The Best Private Schools in Milan, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Milan. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Rivermont Collegiate
Independent
Rivermont Collegiate is a prestigious independent day school serving the Quad Cities region, including Milan families. As the only International Baccalaureate World School in the area, it offers a rigorous academic program from preschool through 12th grade. The school features small class sizes, exceptional faculty with advanced degrees, and state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, technology centers, and performing arts spaces. Students benefit from comprehensive college counseling, competitive athletics, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. The campus overlooks the Mississippi River and provides a challenging, nurturing environment that consistently produces graduates accepted to top-tier universities.
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Jordan Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Peoria
Jordan Catholic School operates multiple campuses serving the Illinois Quad Cities, including Milan residents. With a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and character development, the school offers a comprehensive faith-based education from preschool through 8th grade. The curriculum emphasizes core academics enhanced by technology integration, dedicated STEM labs, music and art programs, and competitive sports. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, libraries, and gymnasiums. The school maintains strong parent involvement and community partnerships, with graduates consistently well-prepared for area Catholic and public high schools.
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St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School
Diocese of Davenport
St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School serves families throughout the Quad Cities metro area, including those from Milan. This established parochial school offers education from preschool through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on academic achievement within a faith-filled community. The school features a challenging curriculum with advanced math and reading programs, integrated technology, Spanish instruction, and comprehensive fine arts. Facilities include smart classrooms, a dedicated STEM lab, library, and gymnasium. The school is known for its strong sense of community, dedicated teachers, and commitment to developing well-rounded students through service projects and extracurricular activities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Milan, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Milan, Illinois?
Milan itself is a small village, so most private school options are located in the surrounding Quad Cities area. The top institutions include **Rivermont Collegiate** in Bettendorf, IA (a secular, college-preparatory school serving PreK-12), **Jordan Catholic School** in Rock Island, IL (a PreK-8 Catholic school), and **St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School** in Davenport, IA (PreK-8). Milan families commonly commute to these schools, which are all within a 15-20 minute drive. There are no private high schools within Milan's village limits, making Rivermont Collegiate a key option for a continuous PreK-12 private education.
How does tuition at private schools near Milan, IL, compare, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid options?
Tuition varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-25 academic year, Jordan Catholic School (IL) tuition for parishioners starts around $5,000, while Rivermont Collegiate's comprehensive tuition exceeds $15,000. A critical Illinois-specific resource is the **Invest in Kids Act Tax Credit Scholarship Program**, which provides need-based scholarships for students attending qualified non-public schools. Eligibility depends on household income, and funds are distributed through Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs). Both Jordan Catholic and participating schools accept these scholarships. Additionally, all schools offer their own financial aid and payment plans.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Milan area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Schools near Milan provide specialized programs that leverage their institutional missions. **Rivermont Collegiate** emphasizes global education, advanced STEM labs, and a renowned International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme for grades 11-12—unique in the Quad Cities. **Jordan Catholic School** and **St. Paul the Apostle** integrate faith-based education with strong core curricula and may offer smaller class sizes than some public districts. Many also provide distinctive extracurriculars, such as Rivermont's robotics teams and language immersion options, or Catholic schools' sacramental preparation and community service requirements, fostering a close-knit environment.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Milan, Illinois families?
The process generally begins in the fall or winter prior to the desired school year. For schools like **Rivermont Collegiate**, open houses start as early as October, with application deadlines in January or February for the following academic year. **Jordan Catholic School** and other parish schools may have priority registration for parish members in January, opening to the wider community thereafter. Key steps include a campus tour, submission of an application with records, a family interview (for some schools), and a placement assessment. We recommend initiating inquiries by November to secure a spot, especially for sought-after grades like kindergarten.
For a family in Milan, what are the key considerations when choosing between a local public school (like Milan CUSD #41) and a private school in the Quad Cities area?
The decision hinges on several Milan-specific factors. **Commute:** Private options require a daily drive to Bettendorf, Rock Island, or Davenport, impacting logistics. **Educational Philosophy:** Milan's public schools offer a solid, tuition-free education, while private schools provide mission-driven alternatives (e.g., secular college-prep at Rivermont or faith-based at Jordan Catholic). **Cost vs. Investment:** Families must weigh public school taxes against private tuition and potential financial aid. **Class Size & Programs:** Private schools often boast smaller classes and specialized programs (like IB), whereas Milan CUSD #41 provides the convenience of a neighborhood school and may offer robust extracurriculars at the junior high/high school level through partnerships. Visiting both types is essential.