The Best Private Schools in Lemont, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lemont. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Benet Academy
St. Procopius Abbey
Benet Academy is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory high school serving students from Lemont and surrounding communities. Known for its rigorous academic curriculum and exceptional college placement rates, Benet offers a comprehensive educational experience with state-of-the-art facilities, competitive athletics programs, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. The school maintains small class sizes and has a strong tradition of academic excellence, with graduates consistently accepted to top-tier universities nationwide. The campus features modern science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic facilities that support a well-rounded educational experience.
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St. Cyril Parish School
Archdiocese of Chicago
St. Cyril Parish School is a highly-rated Catholic elementary school located directly in Lemont, serving students from preschool through 8th grade. The school offers a strong academic foundation rooted in Catholic values, with modern facilities including technology-enhanced classrooms, science labs, and a recently updated library. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, STEM education, and character development. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty, strong community atmosphere, and the school's commitment to individualized attention. Extracurricular programs include sports, music, art, and various academic clubs.
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Montini Catholic High School
Diocese of Joliet
Montini Catholic High School is a comprehensive Catholic college preparatory school serving students from Lemont and the western suburbs. The school offers a challenging academic program with specialized tracks including STEM, business, and fine arts. Montini features modern facilities with recently renovated science labs, a performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. The school is known for its strong sense of community, dedicated faculty, and comprehensive college counseling program. Students benefit from a wide range of extracurricular activities including championship athletic teams, academic competitions, and service opportunities that enhance the educational experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lemont, Illinois
What are the primary private school options serving families in Lemont, Illinois, and what grade levels do they cover?
The primary private school options for Lemont residents include Benet Academy in Lisle (a co-ed Catholic college preparatory high school for grades 9-12), St. Cyril Parish School in Lemont (a Catholic elementary school serving Pre-K through 8th grade), and Montini Catholic High School in Lombard (a co-ed Catholic high school for grades 9-12). While Benet and Montini are located in nearby suburbs, they are major destinations for Lemont families seeking private secondary education. There are also several other private and parochial schools in the surrounding DuPage and Cook County areas that Lemont residents may consider.
How does the Illinois Tax Credit Scholarship Program impact private school tuition for Lemont families?
The Illinois Invest in Kids Act provides a significant financial consideration for Lemont families. This tax credit scholarship program offers need-based scholarships for students to attend qualified private schools, including the Catholic schools popular in the area. Eligibility is based on household income (up to 300% of the federal poverty level). Families interested in Benet Academy, St. Cyril, or Montini Catholic should apply for financial aid directly through the school and also explore applying for a scholarship through a state-approved Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) like the Empower Illinois SGO. Funding is limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so early application is crucial.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are emphasized at Lemont-area private high schools like Benet Academy and Montini Catholic?
Benet Academy is renowned for its rigorous academic curriculum with exceptional STEM and humanities programs, consistently ranking among the top college preparatory schools in Illinois. It offers a wide array of Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Montini Catholic emphasizes a Lasallian education focused on faith, service, and community, and has strong programs in STEM, business, and a renowned wrestling program. Both schools offer extensive extracurriculars, including athletics, arts, and clubs. For younger students, St. Cyril Parish School provides a foundational Catholic education with dedicated specials classes and prepares students well for the rigorous environment of these high schools.
What is the typical enrollment and admissions timeline for private schools like St. Cyril Parish School and the out-of-town high schools serving Lemont?
Timelines are critical and often earlier than public schools. For St. Cyril Parish School (Pre-K-8), registration for existing families and parish members typically opens in January, with open registration for new families soon after. For Benet Academy and Montini Catholic (9-12), the admissions process for incoming freshmen usually begins in the fall of a student's 8th-grade year. This includes open houses (often September-October), entrance exam dates (typically in January), and application deadlines in early winter. It is highly advised for Lemont parents to attend open houses in the fall and complete applications well before deadlines, as spots are competitive.
How do the class sizes and community environment of Lemont's private school options compare to the highly-rated Lemont Township High School District 210?
Lemont Township High School District 210 is an excellent public option. The key differentiators for private schools are typically smaller average class sizes, a faith-based education (for the Catholic options), and a specific pedagogical focus. For example, Benet Academy's average class size is notably smaller than many public high schools, allowing for more individualized attention. The community environment is often tightly-knit, with a consistent values-based framework from elementary at St. Cyril through high school. The choice often comes down to a family's preference for a religious education, a specific college-prep intensity, and the desire for a smaller community versus the diverse offerings and no-tuition model of the top-rated public district.
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