The Best Private Schools in Moline, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Moline. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Augustana College Preschool
Augustana College
Augustana College Preschool is a highly-regarded early childhood program operated by Augustana College, serving the Quad Cities area including Moline. The school offers a developmentally appropriate curriculum that emphasizes hands-on learning, social-emotional development, and school readiness. With small class sizes and experienced educators, the program provides a nurturing environment while leveraging the resources of the college campus. Parents consistently praise the quality of instruction and the caring, professional staff.
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St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School
Diocese of Peoria
St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School is a longstanding private institution serving Moline with a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education. The school provides a faith-based academic environment with strong emphasis on core subjects, character development, and community service. Facilities include modern classrooms, technology labs, and athletic facilities. The school maintains small class sizes and offers diverse extracurricular activities including sports, music, and academic competitions. Parent reviews highlight the dedicated teachers and strong sense of community.
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St. Katharine Drexel Catholic School
Diocese of Peoria
Serving the broader Quad Cities region including Moline families, St. Katharine Drexel Catholic School offers Pre-K through 8th grade education with a strong academic foundation rooted in Catholic values. The school features modern facilities, technology-enhanced classrooms, and a comprehensive curriculum that includes advanced math and literacy programs. Extracurricular offerings include competitive sports, music programs, and community service opportunities. The school receives consistent praise for its academic rigor, supportive environment, and commitment to developing well-rounded students.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Moline, Illinois
What are the primary types of private school options available to families in Moline, Illinois?
Moline, part of the Quad Cities region, offers a focused selection of private schools, predominantly faith-based institutions. The most prominent options include Catholic schools like St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School (PreK-8) and St. Katharine Drexel Catholic School (PreK-8), which provide a traditional academic curriculum integrated with religious education. Additionally, Augustana College Preschool offers a unique early childhood program affiliated with the local liberal arts college, emphasizing a developmental and play-based approach. While there are fewer independent non-sectarian day schools compared to larger metro areas, the Quad Cities region as a whole provides additional nearby options in Rock Island, IL, and Davenport, IA, which some Moline families consider.
How does tuition for private schools in Moline, IL, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for Moline's private K-8 schools is generally below the Illinois state average for private education, reflecting the area's cost of living. Annual tuition for the local Catholic elementary schools often ranges from $4,000 to $6,000 per student, with discounted rates for parish members and multiple children. Illinois state programs like the Tax Credit Scholarship Program, administered by organizations like Empower Illinois, are crucial for many families. This program provides need-based scholarships funded by donations from Illinois taxpayers who receive a state tax credit. Additionally, individual schools offer parish subsidies, payment plans, and limited need-based aid. It's essential to inquire directly with each school about their specific financial aid applications and deadlines.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are notable in Moline's private schools?
Moline's private schools leverage their size and mission to offer distinct programs. The Catholic schools, such as St. Paul the Apostle and St. Katharine Drexel, typically feature strong core curricula with dedicated Spanish instruction, religion classes, and sacramental preparation. Many integrate STEM initiatives and standardized test preparation. A unique aspect of the Quad Cities location is the emphasis on community service and cultural partnerships, with students often engaging in regional history projects and events. Augustana College Preschool provides a distinct early learning environment with potential access to college resources. For specialized high school programs like advanced STEM or arts, families often look at private academies in the broader Quad Cities area, as Moline's standalone private options currently end at 8th grade.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools in Moline?
The enrollment process for Moline's private schools often begins in the winter for the following academic year. For Catholic schools, priority is usually given to registered parishioners and siblings of current students, with open enrollment for the community thereafter. Key steps include: 1) Attending an open house (typically held between November and February), 2) Submitting an application by March or April, 3) Providing birth and baptismal certificates, immunization records, and previous school records, and 4) For some grades, a brief academic assessment or classroom visit. It's highly advisable to contact the school office by January to get on their mailing list. Unlike some competitive urban markets, spaces in Moline's private schools are often available but can fill in specific grade levels, so early inquiry is recommended.
How do the class sizes and community environment of Moline private schools compare to the local public school district (Moline-Coal Valley School District #40)?
The most defining difference is scale and class size. Moline-Coal Valley public schools are larger, serving a diverse population of over 7,000 students across multiple elementary schools, middle schools, and Moline High School. Private schools in Moline, like St. Paul the Apostle or St. Katharine Drexel, often have single classrooms per grade with student counts typically between 15-25, fostering a close-knit community. The environment is explicitly values-based, centered on Catholic teachings and traditions. Academically, the public district offers a wider array of advanced placement courses, career and technical education pathways at the high school level, and extensive special education services. The choice often hinges on a family's preference for a small, faith-integrated community versus the comprehensive program diversity and resources of a larger public system.