The Best Private Schools in Morris, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Morris. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Joliet Catholic Academy
Roman Catholic Diocese of Joliet
Joliet Catholic Academy is a highly-regarded co-educational Catholic high school serving the greater Morris area. Founded through the merger of two historic Catholic schools, JCA offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with 18 Advanced Placement courses. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic complexes. Known for strong academic performance and championship athletic programs, JCA maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 15:1. The school emphasizes character development and community service alongside academic excellence.
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Providence Catholic High School
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
Providence Catholic High School is a distinguished co-educational Catholic institution serving the Morris region. As an International Baccalaureate World School, it offers both IB Diploma Programme and Advanced Placement courses. The school features specialized academies in STEM, Business, and Arts, along with comprehensive athletic and extracurricular programs. With a historic campus that includes recently renovated facilities, Providence provides a balanced education emphasizing academic rigor, spiritual growth, and leadership development. The school boasts a 99% college acceptance rate and strong alumni network.
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Marquette Academy
Roman Catholic Diocese of Peoria
Marquette Academy is a Catholic private school serving students from Morris and surrounding communities. The school offers a comprehensive classical education model from preschool through high school, emphasizing critical thinking and moral development. Their STEM program features advanced technology integration and hands-on learning experiences. The campus includes modern classrooms, science laboratories, and athletic facilities. Marquette maintains strong college placement records with graduates attending top universities nationwide. The school community is known for its family atmosphere and individualized attention to students.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Morris, Illinois
What are the main private school options for families residing in Morris, Illinois, and are there any located directly within the city?
While the city of Morris itself has a limited number of private elementary schools (such as Immaculate Conception School, a Catholic K-8 option), most families in Morris look to nearby communities for comprehensive private high school education. The top-regarded institutions in the Grundy County and greater Will County area include Joliet Catholic Academy (in Joliet), Marquette Academy (in Ottawa), and Providence Catholic High School (in New Lenox). These schools are all within a 20-30 minute commute from Morris and offer robust college-preparatory curricula, athletics, and extracurriculars, drawing students from Morris and surrounding towns.
How does tuition at private schools near Morris, IL, compare, and what financial aid options are available to Illinois residents?
Tuition for the major private high schools serving Morris families typically ranges from approximately $10,000 to $15,000 per year. Illinois offers specific financial support mechanisms that Morris residents can utilize. The most significant is the Invest in Kids Act Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which provides need-based scholarships funded by donations from Illinois taxpayers who receive a state tax credit. Additionally, all the major Catholic schools (JCA, Marquette, Providence) offer substantial parish-based subsidies and internal financial aid. It's crucial to apply for aid directly through the school and the Empower Illinois platform early, as funds are limited.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools accessible from Morris, IL, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Schools like Joliet Catholic Academy, Marquette Academy, and Providence Catholic emphasize college-prep rigor combined with faith-based education and character development. Unique offerings include extensive theology curricula, nationally recognized athletic programs (particularly football and wrestling at JCA), and specialized academies within the schools, such as STEM or leadership institutes. Providence Catholic, for example, features a renowned Engineering and Architectural Design program. These schools also often have smaller average class sizes than Morris Community High School, allowing for more individualized attention, and they foster a close-knit community identity that extends across the region.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for a private high school like Joliet Catholic Academy for a student from Morris?
The enrollment process for the leading private high schools near Morris is highly structured and begins early. For freshman admission, the process typically starts in the fall of a student's 8th-grade year. Key steps include attending an open house (often held in October-November), completing an application by a December or January deadline, taking a mandatory entrance exam (usually the HSPT in January), and submitting records and recommendations. Admissions decisions are often released in February. For families in Morris, it's important to note that these schools are selective, and while residence in the district is not a factor, strong academic performance, test scores, and conduct are critical. Sibling and legacy alumni status can also be considered.
For a family in Morris, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school like Marquette Academy?
The decision involves several location-specific factors. Academically, Morris Community High School is well-regarded and offers a robust curriculum, including AP courses and vocational pathways through the Grundy Area Vocational Center. The primary differentiators for private schools are religious education, disciplinary environment, and a potentially wider regional peer network. Financially, choosing private school means committing to tuition and daily transportation, as there are no free district busses from Morris to Ottawa, Joliet, or New Lenox. Conversely, private schools may offer a distinct culture and tradition—for instance, Marquette Academy's small size fosters a tight community feel. Parents should also consider the student's desire to participate in the specific athletic or arts traditions that these private schools are known for across the Illinois Valley.