The Best Private Schools in Lee, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lee. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Aurora Christian Schools
Christian School Network
Aurora Christian Schools is a well-established private institution serving the broader region, including Lee, with a reputation for academic rigor and holistic development. Founded in 1978, it offers programs from preschool through high school, featuring a strong STEM focus, arts integration, and competitive athletics. The campus includes state-of-the-art classrooms, labs, and sports facilities. Parents consistently praise the school for its dedicated faculty, high graduation rates, and vibrant community atmosphere, with many students gaining admission to top colleges.
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Sycamore Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Sycamore Christian Academy is a highly-rated private Christian school serving the Lee area with a comprehensive K-12 education program. Founded in 1998, it emphasizes academic excellence through a college-prep curriculum, integrated faith-based learning, and small class sizes. The school features modern facilities, including science labs and athletic fields, and offers robust extracurriculars such as sports teams, music, and drama. Parent reviews frequently highlight strong teacher-student relationships, a safe environment, and high student achievement rates.
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Rochelle Christian School
Independent Christian School
Rochelle Christian School provides a nurturing, faith-based education for students in the Lee area, with a focus on foundational academics and character building. Established in 1979, it serves grades K-8 and features a curriculum enriched with music, technology, and physical education. The school boasts a close-knit community, experienced teachers, and facilities that support hands-on learning. Parent feedback emphasizes high satisfaction with the school's safe environment, individualized attention, and strong academic outcomes, making it a trusted choice for families seeking a values-oriented education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lee, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Lee, Illinois?
While Lee itself is a small village, families typically look to nearby communities for private education. The most prominent options include Sycamore Christian Academy in Sycamore, Aurora Christian Schools in Aurora, and Rochelle Christian School in Rochelle. These schools offer K-12 or segmented grade programs and represent the main faith-based private institutions within a reasonable commuting distance of Lee. Due to Lee's rural setting, there are no major private school campuses within the village limits, so transportation planning is an important consideration for Lee parents.
How does Illinois' Tax Credit Scholarship Program impact tuition affordability for private schools near Lee, IL?
Illinois' Invest in Kids Act offers a significant financial consideration for Lee families. This tax credit scholarship program provides need-based scholarships for students to attend qualified private schools, including many like Aurora Christian Schools. Eligibility is based on household income (up to 300% of the federal poverty level). While the program's future is subject to state legislative decisions, it has made schools like those in Aurora and Sycamore more accessible. Parents should contact each school's financial aid office directly to understand current scholarship availability and application processes specific to these Illinois programs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools serving the Lee, IL area that leverage the local context?
Private schools in the region often incorporate the agricultural and community-focused values of Northern Illinois into their programs. For example, schools like Sycamore Christian Academy or Rochelle Christian School may have strong agricultural science components, FFA chapters, or community service requirements that connect students with local farms and businesses. Additionally, Aurora Christian Schools offers extensive athletic conferences and fine arts programs that provide competitive and artistic opportunities typically larger in scope than what might be available in Lee's local public district, drawing students from a wider regional area.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Aurora Christian or Sycamore Christian Academy for a family from Lee?
Enrollment timelines for these schools are crucial due to limited space. Most begin accepting applications in January for the following fall, with priority deadlines often in February or March. The process typically involves an application form, student records review, family interview, and possible entrance testing. For Lee residents, it's especially important to inquire about transportation services or carpool networks, as neither school provides district-style busing from Lee. We recommend contacting the admissions office of your target school by the prior fall to attend open houses and understand all logistical requirements for commuting from DeKalb County.
How do the class sizes and educational approaches of private schools near Lee compare to those of the local public school, Lee Elementary School?
The most direct comparison is between Lee Elementary School (public, K-8) and the K-8 offerings at schools like Rochelle Christian School or Sycamore Christian Academy. The private options generally feature significantly smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students vs. potentially larger public classes) and a defined faith-based integration across the curriculum. The public school provides a tuition-free, community-centered education within the village. The key differentiator is mission: the private schools focus on religious education and specific values, while the public school follows state standards. For high school, Lee public students are tuitioned to neighboring high school districts, whereas the private schools offer a continuous, often self-contained, K-12 environment.
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