The Best Private Schools in Morton, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Morton. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Peoria Academy
Independent School
Peoria Academy is a highly-regarded independent school serving central Illinois with a comprehensive International Baccalaureate program. The school offers education from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade with small class sizes, individualized attention, and a strong emphasis on critical thinking and global citizenship. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and extensive outdoor learning spaces. The school is known for its diverse community, experienced faculty, and strong parent involvement, making it a popular choice for families throughout the Morton area seeking rigorous academics combined with character development.
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Bergan High School
Catholic Diocese of Peoria
Bergan High School is a Catholic college preparatory school serving students from multiple communities including Morton. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with advanced placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and competitive athletics. With a focus on faith-based education and character development, Bergan provides small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes. The school has strong college placement records and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities including robotics, theater, and community service programs.
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Central Catholic High School
Catholic Diocese of Peoria
Central Catholic High School is a comprehensive Catholic college preparatory school serving central Illinois communities including Morton. The school offers a challenging academic program with numerous Advanced Placement courses, strong STEM offerings, and comprehensive fine arts programs. With a tradition of academic excellence spanning over eight decades, Central Catholic features modern facilities, experienced faculty, and a strong sense of community. The school emphasizes faith formation, service learning, and leadership development while maintaining competitive athletic programs and extensive extracurricular opportunities that serve students from the broader central Illinois region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Morton, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Morton, Illinois?
Morton itself is a smaller community, so many families look to nearby Peoria for private school options. The most prominent local choices include Peoria Academy (a PreK-8 independent school), Bergan High School in Peoria (a Catholic high school), and Central Catholic High School in Bloomington (also a Catholic high school). While there are limited private schools within Morton's immediate boundaries, these nearby institutions are common choices for Morton residents seeking private education, often involving a commute. Some families also consider Lutheran or other faith-based schools in the greater Peoria area.
How does the tuition for private schools near Morton, IL, compare, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Peoria Academy's tuition ranges approximately from $12,000 for lower grades to $14,000 for middle school. Catholic high schools like Bergan and Central Catholic typically have tuition between $9,000 and $11,000. A key Illinois-specific financial consideration is the "Invest in Kids Act" tax credit scholarship program, which provides need-based scholarships for students attending qualified non-public schools. However, funding for this program is currently in flux, so checking a school's financial aid office for the latest on state scholarships, diocesan aid, and school-based assistance is crucial for Morton families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Morton area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools near Morton often provide specialized programs that may not be as readily available in the public district. Peoria Academy emphasizes an International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme and a strong focus on global citizenship. The Catholic high schools (Bergan and Central Catholic) offer distinctive theology curricula and often have robust tradition-based athletics and service-learning programs tied to their faith missions. Additionally, these private schools typically have smaller average class sizes than Morton's public schools, allowing for more individualized attention. For families seeking a specific pedagogical approach (like IB) or a faith-based education, these programs are the primary differentiators.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Morton, Illinois families?
The process generally begins in the fall prior to the desired enrollment year. For schools like Peoria Academy, open houses are held in October-November, with application deadlines in January or February for the following fall. Catholic high schools often have placement exams in the winter for incoming freshmen. A critical step for Morton families is early inquiry, as some grades have waiting lists. The process almost always includes a campus tour, submission of academic records, teacher recommendations, and a family interview. It's important to contact each school directly, as timelines for financial aid applications (like FACTS) often run concurrently with admissions deadlines.
For a family living in Morton, what are the key considerations when choosing between the highly-rated Morton public schools and a private school in the Peoria area?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, commute, and cost. Morton Community Unit School District 709 is consistently highly rated in Illinois, offering strong academic and extracurricular programs without tuition. Choosing a private school involves a significant financial investment and daily commute to Peoria or Bloomington (20-45 minutes). Parents typically make this choice for a desire for a specific type of education: a secular, IB-focused curriculum (Peoria Academy) or a faith-based environment integrated with academics (Catholic high schools). The private school option may also be pursued for a different social environment or if a child's needs align better with a smaller, alternative setting than the larger Morton public school system.
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