The Best Private Schools in Mount Prospect, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Mount Prospect. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Raymond School
Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools
St. Raymond School is a highly-regarded Catholic elementary school serving Mount Prospect and surrounding communities. Established in 1959, the school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education with strong emphasis on faith formation, academic excellence, and character development. The curriculum includes advanced STEM programs, fine arts, and technology integration. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty, strong community atmosphere, and the school's commitment to developing well-rounded students. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, and extensive athletic facilities serving the school's robust extracurricular program.
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St. Viator High School
Clerics of St. Viator
St. Viator High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school serving Mount Prospect and the broader Northwest suburban area. Founded by the Clerics of St. Viator, the school offers a rigorous academic program with 22 Advanced Placement courses and specialized academies in STEM, fine arts, and business. The 40-acre campus features state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. With a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, St. Viator provides personalized attention and has a 100% college acceptance rate. The school is known for its strong community values, competitive athletic programs, and outstanding academic results.
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Willows Academy
Independent
Willows Academy is an independent all-girls Catholic school serving students from Mount Prospect and surrounding communities. The school offers a classical liberal arts education for grades 6-12 with a focus on developing intellectual curiosity and moral character. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, writing proficiency, and STEM education while maintaining small class sizes for personalized attention. The academy features modern science laboratories, technology-integrated classrooms, and dedicated arts spaces. Parents consistently highlight the strong sense of community, dedicated faculty, and the school's success in preparing students for competitive colleges and universities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Mount Prospect, Illinois
What are the main types of private schools available in Mount Prospect, Illinois, and how do they differ?
Mount Prospect offers a few distinct types of private schools, primarily Catholic and independent institutions. St. Raymond School (PreK-8) and St. Viator High School (9-12) are prominent Catholic schools offering faith-based education with strong community ties. Willows Academy is an all-girls, independent Catholic school for grades 6-12 with a classical liberal arts curriculum. The key differences lie in educational philosophy, religious integration, and grade ranges. Many families in the area also consider nearby private schools in surrounding Arlington Heights, Des Plaines, and Palatine, expanding options for Montessori, Lutheran, or non-denominational private education.
What is the typical tuition range for private schools in Mount Prospect, IL, and are there financial aid options specific to Illinois?
Tuition in Mount Prospect varies by grade level and school. For the 2024-2025 academic year, elementary schools like St. Raymond have annual tuition approximately between $6,000 and $9,000. High schools like St. Viator range from $15,000 to $18,000. Illinois offers specific financial aid opportunities that parents in Mount Prospect can utilize. Most significantly, the state's Tax Credit Scholarship Program, funded by donations to Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs), provides need-based assistance for qualifying families. Additionally, all local private schools offer their own need-based financial aid and merit scholarships, and many have parish subsidy programs for active members of supporting Catholic churches.
How does the enrollment and admissions timeline for Mount Prospect private schools compare to public school registration?
The timeline for private schools in Mount Prospect is significantly earlier and more involved than for the local public school district (District 57 and 214 for high school). Critical steps typically begin a full year in advance. Most schools host open houses in the fall (September-November). Application deadlines are often in January or February for the following academic year, with acceptance notifications sent in March. This contrasts with public school registration, which usually occurs in the spring or summer for the fall term. Key requirements for Mount Prospect private schools often include entrance exams (like the HSPT for high schools), student interviews, teacher recommendations, and transcripts. Sibling and parish member applicants often receive priority.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in Mount Prospect that distinguish them?
Mount Prospect's private schools offer specialized programs leveraging their unique missions. St. Viator High School is known for its robust STEM curriculum, extensive AP course offerings, and a nationally recognized performing arts program. Willows Academy emphasizes its classical education model, focusing on great books, rhetoric, and Socratic seminars, alongside strong leadership development for young women. St. Raymond School integrates technology with its STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, Math) initiative and offers Spanish language instruction. A common distinguishing feature is the emphasis on character and faith formation, which is woven into the entire curriculum. Many also have strong athletic rivalries within the Chicago Catholic League or East Suburban Catholic Conference.
For families moving to the area, what are the key considerations when choosing between Mount Prospect's highly-rated public schools and its private schools?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, class size, and specific student needs. Mount Prospect's public schools (Districts 57 and 214) are consistently high-performing, offering diverse AP/IB courses, extensive extracurriculars, and no tuition. Private schools offer smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students), a specific value-based environment (typically Catholic), and a consistent educational approach from elementary through high school. A key local consideration is the feeder pattern: a private elementary like St. Raymond naturally feeds into St. Viator, providing continuity. For families not seeking a religious education, the public schools are an excellent option. Many parents visit both types, considering the community feel, the importance of faith in daily learning, and the investment versus the public school tax burden already incurred.
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