The Best Private Schools in Mazon, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Mazon. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary School
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
St. Mary School is a highly-regarded Catholic school serving the Mazon area from nearby Ottawa. The school offers comprehensive education from preschool through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on faith-based learning and academic excellence. The school features modern STEM labs, competitive athletic programs, and extensive fine arts opportunities. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty, small class sizes, and strong community atmosphere. The school maintains high academic standards while providing a nurturing environment that emphasizes character development and service learning.
Programs:
Joliet Catholic Academy
Private Catholic High School
Joliet Catholic Academy is a premier co-educational Catholic high school that serves students from Mazon and surrounding communities. The academy offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with extensive honors and Advanced Placement courses. Known for exceptional athletic programs with multiple state championships, JCA also provides outstanding fine arts, STEM programs, and campus ministry. The 40-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complexes. The school maintains a 99% college acceptance rate and is recognized for developing well-rounded students prepared for higher education.
Programs:
Immaculate Conception School
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
Immaculate Conception School in Morris serves families throughout Grundy County, including Mazon residents. This established Catholic school provides education from preschool to 8th grade with a reputation for strong academic preparation and moral development. The school features advanced mathematics curriculum, comprehensive music and arts programs, and competitive sports teams. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, and a full-sized gymnasium. Parent reviews highlight the school's welcoming community, experienced teachers, and excellent preparation for high school academics.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Mazon, Illinois
What are the private school options for families residing in Mazon, Illinois, and are there any located directly within the town?
Mazon, IL, is a small village, so there are no private school campuses physically located within its village limits. However, families in Mazon typically look to nearby communities for excellent private options. The most prominent local choices include St. Mary School in nearby Minooka (Pre-K-8), Immaculate Conception School in Morris (Pre-K-8), and Joliet Catholic Academy in Joliet (9-12). These schools serve the Mazon area and are accessible via a short commute. For younger grades, the parish-affiliated schools are common choices, while Joliet Catholic Academy is the primary destination for a college-preparatory Catholic high school education.
How does tuition at private schools serving Mazon, IL, typically work, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition for schools like St. Mary, Immaculate Conception, and Joliet Catholic Academy varies by grade level and parish membership. Active members of the supporting Catholic parish often receive a substantially reduced tuition rate. For the 2024-25 academic year, elementary tuition can range from approximately $4,000 to $8,000, while high school tuition at Joliet Catholic Academy is higher, often exceeding $10,000. Critically, Illinois offers the **Invest in Kids Act Tax Credit Scholarship Program**, which provides need-based scholarships funded by donations from individuals and businesses who receive a state tax credit. All these schools participate, offering significant financial aid to eligible Illinois families. Additionally, each school has its own financial aid and flexible payment plans.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools accessible from Mazon, IL, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools serving Mazon emphasize a faith-based education integrated with rigorous academics. Unique programs often include dedicated religion/theology classes, weekly Mass, and service-learning projects rooted in the community. Joliet Catholic Academy offers a distinctive **College-Credit/Dual Enrollment program** with local universities, extensive AP course options, and renowned athletic programs (especially football and baseball) with a strong tradition. At the elementary level, schools like Immaculate Conception and St. Mary often feature smaller class sizes (e.g., 15-20 students), specialized STEM or fine arts initiatives, and a strong focus on character development that leverages the tight-knit community feel of Grundy and Will counties.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for families in Mazon seeking entry into these private schools for the next school year?
The process generally begins in the fall or early winter for the following academic year. For elementary schools (St. Mary, Immaculate Conception), open houses are typically held between October and January. Application deadlines are often in February or March, with registration and financial aid applications due around the same time. **Joliet Catholic Academy holds a mandatory Entrance Exam** for incoming freshmen, usually in December or January, which is a critical step in the admissions process. Given the limited seats and the number of feeder schools, it is highly advisable for Mazon families to begin inquiries by October, attend open houses, and complete applications well before the stated deadlines to secure placement.
For a family in Mazon considering the choice, what are the practical considerations when comparing the local public school (Mazon-Verona-Kinsman Elementary) to the private school options in the area?
The key considerations involve educational philosophy, cost, and community. Mazon-Verona-Kinsman Elementary District 2C is the local public K-8 option, after which students attend Seneca High School. The private path involves tuition and commuting but offers a continuous faith-based environment from Pre-K through 12th grade at affiliated schools. Practical factors include: the **daily commute** to Morris, Minooka, or Joliet (15-30+ minutes); the **total cost** of tuition over 13 years versus no public school tuition; and the **cultural environment**—small, values-based communities in private schools versus the local community-centered public school. Many families in the area choose private schools for alignment with religious values and for a seamless transition to a college-prep high school like Joliet Catholic Academy, which has a strong regional reputation for academic and extracurricular excellence.