The Best Private Schools in London Mills, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in London Mills. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Peoria Academy
Independent
Peoria Academy is a highly-regarded independent school offering Montessori education for early childhood through an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program for elementary and middle school students. The school emphasizes individualized learning, critical thinking, and global awareness. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school serves families throughout the Peoria metropolitan area, including London Mills. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and extensive outdoor learning spaces. The school maintains a strong community focus with diverse extracurricular offerings.
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Peoria Notre Dame High School
Catholic Diocese of Peoria
Peoria Notre Dame High School is a comprehensive Catholic college preparatory school serving students throughout the greater Peoria area. The school offers rigorous academic programs including Advanced Placement courses, strong STEM curriculum, and comprehensive fine arts programs. With modern facilities including science laboratories, performing arts center, and athletic complexes, the school provides a well-rounded education. The school community emphasizes faith formation, academic excellence, and character development, making it a popular choice for families in the London Mills region seeking private secondary education.
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Costa Catholic Academy
Catholic Diocese of Peoria
Costa Catholic Academy is a well-established PreK-8 Catholic school serving families in Knox County and surrounding areas, including London Mills. The school provides a strong foundation in core academic subjects integrated with Catholic values and traditions. The curriculum includes comprehensive language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies programs supplemented by technology integration, art, music, and physical education. The school community is known for its family atmosphere and commitment to developing students' spiritual, academic, and social growth. The school maintains small class sizes and individualized attention for students.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in London Mills, Illinois
Are there any private schools actually located within London Mills, Illinois, or do families typically commute to nearby cities?
There are no private schools physically located within the village limits of London Mills, IL. Families seeking private education typically commute to schools in larger nearby communities, primarily Peoria, which is about a 30-40 minute drive. The schools often considered, such as Peoria Academy, Peoria Notre Dame High School, and Costa Catholic Academy, are all located in Peoria. This commute is a significant factor for London Mills residents, involving considerations for transportation, carpools, and daily scheduling.
What are the main types of private school options available to London Mills, IL families, and how do they differ?
For London Mills families, the primary private options in the Peoria area represent distinct educational models. **Peoria Academy** is an independent, non-sectarian school offering a progressive, International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum from preschool through 8th grade. **Peoria Notre Dame High School** is a Catholic, co-educational college preparatory high school (grades 9-12). **Costa Catholic Academy** is a Catholic school serving grades Pre-K through 8. The choice often comes down to a family's preference for a secular vs. faith-based environment, the specific grade levels needed, and educational philosophy (like IB vs. traditional college prep).
How does tuition for Peoria-area private schools compare for London Mills residents, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid options?
Tuition for the Peoria-area schools varies. For the 2024-25 school year, ranges are approximately $10,000-$15,000+ annually, with high schools generally at the higher end. A critical financial consideration for Illinois residents is the **Invest in Kids Act Tax Credit Scholarship Program**. While new scholarship awards are currently paused, existing scholarships are being honored, and legislation is often debated. This program previously allowed donors to receive a state tax credit for funding scholarships for lower-income families. London Mills parents should also inquire directly with each school about need-based financial aid, parish subsidies (for Catholic schools), and payment plans.
What is the enrollment timeline and process like for a London Mills family applying to a private school in Peoria?
The process typically begins a full year in advance. For schools like Peoria Academy and Costa Catholic Academy, open houses and application periods for the following fall often start in October or November. Peoria Notre Dame High School holds shadow days and begins accepting applications in the fall for 8th graders. Key steps include attending an open house, submitting an application (often with a fee), providing records from your child's current school (which for London Mills may be a local public school), and possibly an entrance assessment or student interview. Given the commute, London Mills families should prioritize attending these events early to assess the logistics.
For a family in rural London Mills, what are the potential benefits of choosing a private school in Peoria over the local public school district?
The decision involves weighing specific trade-offs. Benefits of a Peoria private school can include smaller class sizes, specialized academic programs (like the IB curriculum at Peoria Academy or focused college prep at Notre Dame), and a consistent faith-based environment if desired. For some families, it may also offer a more diverse peer group than the small, rural public school system. However, this must be balanced against the significant daily commute, higher cost, and separation from the immediate local community. The local public school, likely Fulton County schools, offers proximity, no tuition, and involvement in community-based activities and sports. The choice is highly personal and depends on a family's educational priorities and logistical capacity.
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