The Best Private Schools in Mount Auburn, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Mount Auburn. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Lutheran High School
Lutheran Church Missouri Synod
Lutheran High School is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving central Illinois communities including Mount Auburn. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with strong emphasis on academic excellence and character development. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a wide range of extracurricular activities including competitive athletics, music programs, and community service opportunities. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment and strong college placement record.
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Sacred Heart-Griffin High School
Catholic Diocese of Springfield
Sacred Heart-Griffin is a premier Catholic college preparatory high school serving the Mount Auburn area and surrounding communities. The school offers a rigorous academic program with numerous Advanced Placement courses and a comprehensive STEM academy. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. The school emphasizes faith formation, academic excellence, and service to others. Extracurricular opportunities include championship athletic teams, award-winning music programs, and extensive club offerings. Parent satisfaction is consistently high due to the school's strong community atmosphere and excellent college acceptance rates.
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St. Teresa High School
Catholic Diocese of Springfield
St. Teresa High School is a respected Catholic college preparatory institution serving students from Mount Auburn and the surrounding central Illinois region. The school offers a balanced educational experience with strong academic programs, including dual credit opportunities with local colleges and career technical education pathways. Students benefit from personalized attention, dedicated faculty, and a supportive faith-based community. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, athletic facilities, and technology resources. The school is known for its strong athletic tradition, active student life programs, and commitment to developing well-rounded graduates prepared for college and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Mount Auburn, Illinois
What are the private school options for families residing in Mount Auburn, Illinois, and are there any located directly within the town?
Mount Auburn itself is a small village, so most private secondary school options are located in nearby cities within Sangamon and Christian Counties. The most prominent and accessible schools for Mount Auburn families are Lutheran High School in Springfield (approximately 20 miles north), Sacred Heart-Griffin High School in Springfield, and St. Teresa High School in Decatur (approximately 25 miles east). For younger grades, families often look at associated parochial elementary schools in those same cities or in nearby towns like Virden. Transportation is a key consideration, as most options require a daily commute.
How does the tuition at private high schools like Sacred Heart-Griffin or Lutheran High compare to the Illinois state average, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition for the top private high schools serving Mount Auburn families is generally at or slightly below the Illinois state average for private secondary schools. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition at these schools typically ranges from $8,500 to $11,000. All the mentioned schools offer robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need, and many participate in the Illinois Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which can significantly reduce costs for eligible families. Additionally, local parishes often provide subsidized tuition for member families attending affiliated schools.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools like St. Teresa High offer that might benefit a student from a rural community like Mount Auburn?
Schools like St. Teresa High in Decatur offer programs that can greatly expand opportunities for rural students. These often include advanced STEM labs, extensive dual-credit and Advanced Placement (AP) course partnerships with local colleges, and specialized agriculture or business tracks that resonate with the Central Illinois community. Extracurricularly, these schools provide consistent, high-level athletic conferences (like the Central State Eight) and arts programs that can be more challenging to sustain in smaller public districts. This gives Mount Auburn students access to a broader peer network and consistent program quality.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for a Mount Auburn student applying to a private high school like Lutheran High School?
The enrollment process for these schools begins early, often in the fall of a student's 7th-grade year for high school placement. Key steps include: 1) Attending open houses (usually held September-November), 2) Taking a placement exam (typically in January), 3) Submitting applications by February/March, and 4) Receiving acceptance and financial aid notifications by April. For Mount Auburn families, it's crucial to plan for shadow days, which involve a commute to Springfield. Proactive communication with the admissions office about your location is recommended, as some schools may have transportation carpool networks from the area.
For a family in Mount Auburn, what are the primary considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school in Springfield or Decatur?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. The Mount Auburn-based South Fork School District offers the convenience of a very short commute and a tight-knit community. Opting for a private school in Springfield or Decatur involves a significant daily commute (25-45 minutes each way) but provides access to larger, resource-rich campuses, a wider variety of course offerings, and often more competitive athletic and arts programs. Families must weigh the value of a religious-based education (if applicable), the consistency of program offerings in a larger institution, and the long-term social network against the time and financial investment of the commute and tuition.
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