The Best Private Schools in Manteno, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Manteno. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Joseph School
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
St. Joseph School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving Manteno and surrounding communities for over 70 years. The school offers comprehensive education from preschool through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on faith-based learning combined with rigorous academics. Features include modern classrooms, dedicated faculty with low student-teacher ratios, robust STEM programs, music and art education, and competitive athletic teams. The school maintains excellent parent satisfaction ratings and is known for its tight-knit community atmosphere and strong moral foundation.
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St. George Catholic School
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
St. George Catholic School in nearby Bourbonnais serves Manteno families seeking exceptional private education from preschool through 8th grade. The school boasts a comprehensive curriculum that integrates technology throughout all grade levels, with dedicated computer labs and 1:1 device programs in upper grades. Special programs include Spanish language instruction, robust STEM education, music and art programs, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. The school is noted for its strong community involvement, experienced faculty, and commitment to developing well-rounded students prepared for high school success. Parent reviews consistently praise the school's nurturing environment and academic rigor.
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Bishop McNamara Catholic School
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
Bishop McNamara Catholic School is a premier regional private high school serving Manteno and the greater Kankakee County area. As a comprehensive college preparatory institution, it offers rigorous academic programs including numerous Advanced Placement courses, extensive fine arts programs, and competitive athletic teams across multiple sports. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complex. With a strong track record of college acceptance and a supportive faith-based community, Bishop McNamara consistently receives high marks from parents and students for academic excellence and character development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Manteno, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families living in Manteno, Illinois?
Manteno itself is home to St. Joseph School, a well-regarded Catholic school serving grades Pre-K through 8. For high school, families typically look to nearby Kankakee, which is just a short drive away. The most prominent option is Bishop McNamara Catholic School, a diocesan high school offering a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum for grades 9-12. Another nearby elementary option is St. George Catholic School in Bourbonnais. The private school landscape in Manteno is primarily faith-based, with many families forming a feeder pattern from St. Joseph's to Bishop McNamara for a continuous K-12 Catholic education.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Manteno, IL area typically work, and are there any Illinois-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 year, St. Joseph School in Manteno has a parishioner tuition rate and a higher non-parishioner rate, with discounts for multiple children. Bishop McNamara's high school tuition is significantly higher, reflecting its broader program. Critically for Illinois residents, the state's "Invest in Kids" Tax Credit Scholarship Program, while currently in a sunset phase, has historically provided need-based scholarships for private school tuition. Its future is uncertain, so parents should inquire directly with schools about current scholarship opportunities, diocesan aid, and parish subsidies. Many local schools also offer in-house payment plans and financial aid based on demonstrated need.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Manteno area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools in the Manteno area emphasize a faith-based education integrated into the core curriculum, which is a primary differentiator. Academically, Bishop McNamara High School offers a wide array of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, distinguished scholar programs, and specialized tracks that may exceed the scope of a smaller public high school. St. Joseph School provides a structured, values-based environment with smaller class sizes. Extracurricularly, Bishop McNamara boasts a strong athletic tradition in the Chicago Catholic League (CCL) and competitive fine arts programs, drawing students from a regional area. These schools often have a specific focus on community service and character development as part of their mission.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like St. Joseph in Manteno and Bishop McNamara in Kankakee?
Enrollment timelines are crucial. For St. Joseph School (Pre-K-8), open enrollment for the next academic year often begins in January or February, with priority given to registered parishioners and existing families. It's advisable to contact the school office in the fall prior to your desired enrollment year. For Bishop McNamara High School, the process typically starts with an entrance exam in the fall for 8th graders (often the HSPT), followed by application deadlines in early winter. Both schools require submission of records, recommendations, and often a family interview. Waiting lists can form for certain grades, so initiating the process early is highly recommended for Manteno-area parents.
For a family considering both Manteno's public school district and local private options, what are some key decision factors specific to this community?
Key factors include educational philosophy, class size, and continuity. Manteno Community Unit School District #5 is highly rated, offering a modern campus from elementary through the new Manteno High School. Choosing a private path like St. Joseph's into Bishop McNamara involves a commitment to a religious education and potentially a longer commute for high school. Financially, it means undertaking tuition costs versus taxpayer-funded public schools. Socially, the private path offers a consistent, close-knit community from K-12 with the same peer and family networks. The decision often hinges on whether a family prioritizes the faith-based foundation and specific college-prep identity of the Catholic schools versus the comprehensive, local, and tax-supported public system with its own strong offerings.
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