The Best Private Schools in Leland, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Leland. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Francis of Assisi School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Joliet
St. Francis of Assisi School is a highly-regarded Catholic school serving the Leland area from nearby Ottawa. The school offers comprehensive education from preschool through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on faith-based learning combined with rigorous academics. Features include modern technology integration, competitive sports programs, music and art education, and small class sizes. The school maintains excellent parent satisfaction ratings and has been serving the regional community for over six decades with a proven track record of academic excellence and character development.
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St. Mary's School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Joliet
St. Mary's School in nearby Streator provides exceptional private education to students from Leland and surrounding communities. Serving grades Pre-K through 8, this established Catholic school emphasizes strong core academics while incorporating faith formation throughout the curriculum. The school features dedicated faculty with low student-teacher ratios, comprehensive extracurricular activities including sports and music programs, and modern facilities. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment and academic rigor, with many graduates successfully transitioning to top regional high schools.
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Marquette Academy
Roman Catholic Diocese of Joliet
Marquette Academy serves as the premier Catholic high school option for Leland area families, offering comprehensive college preparatory education for grades 9-12. The school features a robust Advanced Placement curriculum, competitive athletic programs in multiple sports, and extensive fine arts opportunities. With modern science labs, technology integration, and dedicated college counseling, Marquette Academy consistently prepares students for success in higher education. The school community emphasizes character development alongside academic achievement, with strong parent involvement and high satisfaction ratings from current families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Leland, Illinois
What are the private school options available specifically within Leland, Illinois, and what grades do they serve?
Within the village of Leland itself, private K-12 options are limited, with families typically looking to nearby communities in the Illinois Valley region. The schools you mentioned, like St. Francis of Assisi School in nearby Streator and Marquette Academy in Ottawa, serve students from multiple towns. For a family residing in Leland, it's important to note that these are commuter schools. St. Mary's School in nearby Wenona is another option. There are no private school campuses physically located within Leland's village limits, so transportation is a key consideration. The local public district, Leland Community Unit School District #1, serves grades PreK-12 in one building, which is a primary factor for many families.
How does tuition at Catholic schools like St. Francis or Marquette Academy compare for Leland residents, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid options?
Tuition for schools like St. Francis of Assisi or Marquette Academy typically ranges from $4,000 to $8,000 per year for parishioners, with higher rates for non-parishioners. As a Leland resident, you would likely be considered a non-parishioner unless you are an active member of their supporting parishes in Streator or Ottawa. A significant Illinois-specific financial aid option is the **Invest in Kids Act Tax Credit Scholarship Program**. This state program provides need-based scholarships funded by donations from Illinois taxpayers, and all the mentioned schools participate. Additionally, many schools offer parish subsidies, multi-child discounts, and payment plans. It's crucial to contact each school's admissions office directly for the most current rates and aid application processes.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Leland, IL, offer that differ from the local public school?
Private schools in the Illinois Valley area near Leland often provide distinct programs shaped by their religious missions and smaller size. Marquette Academy, for example, offers a college-preparatory curriculum with Latin, theology, and a 1:1 technology program. St. Francis of Assisi emphasizes STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, and Math) integration. These schools may also have more structured foreign language programs starting at younger grades and specific sacramental preparation integrated into the school day. In contrast, Leland's public school, while offering a solid education, provides a different environment as a consolidated PreK-12 school in one building, which can foster a strong sense of community across ages but may not have the same religious component or specialized college-prep focus.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like St. Mary's or Marquette Academy for a family moving to Leland?
The enrollment process for these schools is generally year-round but has key deadlines. Most schools, including St. Mary's and Marquette Academy, begin formal re-enrollment for current families in January/February for the following academic year. Open enrollment for new families, like those in Leland, often starts in March. However, these schools frequently accept applications throughout the year based on availability. The process typically involves submitting an application, providing records from the previous school (including Leland Elementary/High School if applicable), a birth certificate, baptismal certificate (for Catholic schools), and often a family interview. It is highly recommended to initiate contact in the fall prior to your desired enrollment year, as some grades, especially kindergarten, can fill quickly.
For a family in rural Leland, what are the transportation logistics and community considerations when choosing a private school in Ottawa or Streator?
Transportation is a major logistical factor for Leland families. Neither the Leland public school district nor the private schools typically provide bus service from Leland to Ottawa or Streator. Parents must arrange for daily commuting, which is a 20-30 minute drive each way, forming a significant time and fuel commitment. Carpooling with other Leland or area families is a common solution. Community-wise, attending a school outside your immediate town means your child's peer group and social activities will be centered in that school's community. This can require extra effort for playdates and participation in after-school activities. However, these schools often have strong, tight-knit communities of their own, and your family would become part of a regional network spanning several rural towns.
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