The Best Private Schools in New Lenox, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in New Lenox. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary Immaculate Parish School
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
Located just minutes from New Lenox in neighboring Plainfield, St. Mary Immaculate Parish School serves families throughout Will County with a rigorous academic program rooted in Catholic values. The school features dedicated STEM laboratories, comprehensive fine arts programs, and modern classroom technology. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention, while specialized instruction in Spanish, music, art, and physical education enhances the core curriculum. The school maintains strong parent involvement and community partnerships, with extensive extracurricular options including sports, choir, and academic competitions serving students from preschool through eighth grade.
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Lincoln-Way Area Catholic School
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
Lincoln-Way Area Catholic School serves the New Lenox region from its Frankfort campus, offering a faith-based education for students from preschool through eighth grade. The school features a technology-rich learning environment with 1:1 device programs, interactive whiteboards, and dedicated computer labs. Academic programs emphasize critical thinking and problem-solving skills, complemented by comprehensive music, art, and physical education programs. The school community is known for its strong family involvement and welcoming atmosphere, with students consistently testing above national averages. Extracurricular activities include sports teams, academic clubs, and community service opportunities.
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Providence Catholic High School
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
Providence Catholic High School is a renowned co-educational Catholic institution serving the New Lenox community with a century-long tradition of academic excellence. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with over 20 Advanced Placement and honors courses. Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic complexes. The school maintains a 99% college acceptance rate and emphasizes character development through service learning programs. Extracurricular offerings include championship athletic teams, award-winning fine arts programs, and numerous clubs and organizations.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in New Lenox, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families in New Lenox, Illinois, and what grade levels do they serve?
New Lenox, IL, is primarily served by three well-regarded private institutions, all with a Catholic affiliation. **Providence Catholic High School** is a co-educational high school for grades 9-12, drawing students from a wide area. **St. Mary Immaculate Parish School** is a parish-based school offering education from Pre-K through 8th grade. **Lincoln-Way Area Catholic School** (located in nearby Frankfort but serving the New Lenox community) offers a Junior High program for grades 7-8. For families seeking non-religious or other specialized private education, exploring schools in neighboring towns like Frankfort, Mokena, or Orland Park is common, as options within New Lenox village limits are limited to these Catholic schools.
How does tuition for private schools in New Lenox, IL, typically work, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges of approximately $4,000-$6,000 for elementary/middle school and $13,000-$16,000 for high school. All local Catholic schools offer reduced tuition for active parishioners of their supporting churches. A critical Illinois-specific resource is the **Invest in Kids Act Tax Credit Scholarship Program**, which provides need-based scholarships funded by donations from individuals and businesses who receive a state tax credit. Families must apply through a qualified Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO), such as the **Empower Illinois** or **Big Shoulders Fund**. Additionally, all three schools have their own internal financial aid and tuition assistance programs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the New Lenox area that distinguish them?
New Lenox area private schools offer distinctive programs rooted in their missions. **Providence Catholic** is known for its strong **STEM curriculum**, competitive **athletics** (especially football and basketball), and a renowned **Music Department** with award-winning bands. **St. Mary Immaculate** emphasizes a **classical education model** within its lower grades and integrates faith-based character development throughout. **Lincoln-Way Area Catholic School's** junior high program is designed as a dedicated preparatory bridge for high school, with a focus on advanced curriculum and leadership. All schools offer religion classes and service-learning projects, which are central to their identity.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in New Lenox, and are there considerations for non-parishioners?
The enrollment process typically begins with open houses in the fall (October-January) for the following academic year. Priority registration is almost always given to **current families, siblings of current students, and active parishioners** of the supporting Catholic parish. For **St. Mary Immaculate**, being a registered parishioner of St. Mary Immaculate Church is a significant factor. For families who are not Catholic or not parishioners, it is essential to contact the admissions office early, as spaces for non-parishioners are limited and fill quickly. Applications usually require birth and baptismal certificates, prior school records, and often a family interview or student assessment.
For families considering both sectors, what are the key differences between New Lenox private schools and the highly-rated Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 public schools?
The key differences are in class size, educational philosophy, and cost. The **Lincoln-Way public high schools** (East and West) are large, comprehensive schools offering an immense variety of AP courses, clubs, and sports, with no tuition. New Lenox's **Providence Catholic High School** offers a smaller, more intimate community with an average class size of 20-25 students, a required faith-based curriculum, and a strong focus on college preparatory tradition. For elementary/middle school, the choice is often between the personalized, values-based environment of a parish school like **St. Mary's** and the diverse programs and larger scale of New Lenox School District 122. The decision frequently hinges on a family's desire for religious education and community versus the breadth of secular offerings and zero tuition cost.