The Best Private Schools in Montgomery, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Montgomery. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
IMSA
IMSA is a nationally recognized residential high school for academically talented students that serves Montgomery and the entire state of Illinois. The academy provides an immersive STEM-focused education with world-class facilities including advanced research laboratories, innovation centers, and collaborative learning spaces. Students engage in original research projects, compete in national academic competitions, and benefit from a faculty composed of experts in their fields. The residential program fosters a community of scholars with comprehensive student support services.
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Benet Academy
Benedictine Order
Benet Academy is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving Montgomery and the surrounding Fox Valley communities. The school offers a rigorous academic program with a 100% college acceptance rate and strong emphasis on character development. Facilities include modern science laboratories, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic complexes. The curriculum features 24 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive fine arts programs, and competitive athletic teams. Benet maintains small class sizes and a supportive community environment with strong alumni networks.
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Waubonsie Valley High School - STEM Academy
Indian Prairie School District 204
Waubonsie Valley High School's STEM Academy serves students throughout the Fox Valley region, including Montgomery residents. This specialized program offers rigorous science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education with state-of-the-art facilities. The school features advanced laboratory spaces, competitive robotics teams, and partnerships with local tech companies. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, and a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum that includes numerous AP courses and dual credit opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Montgomery, Illinois
What are the primary private high school options serving students in Montgomery, Illinois, and are they located within the village itself?
While Montgomery, IL, is a primarily residential village within the highly regarded public District 308 (Oswego), there are several prestigious private high school options that Montgomery families commonly consider, though they are located in nearby communities. The most prominent are Benet Academy in Lisle (a Catholic, college-preparatory school), the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) in Aurora (a public, residential magnet school for grades 10-12 focused on STEM, requiring a separate application), and Waubonsie Valley High School's STEM Academy in Aurora (which is a public school program within Indian Prairie District 204, not a private school). There are no major private high school campuses physically located within Montgomery's village limits, so transportation is a key consideration for families.
How does the tuition for a top private school like Benet Academy compare to the property taxes paid for public schools in Montgomery, IL?
This is a crucial financial comparison for Montgomery families. For the 2024-2025 school year, Benet Academy's tuition is approximately $16,900. In contrast, Montgomery residents are part of Oswego Community Unit School District 308, which has a relatively high property tax rate to fund its schools. A homeowner with a $350,000 house might pay $7,000-$8,500 annually in property taxes, a significant portion of which goes to the schools. While private tuition is an additional out-of-pocket cost, some families view it as a alternative to high property taxes, especially if they value Benet's specific religious and academic environment. Illinois also offers a tax credit scholarship program (Invest in Kids Act), which can provide need-based financial aid for private school tuition.
What specialized academic programs are available through private and selective public options accessible to Montgomery students?
Montgomery students have access to some of the state's most specialized programs through nearby institutions. The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) offers an unparalleled, residential STEM curriculum for gifted students. Benet Academy provides a rigorous, traditional college-prep curriculum with strong offerings in the humanities, sciences, and over 20 AP courses, all within a Catholic framework. For families seeking a STEM focus without boarding, the application-based STEM Academy at public Waubonsie Valley High School is another nearby option. This means Montgomery parents can seek out highly tailored environments for STEM excellence (IMSA), well-rounded college prep with faith formation (Benet), or advanced public school academies, all within a reasonable commute.
What is the enrollment process and timeline for a school like Benet Academy for a Montgomery resident, and how competitive is it?
For Benet Academy, the process begins early in a student's 8th-grade year. Prospective families must attend an open house (typically in the fall), submit an application by a December deadline, and ensure their child takes the High School Placement Test (HSPT) on a designated date. Admissions decisions are released in February. While Benet draws from a massive geographic area, competition is significant. Priority is given to Catholic students from supporting parishes, but non-Catholic students from Montgomery are also admitted based on HSPT scores, academic records, and recommendations. Montgomery families should plan to engage with this process a full year before intended enrollment.
What are the key considerations for a Montgomery family when choosing between the local public schools (District 308) and a private school like Benet Academy?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. **District 308** offers a well-regarded, no-tuition K-12 education with modern facilities, extensive extracurriculars, and the convenience of neighborhood schools. **For private options like Benet**, families consider the value of a faith-based education, a potentially more competitive academic environment, and a consistent curriculum from freshman to senior year (as opposed to Illinois' public school boundary changes). A major practical consideration is **transportation**: District 308 provides buses, while attending Benet requires a 25-30 minute commute to Lisle, often involving carpools or private transportation. Ultimately, the choice involves weighing academic/religious goals, financial impact (tuition vs. taxes), and daily logistics unique to living in Montgomery.
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