaces for music and art instruction, serving many families from Lebanon and surrounding communities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lebanon, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in or near Lebanon, Illinois?
Lebanon, IL, offers a few core private school options, primarily serving preschool through middle school grades. The most prominent is McKendree Day School, located on the campus of McKendree University, which offers a preschool through 8th-grade program. For families seeking a Christian education, Good Shepherd Lutheran School (PreK-8) is located in nearby Collinsville, and Westminster Christian Academy, a larger secondary school, is in Town and Country, MO, requiring a commute. Many Lebanon families also consider private schools in the broader Metro-East and St. Louis regions. The options within Lebanon proper are limited, making early research and potential commuting important considerations.
How does tuition for private schools in the Lebanon, IL, area compare, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid options?
Tuition in the Lebanon area varies significantly by school and grade level. McKendree Day School's tuition is structured by grade, typically ranging from several thousand dollars for preschool to higher amounts for middle school. Good Shepherd Lutheran School generally has a comparable range. As an Illinois resident, you can leverage the state's Invest in Kids Act Tax Credit Scholarship Program. This program provides scholarships for eligible students to attend private schools, funded by donations from individuals and businesses who receive a state tax credit. Additionally, most schools offer their own need-based financial aid and multi-child discounts. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school about their current tuition schedules and aid application processes.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Lebanon, IL, offer that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in the Lebanon area often utilize their specific affiliations and locations to create unique programs. McKendree Day School, due to its unique position on a university campus, may offer enhanced resources, such as access to library facilities, science labs, or mentorship opportunities with university students and professors. Good Shepherd Lutheran School integrates a faith-based curriculum with core academics. For specialized programs like robust athletics, advanced STEM labs, or extensive arts, families often look to larger private schools in St. Louis, which are accessible via commute. The local private schools emphasize small class sizes and community, which is a defining feature of education in a smaller city like Lebanon.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like McKendree Day School in Lebanon, IL?
The enrollment process for private schools in Lebanon, such as McKendree Day School, often begins in the winter for the following academic year. Key steps usually include: attending an open house (typically held in fall or winter), submitting an application by a priority deadline (often in January or February), completing a family interview or student assessment, and providing previous school records. Rolling admissions may continue if spaces are available, but popular grades fill quickly. Given the limited number of seats in Lebanon's private schools, initiating the process early is highly recommended. It's also common for these schools to have waiting pools for certain grade levels.
For a family in Lebanon, IL, what are the main considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school?
The main considerations involve educational philosophy, class size, cost, and convenience. Lebanon Community Unit School District #9 operates Lebanon High School, which is well-regarded. Choosing a local private school like McKendree Day School often centers on a desire for a smaller, more intimate learning environment from preschool through 8th grade, a specific religious affiliation (like at Good Shepherd), or a particular pedagogical approach. The trade-off includes tuition costs and, for secondary private education, a significant commute to schools outside Lebanon. Many families in the area use local private schools for elementary/middle years and then transition to the public high school. Evaluating your child's needs, your family's values, and your willingness to commute or pay tuition are essential steps in this Lebanon-specific decision.
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