The Best Private Schools in Michael, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Michael. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. George Elementary School
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
St. George Elementary School is a highly-regarded Catholic school serving the Michael area and surrounding communities in Kankakee County. The school offers a comprehensive faith-based education from preschool through 8th grade with strong academic foundations. Features include modern classrooms, dedicated faculty with an average of 15+ years teaching experience, robust STEM programs, music and art education, and extensive extracurricular activities. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 15:1 and emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence.
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St. Patrick School
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
St. Patrick School has been serving Kankakee County families for over seven decades, providing a classical Catholic education from preschool through 8th grade. The school features a rigorous academic curriculum with particular strengths in mathematics and language arts, supported by dedicated certified teachers. Campus facilities include a modern library, science lab, gymnasium, and music room. The school offers comprehensive athletic programs, choir, and community service opportunities, fostering well-rounded student development with strong moral and academic foundations.
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Bishop McNamara Catholic School
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
Bishop McNamara Catholic School is a regional Catholic high school serving Michael and the greater Kankakee area with a comprehensive college preparatory program. The school offers 14 Advanced Placement courses, extensive fine and performing arts programs, and competitive athletic teams across 15 sports. Features include state-of-the-art science laboratories, performing arts center, modern athletic facilities, and a 1:1 technology program. With a 98% college acceptance rate and average ACT scores above state averages, Bishop McNamara provides a challenging academic environment supported by dedicated faculty and strong community values.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Michael, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available within or near Michael, Illinois, and what are their educational affiliations?
Within the Michael, Illinois area, the primary private school options are faith-based institutions. These include St. George Elementary School, St. Patrick School, and the larger Bishop McNamara Catholic School, which serves multiple grade levels. Given Michael's size and location within Kankakee County, many families also consider private schools in neighboring communities like Bourbonnais or Kankakee for a wider range of options, including potential non-denominational Christian or independent schools. It's important to visit each school's website or contact them directly to understand their specific grade ranges, from preschool through high school.
How does tuition for private schools in the Michael, Illinois area typically compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are commonly available?
Tuition for private schools in the Michael, IL area is generally below the average for the Chicago metropolitan area but is consistent with downstate Illinois rates. For the local Catholic elementary schools, annual tuition often ranges from $4,000 to $7,000 per child. Bishop McNamara Catholic School, as a larger diocesan high school, may have higher tuition. Significant financial aid is available through parish subsidies for active members, multi-child discounts, and need-based scholarships from the school or the Diocese of Joliet. Illinois also offers a state tax credit scholarship program (Invest in Kids Act), which can provide substantial assistance to eligible families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in Michael, Illinois offer that leverage the local community?
Private schools in Michael, IL, often integrate the values and resources of the tight-knit local community into their programs. Academically, they typically offer strong religious education and character formation programs. Extracurricularly, due to smaller enrollments, schools may collaborate with each other or with local public districts for sports teams. Bishop McNamara offers a comprehensive high school athletic program. Many schools also emphasize community service projects within Michael and surrounding Kankakee County, partnering with local churches, food pantries, and nursing homes to provide students with hands-on learning and civic engagement opportunities unique to the area.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Michael, Illinois, and are there considerations for families moving to the area?
The enrollment process for private schools in Michael, IL, often begins in January or February for the following academic year, with priority frequently given to siblings of current students and active parishioners of the affiliated church. For families new to the area, it is advisable to contact schools like St. George or St. Patrick as soon as possible, even mid-year, as space in smaller grade levels can be limited. The process typically involves submitting an application, providing records from a previous school, and may include a family interview or student assessment. Given Michael's proximity to larger employers like the Shapiro Developmental Center or Riverside Healthcare, schools are accustomed to working with families relocating to the region.
For families in Michael, Illinois, what are the key factors when deciding between the local public school district and a private school?
For Michael families, this decision often centers on educational philosophy, class size, and religious instruction. The local public schools are part of the relatively small St. Anne Community High School District 302 and related elementary districts, offering a traditional public education. The private schools in Michael provide a faith-based environment with typically smaller class sizes and a curriculum integrated with Catholic values. Transportation can be a factor, as Illinois public school districts are not required to provide transportation to private school students, though some arrangements may be possible. Many families choose private schools for continuity from elementary through high school within the same value system, particularly if they plan to attend Bishop McNamara for secondary education.
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