The Best Private Schools in Milford, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Milford. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary's School
Diocese of Peoria Catholic Schools
St. Mary's School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving the Milford area from nearby Hoopeston. With over six decades of educational excellence, the school provides a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education rooted in Catholic values. The school features small class sizes, dedicated certified teachers, and a strong emphasis on both academic achievement and character development. Facilities include modern classrooms, a library, computer lab, and gymnasium. The curriculum integrates faith formation with rigorous academics, including STEM education, language arts, and fine arts programs. Parent satisfaction is exceptionally high, with families appreciating the nurturing environment and strong community feel.
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St. Anne Community High School
Private Catholic High School
St. Anne Community High School is a well-established Catholic high school serving students from Milford and surrounding communities. Founded in 1949, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory education with a strong focus on academic excellence and personal development. The school features modern science labs, technology-enhanced classrooms, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. Academic programs include Advanced Placement courses, dual credit opportunities, and career-technical education. Extracurricular offerings encompass competitive athletics, music programs, drama productions, and various clubs. The school maintains a strong tradition of academic achievement with graduates consistently attending top colleges and universities.
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Schlarman Academy
Diocese of Peoria Catholic Schools
Schlarman Academy is a prestigious Pre-K through 12th grade Catholic school serving the broader region including Milford students. With a rich history dating back to 1934, the academy offers a comprehensive educational experience grounded in Catholic tradition and academic excellence. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, technology centers, athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces. Schlarman's classical education model emphasizes critical thinking, character formation, and intellectual development. The upper school offers rigorous college preparatory courses, Advanced Placement options, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. The school community is known for its strong parent involvement and high student achievement rates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Milford, Illinois
What are the main private school options available for families in Milford, Illinois, and what grade levels do they serve?
Milford, IL, offers a few key private school options, primarily with a Catholic affiliation. St. Mary's School serves students from Pre-K through 8th grade, providing a foundational parochial education. For high school, families often look to nearby institutions like St. Anne Community High School in St. Anne, IL (about 15 miles away), which serves grades 9-12, and Schlarman Academy in Danville, IL (approximately 25 miles away), a Pre-K-12 academy. The availability within Milford itself is limited to elementary/middle school, making transportation or relocation considerations important for continuing private education into high school.
How does tuition at private schools in the Milford, Illinois, area compare, and are there any Illinois-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition in the Milford area varies by school and grade level. St. Mary's School typically has lower tuition for its elementary program, while high schools like Schlarman Academy have higher fees. Many Illinois private schools participate in the state's Tax Credit Scholarship Program, funded by donations to Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs). This program can provide significant need-based financial aid to eligible families. Additionally, the Illinois Invest in Kids Act supports these scholarships. It's crucial to contact each school's admissions office directly for current tuition rates and to apply for financial aid and scholarship opportunities early.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Milford, IL, region offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Milford region often emphasize faith-based education and smaller class sizes. St. Mary's School integrates Catholic teachings throughout its curriculum and may offer sacramental preparation. Schlarman Academy, while farther, provides a continuous Pre-K-12 pathway with college-prep courses and likely more robust extracurriculars, such as athletics and arts, than a small public district might offer. These schools can provide a consistent educational philosophy and community from a young age through graduation, which is a notable difference from the local public system that involves transitioning between different districts for higher grades.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools like St. Mary's in Milford?
The enrollment process for St. Mary's School in Milford typically begins in the winter or early spring for the following academic year. It often involves submitting an application, providing birth and baptismal certificates (for Catholic families), recent report cards, and possibly a placement assessment. Many schools host open houses. As a smaller community school, spaces can be limited, so early inquiry is recommended. For feeder schools like Schlarman Academy, it's important to connect with their admissions office separately, as their timelines and requirements (including entrance exams for high school) will differ. Sibling and parish member priorities often apply.
For a family in Milford, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private option?
Key considerations include cost, transportation, educational philosophy, and long-term planning. Milford's public school, Milford Elementary School, serves K-8, after which students attend a different public high school. Choosing St. Mary's keeps a child in Milford for K-8 but requires tuition. For high school, a private option like St. Anne Community High School or Schlarman Academy involves a daily commute. Families must weigh the value of religious education, smaller class sizes, and potential college preparatory focus against the no-tuition cost and convenience of the local public pathway. Visiting both types of schools and discussing logistics like carpools with other local private school families is essential.
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