The Best Private Schools in Momence, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Momence. 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-rated Catholic school serving the Momence area from nearby Bourbonnais. The school provides a comprehensive faith-based education with strong academic foundations, modern STEM programs, and extensive extracurricular activities. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence. The campus features modern facilities including technology labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment and strong community feel.
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Bishop McNamara Catholic School
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
Bishop McNamara Catholic School is a comprehensive K-12 institution located in nearby Kankakee, serving students from Momence and surrounding communities. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with numerous Advanced Placement courses, competitive athletic programs, and extensive fine arts opportunities. With a strong focus on faith formation and academic excellence, the school boasts high college acceptance rates and well-rounded student development. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes.
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Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School - Private Academy
Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School District
While primarily a public high school, Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School offers exceptional private academy programs that serve students from Momence and the broader Kankakee County area. The school provides comprehensive college preparatory curricula with extensive Advanced Placement offerings, career technical education pathways, and competitive athletic programs. Known for its strong academic performance and dedicated faculty, the school features modern facilities including advanced science labs, technology centers, and extensive athletic facilities. The school maintains a reputation for preparing students well for college and career success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Momence, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Momence, Illinois, and do they require a commute?
For families in Momence, IL, the most immediate local option is St. George Elementary School, a Catholic school serving Pre-K through 8th grade. For high school, families typically look to neighboring communities. A prominent choice is Bishop McNamara Catholic School in Kankakee, offering a college-preparatory curriculum for grades 9-12. Another option is the Private Academy at Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School in Bradley, which is a public school with a private, tuition-based academy program within it. Most private secondary education will involve a commute of 15-25 minutes from Momence to Kankakee or Bradley, so transportation planning is a key consideration.
How does tuition for private schools in the Momence, IL, area compare, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition varies significantly. St. George Elementary, as a parish school, often has lower tuition rates, especially for active parishioners, typically ranging from $3,000-$6,000 annually. Bishop McNamara Catholic High School's tuition is higher, generally between $9,000-$11,000 per year. The BBCHS Private Academy's tuition is set by the school district. Critically, Illinois offers the Tax Credit Scholarship Program, where donations to Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs) fund scholarships for eligible students, particularly those from lower-income families. Many local private schools participate in this program. Additionally, all schools offer need-based financial aid and parish subsidies, so families are encouraged to apply for assistance regardless of initial sticker price.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools serving Momence students that differ from the public school curriculum?
Schools serving Momence offer distinct programs. Bishop McNamara provides a strong emphasis on college prep with numerous Advanced Placement (AP) courses and a dedicated Campus Ministry program. Its "Fightin' Irish" athletics compete in the competitive Chicago Catholic League. St. George Elementary offers a faith-based curriculum integrated throughout the day, which is a core differentiator. The BBCHS Private Academy offers a unique model: it follows the same academic calendar and utilizes BBCHS facilities and some staff but provides a smaller, self-contained learning environment with a focus on individualized pacing, which can appeal to students seeking an alternative to the larger public high school setting.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like St. George Elementary and Bishop McNamara for a family moving to Momence?
Enrollment timelines are crucial. For St. George Elementary, the priority enrollment period for existing families and parishioners often begins in January for the following academic year, with open enrollment thereafter if spaces remain. Bishop McNamara conducts its entrance exam and application process in the fall (often October/November) for incoming 9th graders, with decisions made by early winter. Both schools require application forms, academic records, sacramental records (for Catholic schools), and often a family interview or student assessment. For mid-year or late enrollment, contacting the school's admissions office directly is essential, as space is subject to availability. Planning at least 6-12 months ahead is highly recommended.
For a family considering both Momence's public schools and private options, what are the key local factors in making that decision?
The decision in Momence hinges on several local factors. First is **educational approach**: Momence public schools provide a standard state curriculum, while private options offer religious formation (Catholic schools) or a specific alternative model (BBCHS Academy). Second is **scale**: Momence Junior/Senior High School is a smaller public school, which some prefer, while private high schools like Bishop McNamara offer broader extracurricular and AP course networks. Third is **cost vs. investment**: Public school is tuition-free, but private school tuition is an investment in a specific environment. Fourth is **logistics**: The commute to private options is a daily reality. Finally, for younger grades, the continuity of a K-8 faith-based community at St. George is a major draw for many local families compared to the public elementary structure.
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