The Best Private Schools in Markham, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Markham. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Providence-St. Mel School
Providence-St. Mel
Providence-St. Mel School is a highly regarded private, independent college preparatory school that serves students from Markham and throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. Founded in 1978, the school has earned national recognition for its exceptional academic outcomes, with 100% of graduates being accepted to four-year colleges and universities for over 40 consecutive years. The school offers a rigorous curriculum with Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and extensive extracurricular activities including competitive athletics and fine arts. Known for its structured environment and high expectations, Providence-St. Mel maintains small class sizes and provides individualized attention to ensure student success.
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Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Catholic School
Archdiocese of Chicago
Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Catholic School serves families from Markham and surrounding communities with a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education. Founded in 2000 through the consolidation of several parish schools, the institution has established itself as a premier Catholic educational option in the south Chicago area. The school offers a rigorous academic program with strong emphasis on STEM education, literacy development, and faith formation. Modern facilities include technology-enhanced classrooms, science labs, and dedicated spaces for art and music. The school maintains small class sizes and provides a nurturing environment that prepares students for success in high school and beyond, with many graduates attending top-tier private and Catholic high schools in the region.
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Chicago Christian High School
Chicago Christian Schools
Chicago Christian High School is a respected private Christian school serving Markham and the broader south suburban Chicago area. With nearly a century of educational excellence, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory program rooted in Christian values. The curriculum includes advanced STEM courses, fine arts programs, and competitive athletics across multiple sports. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. Chicago Christian emphasizes character development alongside academic achievement, with a strong community atmosphere and dedicated faculty who provide personalized attention to students.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Markham, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available within Markham, IL, and what are their educational affiliations?
Markham, IL, is served by a small number of private institutions, primarily with religious affiliations. The notable schools include **Providence-St. Mel School** (independent, faith-based), **Chicago Christian High School** (interdenominational Christian), and **Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Catholic School** (Roman Catholic, K-8). Given the limited number of schools within the city limits, many Markham families also consider private options in neighboring suburbs like Hazel Crest, Homewood, and Flossmoor, which offer a wider variety of independent and parochial schools. It's important to visit each to understand their specific mission and community.
How does tuition for private schools in the Markham, IL, area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Markham area varies significantly by school and grade level. For the local Catholic elementary school (Cardinal Joseph Bernardin), tuition is generally more moderate, often ranging from $5,000 to $8,000 annually. Independent schools like Providence-St. Mel and Chicago Christian High School typically have higher tuition, which can range from $10,000 to $15,000+ per year. Illinois offers the **Invest in Kids Act** tax credit scholarship program, which can provide significant financial assistance to eligible families. All these schools also typically offer their own need-based financial aid, payment plans, and multi-child discounts, so it's crucial to apply for aid directly through the school.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Markham area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Markham area often leverage their smaller size and specific missions to offer specialized programs. **Chicago Christian High School** emphasizes a college-prep curriculum integrated with Christian worldview and offers robust arts and athletics. **Providence-St. Mel School** is renowned for its rigorous "We Believe" college-prep model and a near-100% college acceptance rate for its graduates. **Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Catholic School** provides a faith-based foundation with a strong core curriculum. These schools often feature more uniform policies, character education, and potentially smaller class sizes than some of the larger public school districts serving Markham, such as Thornton Township High Schools District 205.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Markham, IL, and when should parents start applying?
The enrollment process for Markham-area private schools usually begins in the fall for the following academic year. Open houses are typically held between October and January. For schools like Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Catholic School, priority is often given to parish members and siblings of current students. Competitive schools like Providence-St. Mel may have application deadlines as early as January or February and often require entrance exams, interviews, and submission of previous academic records. Parents should start researching and visiting schools a full year in advance, ideally in the fall of the year before desired enrollment. Waiting lists are common, so early application is strongly advised.
For a family in Markham, what are the key considerations when choosing between a local private school and the assigned public schools in Thornton Township?
Key considerations include **educational philosophy** (faith-based vs. secular), **class size**, **specific academic offerings**, and **cost**. Public schools in Thornton Township are tuition-free and offer a broad range of programs, including special education services and diverse extracurriculars. The decision often hinges on a family's desire for a specific moral or religious foundation, which local private schools provide. Additionally, some families seek the perceived structure and college-focused rigor of schools like Providence-St. Mel. It's essential to directly compare standardized test scores, graduation rates, college matriculation lists, and, most importantly, to visit both types of schools to assess the environment and culture firsthand. Transportation is also a factor, as private schools do not provide district busing.
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