The Best Private Schools in Manhattan, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Manhattan. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary Immaculate Parish School
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
St. Mary Immaculate Parish School is a highly-rated Catholic elementary and middle school serving families from Manhattan and surrounding communities. The school offers a comprehensive educational program from preschool through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on academic excellence, faith formation, and character development. Features include modern classrooms, STEM labs, art and music programs, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. The school maintains small class sizes and has a reputation for strong parent involvement and community engagement, preparing students for success in high school and beyond.
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Providence Catholic High School
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
Providence Catholic High School is a highly-regarded co-educational Catholic college preparatory school serving the Manhattan area and surrounding communities. With over a century of educational excellence, the school offers a rigorous academic program with 19 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM initiatives, and competitive athletic programs. The 50-acre campus features modern facilities including science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and emphasizes character development through campus ministry and service programs.
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Joliet Catholic Academy
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
Joliet Catholic Academy is a premier co-educational Catholic college preparatory high school serving Manhattan and the greater Joliet region. The school combines rich traditions with modern educational approaches, offering a comprehensive curriculum including 16 AP courses and extensive honors programs. Known for its championship athletic programs and strong community spirit, JCA features state-of-the-art facilities including science and technology labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic complexes. The school emphasizes faith formation, academic excellence, and leadership development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Manhattan, Illinois
What are the main private school options available for families residing in Manhattan, Illinois, and are there any directly within the village?
While the village of Manhattan, Illinois itself has a limited number of standalone private schools, families commonly look to highly-regarded institutions in the surrounding Will County area. The most prominent options include Providence Catholic High School in New Lenox (co-ed, grades 9-12), Joliet Catholic Academy in Joliet (co-ed, grades 9-12), and St. Mary Immaculate Parish School in Plainfield (Pre-K through 8th grade). Many Manhattan families choose these schools for their strong academic, athletic, and faith-based foundations. For younger grades, local parish-affiliated programs and smaller private academies in nearby towns are also common choices, requiring consideration of daily commuting.
What is the typical tuition range for private schools serving Manhattan, IL families, and what financial aid options are available through Illinois state programs?
Tuition for the top area private schools varies by grade level and religious affiliation. For the 2024-2025 academic year, high school tuition at Providence Catholic or Joliet Catholic Academy ranges from approximately $12,000 to $15,000 annually. Elementary/middle school tuition at institutions like St. Mary Immaculate is generally lower, often between $5,000 and $8,000. Illinois offers the "Invest in Kids Act" tax credit scholarship program, which can provide significant need-based financial aid for qualifying families. Additionally, all the major schools offer their own need-based assistance, parish subsidies for active members, and multi-child discounts. It's crucial to apply for financial aid early in the enrollment cycle.
How do the academic and extracurricular programs at Will County private schools, like Joliet Catholic Academy, cater to diverse student interests compared to Manhattan's public schools?
Schools like Joliet Catholic Academy and Providence Catholic offer rigorous college-prep curricula alongside distinctive programs not always available in smaller public districts. These include specialized theology courses, extensive Advanced Placement (AP) offerings, and nationally recognized athletic programs (especially in football and baseball). For students interested in the arts, JCA has robust fine arts and drama programs. Compared to Manhattan's public schools, these larger private institutions often provide a wider array of niche clubs, more extensive foreign language choices, and a competitive sports environment at the state level. However, Manhattan's public schools offer the benefit of a close-knit, local community environment.
What is the enrollment timeline and process like for a Manhattan family seeking admission to a sought-after private high school like Providence Catholic?
The enrollment process for top-tier private high schools in the area is competitive and begins well over a year in advance. For 9th-grade admission, the typical timeline starts in the fall of a student's 7th-grade year with open houses. Key steps include taking the High School Placement Test (HSPT) in the winter of 8th grade, submitting applications by early spring, and receiving acceptance letters by March. For families in Manhattan, it's important to note that these schools are not bound by residential district lines, but they do give priority to siblings of current students and active parishioners of their supporting dioceses. Early inquiry and campus visits are highly recommended.
What are the unique benefits and considerations of a faith-based education for families in the Manhattan, Illinois community?
For many Manhattan families, the choice of a faith-based private school like St. Mary Immaculate or Joliet Catholic Academy is central to integrating academic learning with moral and spiritual development. These schools foster a close community aligned with local Catholic parishes, which is a significant draw in Manhattan's family-oriented environment. The benefits include daily religion classes, service-learning requirements, and a values-based disciplinary approach. A key consideration is the commute, as these schools are located in neighboring towns. Additionally, while these schools welcome students of all faiths, families should be comfortable with a curriculum and culture rooted in Catholic tradition. This environment often results in high graduation rates, strong alumni networks, and a focus on character formation alongside academic excellence.