The Best Private Schools in Monmouth, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Monmouth. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Immaculate Conception School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Peoria
Immaculate Conception School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving Pre-K through 8th grade students in Monmouth. The school emphasizes faith-based education combined with strong academic fundamentals, featuring small class sizes and individualized attention. Their curriculum includes comprehensive STEM programs, music and arts education, and competitive athletic opportunities. The school maintains excellent parent satisfaction ratings and provides a safe, nurturing environment with modern facilities and dedicated faculty.
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Costa Catholic Academy
Roman Catholic Diocese of Peoria
Located in nearby Galesburg (approximately 15 miles from Monmouth), Costa Catholic Academy serves students from Pre-K through 8th grade and attracts families from throughout the region. The academy offers a rigorous academic program with advanced mathematics and science curriculum, Spanish language instruction from early grades, and comprehensive fine arts programs. With modern facilities including science labs, technology integration, and athletic facilities, the school maintains high academic standards and strong community involvement.
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St. Patrick School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Peoria
St. Patrick School in Macomb (approximately 25 miles from Monmouth) serves students from Pre-K through 8th grade and draws from multiple surrounding communities. The school features comprehensive technology integration with 1:1 device programs, strong emphasis on literacy and mathematics fundamentals, and extensive extracurricular offerings including music, choir, and competitive sports. With a commitment to character development and academic excellence, St. Patrick maintains small class sizes and personalized learning approaches that have earned consistent positive parent reviews.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Monmouth, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for K-12 education in Monmouth, Illinois?
Monmouth, IL, offers a few key private school options, all with a faith-based foundation. The main institutions are Immaculate Conception School (PreK-8), Costa Catholic Academy (PreK-8), and St. Patrick School (PreK-8). It's important to note that these schools serve students through middle school. For private high school education, families in Monmouth typically need to look at options in nearby larger communities, such as Galesburg or the Quad Cities, as there are no standalone private high schools within Monmouth itself. Many local families transition to Monmouth-Roseville Junior/Senior High School for public high school after completing 8th grade at one of these private academies.
How does tuition at Monmouth's private Catholic schools compare, and what financial aid options are available for Illinois residents?
Tuition at Monmouth's private schools is relatively modest compared to urban areas but is a significant consideration for local families. For the 2024-2025 school year, tuition ranges approximately from $3,500 to $5,000 per child for parishioners, with higher rates for non-parishioners. All three schools—Immaculate Conception, Costa Catholic, and St. Patrick—offer multi-child discounts. Critically, Illinois residents can benefit from the Invest in Kids Act Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which provides need-based scholarships funded by donations to Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs). Additionally, local parishes often have dedicated funds to assist active member families. It's essential to contact each school's office directly for the most current rates and to discuss personalized financial planning.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Monmouth's private schools offer that leverage the local community?
Monmouth's private schools integrate the local community into their programs in distinctive ways. Academically, several schools participate in the "Monmouth College Educational Partnership," where college students mentor younger pupils or classes visit the college's science labs. Extracurricularly, schools often use the YMCA of Warren County for swimming and physical education. Agricultural science and local history are emphasized, with field trips to the Warren County History Museum and local farms. Furthermore, given their small size, these schools often have combined-grade classrooms and offer specialized programs like Costa Catholic's "Project Lead the Way" for STEM, which is notable for a school of its size in rural Illinois.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Monmouth, and are there waiting lists?
The enrollment process for Monmouth's private schools generally begins with an open house in January or February for the following academic year. Priority registration for existing families and parish members of the affiliated Catholic church typically runs through March. Open enrollment for new families often begins in April. Due to the small size of these schools (often fewer than 150 students total), some grades, particularly Kindergarten and early elementary, can fill quickly, leading to waiting lists. The process involves submitting an application, birth and baptismal certificates, immunization records, and often a family interview. It is highly recommended to contact the school office by early winter to express interest and get on their communication list.
For families considering the choice, what are the notable differences between private and public schools in Monmouth, Illinois?
The most notable differences in Monmouth center on school size, religious education, and community. The private schools (K-8) are much smaller, often with single-grade or combined-grade classrooms of 15-25 students, allowing for highly individualized attention. They provide daily religious instruction and integrate Catholic values throughout the curriculum. The public school district, Monmouth-Roseville CUSD #238, offers a broader range of facilities, extracurriculars (especially at the junior high and high school levels), and specialized programs simply due to its larger scale and public funding. For grades 9-12, the public Monmouth-Roseville High School is the only in-town option. Many families choose a private elementary foundation for its tight-knit community and character formation, then transition to the public system for its comprehensive high school offerings.