The Best Private Schools in Manlius, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Manlius. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Louis de Montfort School
Diocese of Peoria Catholic Schools
St. Louis de Montfort School is a highly-regarded Catholic school serving the Manlius area and surrounding communities. The school provides a faith-based education with strong academic foundations, offering small class sizes and individualized attention. Programs include comprehensive STEM education, fine arts, music programs, and competitive athletics. The school maintains excellent parent satisfaction with its family-oriented community and dedicated faculty committed to student success in both academic and spiritual development.
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St. Louis Catholic School
Diocese of Peoria Catholic Schools
Located in nearby Princeton, St. Louis Catholic School is one of the oldest and most respected private schools in the region serving Manlius families. The school offers a classical education approach combined with modern technology integration. With a rich history spanning over 160 years, the institution provides rigorous academics, comprehensive fine arts programs, and strong community values. The school features dedicated teachers, excellent facilities, and a track record of preparing students for success in high school and beyond.
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Holy Cross School
Diocese of Peoria Catholic Schools
Holy Cross School in Mendota serves the broader region including Manlius with a comprehensive faith-based education program. The school emphasizes academic excellence while fostering spiritual growth and character development. Programs include advanced academic enrichment opportunities, competitive sports teams, and community service initiatives. With over a century of educational service, Holy Cross maintains small class sizes, experienced faculty, and a supportive learning environment that consistently receives high marks from parents and students alike.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Manlius, Illinois
What are the private school options for families in Manlius, Illinois, and are they all religiously affiliated?
In Manlius, Illinois, the private school landscape is exclusively composed of faith-based institutions, reflecting the community's strong Catholic tradition. The primary options are St. Louis de Montfort School, St. Louis Catholic School, and Holy Cross School. All three are Catholic elementary schools serving grades Pre-K through 8. There are no secular private or independent day schools within Manlius itself. For high school, families typically look at Catholic high schools in larger nearby communities like Princeton or Kewanee. This means parents in Manlius seeking a private education must be comfortable with a religious curriculum integrated into the academic program.
How does tuition at Manlius, IL private schools compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition at Manlius's Catholic schools is generally below the Illinois state average for private elementary schools, reflecting the rural community and parish subsidies. For the 2024-2025 school year, annual tuition typically ranges from $3,500 to $5,500 per student, with discounts for multiple children and active parishioners. All three schools offer need-based financial assistance, often funded through the Diocese of Peoria's scholarship programs and local parish funds. Importantly, Illinois' Tax Credit Scholarship Program, "Invest in Kids," can provide significant tuition assistance to eligible families, though funding is subject to state legislative approval each year. It's crucial to contact the school office directly for the most current tuition schedules and aid applications.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in Manlius, IL, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Manlius private schools leverage their small size and religious mission to offer distinctive programs. A key differentiator is the integrated Catholic curriculum, which includes daily religion classes, weekly Mass, and service projects rooted in local communities like volunteering at the Manlius Food Pantry. Academically, they often feature multi-age classrooms and highly individualized attention due to low student-to-teacher ratios. While extracurricular options are more limited than in large public districts, they focus on community-based activities such as parish-led sports teams (e.g., CYO basketball), choir, and seasonal liturgical celebrations. The emphasis on character formation within a tight-knit faith community is a defining feature not found in the public school setting.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for securing a spot at a private school in Manlius, Illinois?
The enrollment process for Manlius's Catholic schools usually begins in January or February for the following academic year, with priority given to registered parishioners and siblings of current students. The general public can apply thereafter, but spaces are limited due to small class sizes. The process involves submitting an application form (available at the parish office or school website), providing baptismal records (if applicable), recent academic records, and often a family interview with the pastor or principal. Unlike some urban private schools, standardized entrance exams are uncommon for elementary grades here. It's highly recommended to contact the parish office of your chosen school by early winter to express interest and get on their mailing list, as some grades may have waiting lists.
For families new to the area, how do the private schools in Manlius, IL, handle transportation, and what are the options for after-school care?
Transportation and after-school care are important practical considerations in rural Manlius. Unlike in some Illinois districts, public school busing for private school students is not guaranteed and depends on the policies of the local public school district (likely Bureau Valley) and route feasibility. Many families form carpools. For after-school care, on-site programs are typically limited due to the schools' small operational scale. However, the schools often work closely with the parish communities to help connect parents with local in-home daycare providers or may facilitate a study hall until a specific pickup time. Planning for transportation and afternoon supervision requires proactive communication with the school administration and other parents during the enrollment process.
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