The Best Private Schools in Matteson, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Matteson. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Providence-St. Mel School
Independent
Providence-St. Mel School has gained national recognition for its exceptional college preparatory program and 100% college acceptance rate for over 40 consecutive years. Located in nearby Chicago, the school serves students from Matteson and surrounding suburbs through its rigorous academic environment. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, leadership development, and character education. Students participate in extensive Advanced Placement coursework, comprehensive STEM programs, and community service initiatives. The school maintains small class sizes and provides personalized college counseling, with graduates consistently gaining admission to top-tier universities nationwide.
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Marian Catholic High School
Archdiocese of Chicago
Marian Catholic High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving the Matteson area and surrounding communities. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 23 Advanced Placement courses and a comprehensive STEM program. Students benefit from a 12:1 student-teacher ratio and extensive extracurricular opportunities including championship athletic programs, performing arts, and numerous clubs. The campus features modern science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities. The school maintains a 99% college acceptance rate and has been recognized for academic excellence throughout the Chicago Southland region.
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Seton Academy
Archdiocese of Chicago
Seton Academy is a Catholic co-educational high school serving students from Matteson and the surrounding Southland communities. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with a focus on developing well-rounded students through academic excellence, spiritual formation, and extracurricular engagement. Programs include advanced placement courses, career readiness pathways, competitive athletics, and vibrant performing arts. The school features modern facilities including science and computer labs, a performing arts center, and athletic complexes. Seton Academy emphasizes character development and community service while maintaining strong college placement records and personalized student support services.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Matteson, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Matteson, Illinois?
Matteson itself is primarily served by nearby private institutions in the broader Southland region. The most prominent options include Marian Catholic High School (a co-ed Dominican Catholic college-prep school in Chicago Heights), Providence-St. Mel School (a renowned independent college-prep school in Chicago, with a bus service available for South Suburban students), and Seton Academy (a Catholic co-ed high school in South Holland). For younger grades, families often consider Catholic elementary schools in neighboring towns like Park Forest or Richton Park. There are limited private school buildings within Matteson's immediate village boundaries, so commuting is a standard expectation.
How does tuition at private schools near Matteson, IL, compare, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Marian Catholic High School's tuition is approximately $13,000, while Seton Academy is generally lower. Providence-St. Mel, as a premier independent school, has a higher tuition rate, comparable to Chicago's top private schools. All these schools offer need-based financial aid, and Illinois state programs like the Invest in Kids Act (tax credit scholarships) can provide substantial assistance to eligible families. Additionally, many schools offer parish subsidies for active members of supporting Catholic churches and merit-based scholarships for academic, artistic, or athletic talent.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Matteson offer that distinguish them from local public schools?
Schools in this area provide specialized programs that cater to diverse interests. Marian Catholic is renowned for its expansive fine arts department, including award-winning band and choir programs, and robust Advanced Placement (AP) curriculum. Providence-St. Mel is nationally recognized for its 100% college acceptance rate and rigorous STEM-focused curriculum with a strong character education component. Seton Academy offers a more intimate setting with career-focused programs and partnerships. These schools often have more uniform college-prep trajectories, religious education (if Catholic), and smaller average class sizes than the larger public school districts serving Matteson, such as Matteson School District 162 and Consolidated High School District 227.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools serving Matteson, Illinois families?
The process for the top schools is competitive and begins early. For fall enrollment, open houses typically occur from September to November of the preceding year. Application deadlines for freshman admission are often in December or January, with entrance exams (like the HSPT) required shortly after. Marian Catholic and Seton Academy have specific test dates, while Providence-St. Mel has its own assessment process. Admissions decisions and financial aid awards are usually communicated in February or March. It's crucial to contact schools directly for exact dates, as some may have rolling admissions for later grades, but planning at least a full year in advance is highly recommended.
For a family in Matteson, what are the key considerations when choosing between a local public high school and a private option like Marian Catholic or Seton Academy?
Key considerations include educational philosophy, cost, commute, and student needs. Matteson students are typically zoned for Rich Central High School (District 227) or Rich South High School. Comparing them to private options involves evaluating class size (private schools often have 15-20 students vs. 20+ in public), specific academic support or AP offerings, and extracurricular focus (e.g., Marian's arts vs. a public school's athletics). The religious component of Catholic schools is a major factor for some families. Commute time to schools in Chicago Heights, South Holland, or Chicago is also a practical daily concern. Ultimately, visiting both types of schools and assessing the individual child's fit with the culture and programs is the most important step.
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