The Best Private Schools in Maquon, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Maquon. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Costa Catholic School
Diocese of Peoria Catholic Schools
Costa Catholic School is a highly-regarded private Catholic school serving the Maquon area from nearby Galesburg. With over 70 years of educational excellence, the school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade curriculum rooted in Catholic values. The school features small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a strong emphasis on both academic and spiritual development. Facilities include modern classrooms, a library, computer lab, and gymnasium. The school offers robust extracurricular programs including sports, music, and community service opportunities, creating a well-rounded educational experience for students throughout Knox County.
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Peoria Academy
Independent School
Peoria Academy is an acclaimed independent school serving the broader central Illinois region, including families from Maquon. As an International Baccalaureate World School, it offers a rigorous, inquiry-based curriculum for students from Pre-K through 8th grade. The school emphasizes critical thinking, global awareness, and character development. Facilities include state-of-the-art classrooms, science labs, art studios, and extensive outdoor learning spaces. With a diverse student body and dedicated faculty, Peoria Academy provides a progressive education that prepares students for success in high school and beyond, making it worth the commute for many regional families.
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Peoria Notre Dame High School
Diocese of Peoria Catholic Schools
Peoria Notre Dame High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school serving students from throughout central Illinois, including the Maquon area. Formed through the merger of three historic Catholic high schools, PND offers a comprehensive academic program with numerous Advanced Placement and dual-credit courses through partnerships with local colleges. The school features modern facilities including science and technology labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. With a strong focus on faith formation, academic excellence, and character development, Peoria Notre Dame consistently graduates students well-prepared for college and life beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Maquon, Illinois
What are the realistic private school options for a family living in Maquon, Illinois, given that the top-named schools are in Peoria?
While Maquon itself is a small rural village, families seeking private education typically look to nearby population centers. The closest and most common options are in Peoria, approximately 45-60 minutes away. These include the mentioned Costa Catholic School (PreK-8), Peoria Academy (PreK-8, independent), and Peoria Notre Dame High School (9-12, Catholic). Some families may also consider schools in Galesburg or Macomb, though the commute is similar. A key consideration for Maquon residents is transportation, as most of these schools do not provide district-wide busing, making carpooling or personal transport a necessary part of the planning process.
How does the tuition at Peoria-area private schools compare to the Illinois state average, and what financial aid options are available for Maquon families?
Tuition for the Peoria-area private schools accessible to Maquon families is generally at or slightly below the Illinois state average for private schools. For the 2023-2024 academic year, elementary tuition ranges from approximately $6,000 to $12,000 annually, while high school tuition can be $10,000-$14,000. All the major schools offer need-based financial aid, and Illinois state programs like the Invest in Kids Act (Tax Credit Scholarship Program) can provide significant assistance to eligible families. It's crucial for Maquon parents to apply for aid early and communicate directly with each school's admissions office, as aid packages can substantially reduce the net cost.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do these private schools offer that might justify the commute from Maquon?
The schools offer specialized programs not typically found in small, rural public districts. Peoria Academy emphasizes an International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme and project-based learning. Peoria Notre Dame High School offers a robust college-prep curriculum with numerous Advanced Placement (AP) courses, extensive STEM programs, and a wide array of athletics and arts. Costa Catholic provides a strong faith-based foundation with dedicated Spanish and music instruction from a young age. For Maquon families, these programs represent access to diverse academic pathways, advanced coursework, and competitive extracurricular activities that are concentrated in the larger Peoria metro area.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for a Maquon student applying to a Peoria private school, and are there geographic priorities?
The enrollment process typically begins in the fall, one year prior to desired entry, with open houses and application deadlines between January and March. As Maquon is outside the immediate Peoria area, there is usually no geographic priority for enrollment; admission is based on application strength, testing (for some schools), and interviews. However, spaces can be competitive, especially in specific grades. Maquon families should initiate contact with admissions offices early (by October/November) to express interest, schedule visits, and understand any specific requirements for transfer students. Many schools host "shadow days" where a student can spend a day on campus, which is highly recommended despite the commute.
For a family in Maquon, what are the primary factors to consider when choosing between the local public school (Knoxville CUSD #202) and a private school in Peoria?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. First is the daily commitment to a 1.5 to 2-hour round-trip commute, impacting family schedules and student energy. Academically, it's a choice between the close-knit, community-based environment of a small rural public school and the specialized, often resource-rich programs of a larger private institution. Socially, a private school in Peoria expands a student's network beyond the immediate Maquon/Knoxville area. Financially, families must weigh tuition and transportation costs against the perceived value. Many Maquon families who choose private schools do so for a specific academic or religious focus that is unavailable locally, viewing the commute as an investment in that specialized education.
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