The Best Private Schools in Maywood, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Maywood. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Josephinum Academy of the Sacred Heart
Network of Sacred Heart Schools
Josephinum Academy is an all-girls Catholic college preparatory high school serving the Greater Chicago area, including Maywood. Founded by the Sisters of Christian Charity, the school offers a rigorous academic program with a strong emphasis on STEM education, character development, and leadership. The campus features modern science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and comprehensive athletic facilities. With small class sizes and individualized attention, Josephinum prepares students for top colleges while maintaining a diverse, inclusive community rooted in Sacred Heart values.
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St. Giles School
Archdiocese of Chicago
St. Giles School is a highly-regarded Catholic elementary school located in nearby Oak Park, serving families from Maywood and surrounding communities. The school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education with strong academic foundations in literacy, mathematics, and science. Features include technology-integrated classrooms, dedicated art and music programs, competitive athletics, and extensive extracurricular activities. The school community emphasizes faith formation, academic excellence, and character development in a nurturing environment with small class sizes and dedicated faculty.
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Fenwick High School
Dominican Friars
Fenwick High School is a prestigious Catholic college preparatory school serving the western suburbs of Chicago, including Maywood. Founded by the Dominican Friars, Fenwick offers a rigorous academic curriculum with exceptional college placement records. The school features state-of-the-art science and technology labs, extensive athletic facilities including a pool and field house, and comprehensive fine arts programs. With a strong tradition of academic excellence and competitive athletics, Fenwick prepares students for leadership roles in college and beyond through its challenging curriculum and values-based education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Maywood, Illinois
What are the main private school options available within or directly serving Maywood, Illinois, and what grade levels do they cover?
Maywood itself is home to a few key private institutions, notably the all-girls Josephinum Academy of the Sacred Heart (grades 9-12) and the co-educational St. Giles School (preschool-8). Just across the border in Oak Park, Fenwick High School (co-ed, 9-12) is a major option for Maywood families. This means local private education spans from early childhood through high school, though the high school choices are primarily single-gender or located in adjacent communities. Many families in Maywood also consider reputable private schools in nearby Oak Park, River Forest, and Chicago.
How does tuition for private schools in the Maywood, IL area typically compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition in the Maywood area varies significantly. Elementary schools like St. Giles may have annual tuition in the $5,000-$8,000 range, while high schools like Fenwick and Josephinum Academy can exceed $15,000. These figures are generally in line with or slightly below the Illinois private school average, partly due to the area's mix of parish-affiliated and independent schools. Critically, all major schools offer need-based financial aid. Additionally, Illinois' Tax Credit Scholarship Program, Invest in Kids, provides income-based scholarships for private school attendance, which many local families utilize to reduce costs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Maywood area that distinguish them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Maywood area often emphasize specialized programs rooted in their missions. Josephinum Academy, a STEM-focused college-prep school, offers a distinctive "Women in STEM" curriculum and a 1:1 iPad program. Fenwick High School is renowned for its rigorous classical curriculum, extensive athletics (Dominican athletic conference), and nationally recognized debate team. St. Giles School provides a faith-based education with Spanish instruction from preschool. These programs offer alternatives to District 89 public schools, often featuring smaller class sizes, religious education (if desired), and specific pedagogical focuses not available in the public system.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools like Josephinum Academy or Fenwick High School for a family residing in Maywood?
The process for Maywood families typically begins a full year in advance. For high schools (Josephinum, Fenwick), families should attend open houses in the fall (Sept-Oct) of the student's 8th grade year. Application deadlines are often in December or January, requiring transcripts, teacher recommendations, and performance on a standardized entrance exam (like the HSPT). Elementary schools like St. Giles may have rolling admissions but encourage applications by early spring for the following fall. As these schools draw from a wide region, Maywood residents are encouraged to apply early and highlight their unique community perspective.
For a family living in Maywood, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public schools (District 89) and area private schools?
The decision hinges on several factors specific to Maywood. District 89 offers a tuition-free, neighborhood-based education. Choosing a private school involves investment but may provide perceived stability, specialized curricula (e.g., STEM, faith-based), and often smaller class sizes. Transportation is a key logistical difference; while District 89 provides buses, private school families typically must arrange transportation, which for schools like Fenwick in Oak Park may involve a short commute. Families should also consider the community aspect: private schools can connect students to a regional network, while public schools anchor them in the immediate Maywood community. Evaluating academic outcomes, extracurricular needs, and budget is essential.
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