The Best Private Schools in Lombard, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lombard. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Montessori School of DuPage
American Montessori Society
Located just minutes from Lombard in neighboring Glen Ellyn, this highly-rated Montessori school serves families throughout DuPage County. The school offers authentic Montessori education for children ages 3-12, featuring individualized learning plans, hands-on materials, and mixed-age classrooms. The campus includes spacious, well-equipped classrooms, outdoor learning environments, and specialized areas for art, music, and physical education. Parents consistently praise the dedicated teachers, nurturing environment, and strong academic foundation provided to students.
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St. Petronille School
Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Joliet
This highly-regarded Catholic school located in nearby Glen Ellyn serves many Lombard families and has maintained excellence for over six decades. The school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education with strong emphasis on faith formation, academic rigor, and character development. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, technology centers, and extensive athletic facilities. The curriculum features advanced mathematics, comprehensive language arts, and specialized instruction in Spanish, art, music, and physical education. Parent reviews consistently highlight the strong community atmosphere and exceptional teacher dedication.
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St. John the Baptist Catholic School
Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Joliet
Serving the western DuPage County region including Lombard families, this established Catholic school provides Pre-K through 8th grade education with a reputation for academic excellence and strong community values. The school features small class sizes, dedicated certified teachers, and a comprehensive curriculum that includes advanced placement opportunities for qualified students. Campus facilities include modern classrooms, computer labs, library resources, and athletic fields. The school emphasizes spiritual development alongside academic achievement, offering regular Mass participation and faith-based character education. Parents frequently commend the school's safe environment and the individual attention given to each student.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lombard, Illinois
What are the primary types of private schools available to families in Lombard, Illinois?
Lombard offers a focused selection of private schools, primarily centered around faith-based and specialized pedagogical models. The most prominent options include Catholic parochial schools like St. Petronille School and St. John the Baptist Catholic School, which provide a traditional academic curriculum integrated with religious education. For families seeking an alternative educational approach, The Montessori School of DuPage offers child-centered, hands-on learning based on Montessori principles. While Lombard itself has a concentrated market, many families also consider reputable private institutions in neighboring DuPage County towns like Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, and Naperville, which may offer independent college-preparatory, Lutheran, or other faith-based options.
How does tuition for private schools in Lombard, IL, typically compare to the broader Chicago area, and are there state-specific financial aid options?
Tuition for Lombard-area private schools is generally more moderate than that of elite independent schools in Chicago or its immediate northern suburbs. For the 2024-2025 academic year, local Catholic elementary schools like St. Petronille and St. John the Baptist often have tuition ranging from approximately $6,000 to $9,000 annually, with reduced rates for parish members. The Montessori School of DuPage typically has a higher tuition range, reflecting its specialized programming. Illinois offers specific financial aid avenues, most notably the Invest in Kids Act Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which provides need-based scholarships funded by donations from individuals and businesses who receive a state tax credit. Additionally, many local schools offer parish subsidies, multi-child discounts, and direct financial aid.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are emphasized by private schools in Lombard?
Lombard's private schools leverage their specific missions to offer distinct programs. The Catholic schools (St. Petronille and St. John the Baptist) typically emphasize strong core academics alongside dedicated religion classes, sacramental preparation, and community service requirements. They often participate in the Diocese of Joliet's academic initiatives and may offer Spanish language instruction starting in younger grades. The Montessori School of DuPage provides a completely different environment, featuring multi-age classrooms, individualized learning plans, and a curriculum rich in practical life skills, sensorial education, and student-directed project work. Extracurriculars in the Catholic schools often include CYO sports, academic bowls, and music programs, while the Montessori environment may integrate arts and nature exploration deeply into the daily schedule.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Lombard, and are there considerations for non-parishioners or late applicants?
Enrollment timelines in Lombard are school-specific but generally follow an annual cycle. For the Catholic schools, priority registration for existing families and registered parishioners typically opens in January, with open registration for the general public in February or March for the following fall. The Montessori School of DuPage often has a rolling admissions process but recommends applying early due to limited space. Key steps include submitting an application, providing previous school records, a family interview, and often a student assessment or classroom visit. Non-parishioners are welcome at the Catholic schools but usually pay a higher tuition rate. For families moving to Lombard over the summer or mid-year, it's essential to contact schools directly, as some grades may have waitlists while others have availability.
For families considering both options, what are some key distinctions between Lombard School District 44 public schools and the local private school alternatives?
The choice between Lombard public schools (District 44 for elementary, District 88 for high school) and local private options involves several key distinctions. Public schools offer a tuition-free, diverse educational experience with a broad range of state-mandated programs, special education services, and extensive extracurricular activities. In contrast, Lombard's private schools offer smaller class sizes, a specific value-based or pedagogical focus (Catholic faith or Montessori philosophy), and often a more tightly-knit community feel. Academically, private schools may have more flexibility in their curriculum but must meet state standards. A major practical difference is that Lombard's private schools are K-8, meaning families must plan for a high school transition, whereas public school students feed into Willowbrook High School. The decision often hinges on a family's educational priorities, budget, and desire for a specific learning environment.
Private Education Insights
Discover Top-Rated Private Pre-K Schools in Lombard, IL: Your Local Guide
As a parent in Lombard, beginning the search for "private pre k schools near me" is an exciting first step on your child’s educational journey. You’re not just looking for a daycare; you’re seeking a foundational experience that nurtures curiosity, social skills, and a lifelong love of learning. In our community, you’ll find several distinct and highly-regarded options, each offering a unique approach to early childhood education. Understanding these philosophies and how they fit your family is key to making the right choice.
One prominent approach available right here in Lombard is Montessori education. Schools like The Montessori School of DuPage provide an environment where learning is child-led and hands-on. In a Montessori pre-K classroom, you’ll see children engaged in self-chosen, practical activities with specially designed materials. This method fosters incredible independence, concentration, and intrinsic motivation. For a child who is naturally curious and thrives on exploring concepts at their own pace, this can be a wonderful fit. It’s a commitment to a specific educational philosophy that many Lombard families have embraced for generations.
For families seeking a faith-based foundation integrated with strong academics, Lombard’s Catholic schools offer a compelling path. Institutions like St. Petronille School and St. John the Baptist Catholic School provide pre-K programs that blend spiritual development with structured early learning. Here, values like kindness, community, and respect are woven into daily activities alongside literacy and math readiness. These programs often serve as a feeder into their esteemed elementary schools, offering continuity in a close-knit environment. For many parents, the sense of belonging to a parish community and the consistency of a values-based education from pre-K onward is a significant draw.
When evaluating private pre k schools near you in Lombard, consider practicalities beyond curriculum. Visit the classrooms. Do the children seem engaged and happy? How do teachers interact with them? Inquire about teacher qualifications and student-to-teacher ratios—critical factors in these formative years. Consider the logistics: location, drop-off routines, and school hours. Lombard’s central DuPage County location means you might also explore excellent options in neighboring towns like Glen Ellyn or Villa Park, but there’s immense value in finding a true community school within your own village. It fosters local friendships and simplifies family logistics.
Ultimately, the best private pre-K for your child is one that aligns with your family’s values and your child’s individual temperament. Lombard is fortunate to host these diverse, high-quality options within its borders. Take the time to schedule tours, ask detailed questions, and observe. Trust your instincts as you watch how your child responds to each environment. This investment in a thoughtful pre-K experience lays the crucial groundwork for all future learning, right here in our supportive Lombard community.
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