The Best Private Schools in Lockport, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lockport. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Dennis School
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
St. Dennis School is a highly-regarded Catholic elementary school serving Lockport and surrounding communities. With over six decades of educational excellence, the school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade program that balances strong academics with faith formation. The curriculum includes advanced STEM programs, fine arts, and competitive athletics. Parents consistently praise the dedicated teachers, safe environment, and strong community atmosphere. The school features modern classrooms, a dedicated STEM lab, and extensive athletic facilities.
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Joliet Catholic Academy
Private Catholic High School
Joliet Catholic Academy is a premier co-educational Catholic high school serving Lockport and the greater Will County area. Known for its rigorous college preparatory curriculum, JCA offers extensive honors and Advanced Placement courses across all disciplines. The school boasts exceptional athletic programs with multiple state championships, particularly in football and wrestling. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic complexes. Parent reviews highlight the strong academic preparation, dedicated faculty, and comprehensive student support services.
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Providence Catholic High School
Private Catholic High School
Providence Catholic High School serves Lockport students and has built an outstanding reputation over a century of operation. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory program with specialized academies in STEM, business, and arts. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated college counseling, and extensive extracurricular opportunities including championship athletic programs. The campus features modern academic buildings, advanced science and technology labs, and extensive athletic facilities. Parents consistently rate the school highly for academic excellence, character development, and college placement success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lockport, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Lockport, Illinois, and what grade levels do they serve?
Lockport itself is home to St. Dennis School, a well-regarded Catholic elementary school serving students from Pre-K through 8th grade. For high school, families in Lockport commonly look to nearby institutions such as Joliet Catholic Academy (co-ed, grades 9-12) in Joliet and Providence Catholic High School (co-ed, grades 9-12) in New Lenox. These schools are central options for Lockport residents, though other private and parochial schools in surrounding Will County towns may also be accessible. It's important to note that while these top schools are in neighboring cities, they actively draw a significant portion of their student body from the Lockport community.
How does tuition for private schools in the Lockport, IL area typically compare, and what financial aid options are available for Illinois residents?
Tuition varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. Dennis School's tuition is approximately $5,000-$6,000 for parishioners, while high schools like Joliet Catholic Academy and Providence Catholic High School have tuitions ranging from $12,000 to $14,000 annually. Illinois offers significant financial support through the Invest in Kids Act, which provides tax credit scholarships for lower-income families. Additionally, all three mentioned schools offer substantial need-based financial aid and parish subsidies, and many Lockport families utilize Illinois' 529 plan funds for K-12 private school expenses. Payment plans are almost universally available to help manage costs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools serving Lockport students that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Lockport area often provide distinctive programs rooted in their missions. Joliet Catholic Academy offers a renowned College-Credit (Dual Enrollment) program with Lewis University and a strong emphasis on its storied athletic traditions. Providence Catholic High School features specialized academies within the school, such as the STEM Academy and the Business & Entrepreneurship Academy. At the elementary level, St. Dennis School integrates faith-based learning with a strong core curriculum and often has smaller class sizes than Lockport's public elementary schools. A common differentiator is the required theology curriculum and structured community service hours at the high school level, which are not typically part of the public school curriculum in Lockport Township High School District 205.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like St. Dennis, Joliet Catholic, and Providence Catholic for a family moving to Lockport?
The process is proactive and often begins a full year in advance. For St. Dennis School, applications for the following fall typically open in January, with priority given to parishioners and siblings. For the high schools, the process is more formalized: prospective student nights are held in the early fall (September-October), with entrance exams (the HSPT) usually scheduled for November or December. Applications are due shortly after the exam. Admissions decisions for Joliet Catholic Academy and Providence Catholic High School are typically released in February. Families new to Lockport should contact schools directly, as mid-year enrollment may be possible depending on space, but planning for the standard cycle is strongly recommended.
For a family considering both Lockport Township High School District 205 and a private high school, what are key local factors to weigh in the decision?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, cost, and specific student needs. Lockport Township High School (LTHS) is a large, comprehensive public school with a vast array of AP courses, extracurriculars, and sports, funded by local property taxes. Private options like JCA or Providence offer a smaller, faith-based community with a defined value system. A key local factor is the "feeder" dynamic; many Lockport students from St. Dennis or other private elementary schools naturally progress to the Catholic high schools. Transportation is another consideration: LTHS provides district busing, while private schools may require carpooling or paid bus services from Lockport. Additionally, the intense rivalry between LTHS and these private schools in athletics is a unique cultural aspect of the community that some families value.
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