The Best Private Schools in New Windsor, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in New Windsor. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Augustana College's Preschool and Elementary Program
Augustana College
Located just 25 minutes from New Windsor in Rock Island, Augustana College's early education program is highly regarded for its academic excellence and innovative approach. The program serves students from preschool through elementary grades with a research-based curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking and holistic development. With small class sizes and highly qualified educators, the school provides exceptional facilities including modern classrooms, science labs, and extensive campus resources. The program maintains strong parent satisfaction through regular communication and community involvement.
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Rivermont Collegiate
Independent
Rivermont Collegiate, located approximately 35 minutes from New Windsor in Bettendorf, Iowa, is the only International Baccalaureate World School in the Quad Cities region. Serving students from preschool through 12th grade, the school offers a rigorous academic program with exceptional college preparation. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, technology centers, and performing arts spaces. With a strong emphasis on global education and character development, Rivermont maintains high parent satisfaction and impressive college acceptance records.
Programs:
Alleman Catholic High School
Diocese of Peoria
Alleman Catholic High School, located about 25 minutes from New Windsor in Rock Island, has served the Quad Cities Catholic community for generations. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with strong emphasis on faith formation and character development. With modern facilities including updated science labs, technology integration, and extensive athletic facilities, Alleman provides a well-rounded education. The school maintains strong academic performance with high college acceptance rates and offers numerous extracurricular activities including competitive sports teams and comprehensive arts programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in New Windsor, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families in and around New Windsor, Illinois?
New Windsor, IL, is a small village, so families often look to nearby communities in the Quad Cities region for private education. The notable schools you'll find in the immediate area include Augustana College's Preschool and Elementary Program in Rock Island, which offers a lab school environment, and Alleman Catholic High School, also in Rock Island. Rivermont Collegiate is located in Bettendorf, Iowa, just across the Mississippi River, and is a popular option for Illinois families seeking a rigorous, independent PreK-12 education. For younger grades, many families also consider local parochial elementary schools in neighboring towns. Transportation and commuting across the river or to Rock Island are key practical considerations for New Windsor residents.
How does tuition for private schools in the New Windsor, IL, area compare, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid options?
Tuition in the Quad Cities region varies significantly by school type. Alleman Catholic High School, for example, has a lower tuition than an independent school like Rivermont Collegiate, thanks to parish subsidies. For the 2024-25 year, expect a range from approximately $8,000 to $20,000+ annually. A critical Illinois-specific financial aid option is the **Invest in Kids Act Tax Credit Scholarship Program**. This state program provides scholarships for eligible families to attend private schools, and many local schools participate. Additionally, all schools offer their own need-based financial aid, and some have parish or congregational support for member families. It's essential to apply for financial aid directly through each school and inquire about their participation in the state tax credit scholarship.
What unique academic or specialized programs do private schools near New Windsor, Illinois, offer?
Schools in this region leverage their specific affiliations and locations. **Augustana College's Preschool and Elementary Program** is uniquely integrated with the college's education department, providing a hands-on, inquiry-based learning model observed by future teachers. **Rivermont Collegiate**, as an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, offers the full IB continuum from Primary Years to Diploma Programme, a rare offering in the Quad Cities. **Alleman Catholic High School** provides a strong college-prep curriculum with a focus on faith-based service learning and has notable partnerships with local colleges for dual-credit courses. The proximity to the Mississippi River also allows several schools to incorporate environmental science and local history into their curricula in distinctive ways.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools serving New Windsor, IL, families?
The process generally begins in the fall prior to the desired enrollment year (e.g., September-October for the next fall). For sought-after schools like Rivermont or Augustana's program, early inquiry is advised. The process typically includes: 1) An open house or tour (often in fall/winter), 2) Submission of an application with fees (deadlines can be as early as January/February for the following academic year), 3) Student assessment or shadow day, and 4) Financial aid application (due around the same time). For Alleman Catholic High School, priority is often given to students from feeder Catholic elementary schools. Given New Windsor's rural setting, it's crucial to confirm transportation options and start-of-day logistics as part of the enrollment decision.
For a family in rural New Windsor, what are the key considerations when comparing local public schools to private options in the Quad Cities area?
The primary considerations are educational philosophy, community, and logistics. **New Windsor itself is served by the Sherrard School District**, which provides a consolidated rural public education. Choosing a private school often involves a commute to Rock Island, IL, or Bettendorf, IA. Key comparison points include: class size (private schools often have smaller ratios), specific curricular approaches (like IB or faith-based education), and extracurricular offerings. Public schools may offer broader sports and activity options due to larger student populations. Financially, you must weigh private school tuition against the value of "free" public education, factoring in potential state scholarships. The decision often hinges on whether a specialized academic environment or faith-based instruction is worth the daily travel from New Windsor.