The Best Private Schools in Lexington, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lexington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Central Catholic High School
Diocese of Peoria
Central Catholic High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving the Lexington area and broader McLean County region. Established in 1959, the school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with a 13:1 student-teacher ratio and 100% college acceptance rate. The campus features modern science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities including a fieldhouse and stadium. Students benefit from a comprehensive extracurricular program with 40+ clubs and 20+ athletic teams. The school emphasizes character development and community service while maintaining strong academic performance with average ACT scores consistently above the state average.
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Trinity Lutheran School
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
Trinity Lutheran School provides a Christ-centered education for students from preschool through 8th grade, serving families in Lexington and the Bloomington-Normal area. Founded in 1974, the school offers a comprehensive academic program integrated with Christian values and character development. The curriculum includes strong STEM components, music education, art programs, and competitive athletics. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, a gymnasium, and dedicated spaces for music and art. The school maintains small class sizes with individualized attention and has a strong track record of preparing students for success in high school and beyond.
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Cornerstone Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Cornerstone Christian Academy is an independent Christian school serving the Lexington area and McLean County region since 1994. The school offers a comprehensive K-12 education with a strong emphasis on academic excellence integrated with biblical worldview. The college preparatory curriculum includes Advanced Placement courses, dual credit opportunities, and comprehensive STEM programs. Campus facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, computer labs, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. The school maintains a 12:1 student-teacher ratio and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities including competitive sports, fine arts programs, and mission trips.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lexington, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families in Lexington, Illinois, and what grade levels do they serve?
Lexington, IL, offers a few key private institutions, primarily with a religious affiliation. Central Catholic High School is the main option for grades 9-12. For younger students, Trinity Lutheran School provides education from preschool through 8th grade, and Cornerstone Christian Academy also serves a K-8 population. Given the town's size, there are no large independent secular private schools within Lexington itself, so families often also consider options in nearby communities like Bloomington-Normal for a broader selection.
How does tuition at private schools in Lexington, IL, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for Lexington's private schools tends to be below the Illinois state average for private education, reflecting the area's cost of living. For the 2023-2024 school year, elementary/middle school tuition ranged from approximately $4,000 to $6,000 annually, while high school tuition at Central Catholic was higher. All mentioned schools offer need-based financial aid, and Illinois' Tax Credit Scholarship Program (Invest in Kids Act) is a crucial resource for eligible families, allowing donors to direct scholarships to students. It's vital to apply for aid early, as funds are limited.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in Lexington, Illinois, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Lexington's private schools leverage their smaller size and religious missions to offer distinct programs. Central Catholic High School emphasizes college preparatory academics with a strong focus on faith-based leadership and community service, often with more individualized attention. Trinity Lutheran and Cornerstone Christian Academy integrate religious education throughout their curriculum and may offer specialized programs in music or art rooted in their faith traditions. Unlike the larger public unit districts, these schools often have a tight-knit community feel where every student is known personally, which is a significant draw for many Lexington families.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools in Lexington, Illinois?
The process generally begins in the winter prior to the desired fall enrollment. For high school, Central Catholic hosts open houses and shadow days for prospective 8th graders, with application deadlines often in February. For K-8 schools like Trinity Lutheran and Cornerstone Christian, applications open in January-February, with priority often given to siblings and church members. Most schools require an application form, academic records, teacher recommendations, and a family interview. Rolling admissions may continue if spaces are available, but securing a spot early is recommended due to limited capacity in this small community.
For a family in Lexington, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school (Lexington Elementary/Jr. High and Olympia High School) and a private school?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, class size, and religious instruction. Lexington public schools are part of the larger Olympia CUSD 16, offering a comprehensive, secular education with a wide range of extracurriculars and sports. The private options provide a faith-based environment, typically with much smaller class sizes (often 15:1 or lower) and a consistent values-based framework from preschool through high school. Transportation is a practical consideration; while public schools provide busing, private school families usually arrange their own transportation. Financially, it involves weighing the cost of tuition against the perceived value of a religious education and personalized attention.
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