The Best Private Schools in Newark, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Newark. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary Immaculate School
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
St. Mary Immaculate School serves students from Newark and surrounding communities with a comprehensive Catholic education program from preschool through 8th grade. The school features modern facilities, dedicated faculty with an average of 15+ years teaching experience, and a strong emphasis on faith formation alongside academic excellence. Programs include advanced STEM labs, competitive athletics, music and art programs, and community service opportunities. The school maintains small class sizes with a 15:1 student-teacher ratio and has consistently high academic achievement scores.
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St. Joseph School
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
Located in nearby Manhattan, St. Joseph School serves families throughout the Newark area with a rigorous academic program rooted in Catholic values. The school offers comprehensive education from preschool to 8th grade with specialized programs in advanced mathematics, literacy development, and technology integration. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, a dedicated computer lab, and gymnasium. The school community is known for its strong parent involvement and family atmosphere, with many students coming from surrounding rural communities including Newark.
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St. Mary Nativity School
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
St. Mary Nativity School in Joliet serves students from Newark and surrounding areas with a well-established Catholic educational program. The school provides education from preschool through 8th grade with a balanced curriculum that includes strong academic foundations, religious education, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. The school features updated technology resources, a comprehensive music program including band and choir, and competitive sports teams. Known for its welcoming community and dedicated teachers, the school maintains strong academic performance and character development programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Newark, Illinois
What are the private school options for K-8 education in Newark, Illinois, and are there any high school options locally?
Newark, IL, is served primarily by three Catholic elementary schools: St. Mary Immaculate School (PreK-8), St. Joseph School (PreK-8), and St. Mary Nativity School (PreK-8). These are the main private institutions within the community. For high school, there are no private high schools physically located in Newark. Families typically look at Catholic or private high schools in nearby communities such as Morris, Joliet, or Ottawa, or consider the local public Newark Junior/Senior High School. Transportation to out-of-town high schools is usually the family's responsibility.
How does tuition at Newark's private schools compare, and are there Illinois state programs that can help with costs?
Tuition at the Newark-area Catholic schools is generally considered affordable relative to larger metropolitan private schools, often ranging from $3,000 to $5,000 per year for parishioners, with slightly higher rates for non-parishioners. A critical financial consideration for Illinois parents is the **Invest in Kids Act Tax Credit Scholarship Program**. While this program is currently paused to new applicants as of 2024, it previously provided significant need-based scholarships. Families should inquire directly with schools about current tuition rates, parish subsidies, multi-child discounts, and any available local scholarship funds or payment plans.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools in Newark, IL, offer that differentiate them from the public school?
The private schools in Newark emphasize a faith-based education integrated into the core curriculum, which is their primary differentiator. Academically, they often feature smaller class sizes, allowing for more individualized attention. Specifically, St. Mary Immaculate and St. Joseph School participate in standardized testing like the IOWA Assessments and may offer specialized programs in STEM or reading intervention. Extracurriculars typically include seasonal sports (through the Diocesan league), academic bowls, and music programs. Unlike the consolidated Newark Elementary School District, these private options offer a distinct community-centered environment rooted in Catholic values.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for securing a spot at a private school in Newark, Illinois?
Enrollment for the upcoming school year at Newark's Catholic schools typically opens in January or February for current families and parish members, with open enrollment for new families beginning in early spring. The process involves submitting an application, providing birth and baptismal certificates, immunization records, and often a registration fee. Due to the small size of these schools, popular grades (especially Kindergarten and Pre-K) can fill quickly. It is highly advisable to contact the school office directly in the winter to schedule a tour, obtain specific dates, and understand any priority given to siblings or active parishioners of the supporting church.
For families new to the area, what are the key considerations when choosing between Newark's private Catholic schools and the public school system?
The key considerations are educational philosophy, cost, and community fit. Newark's public schools (Newark Elementary and Newark Junior/Senior High) are tuition-free and offer a broad curriculum, including agriculture programs and sports. The private Catholic schools offer a values-based education with daily religion classes, sacramental preparation, and a tight-knit community often extending from the church. Parents should consider the importance of faith in their child's day, their budget for tuition, and the logistical aspect, as private schools may not provide district bus transportation. Many families in Newark value the continuity of a PreK-8 private education before transitioning to the public high school.
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