The Best Private Schools in O Fallon, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in O Fallon. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Westminster Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Westminster Christian Academy is a highly-rated private school located in nearby St. Louis that serves many families from the Illinois side including O'Fallon. The school offers a classical Christian education model with rigorous academic standards, including 21 Advanced Placement courses. Westminster features state-of-the-art facilities including science and technology labs, fine arts studios, and extensive athletic complexes. The school maintains a strong college preparatory focus with 100% of graduates attending four-year colleges and universities. Comprehensive extracurricular programs include championship athletic teams, competitive fine arts, and numerous student organizations.
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Althoff Catholic High School
Diocese of Belleville Catholic Schools
Althoff Catholic High School is a highly-regarded college preparatory school serving the Greater St. Louis metro area including O'Fallon families. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 17 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM education, and competitive athletic programs. With small class sizes averaging 18 students, Althoff provides personalized attention and strong college counseling. The campus features modern science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development through service learning and spiritual formation.
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Gibault Catholic High School
Diocese of Belleville Catholic Schools
Gibault Catholic High School serves students from multiple communities including O'Fallon with a comprehensive college preparatory education. The school offers dual credit courses through partnerships with local colleges, advanced STEM programs, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. Gibault's 40-acre campus includes modern academic facilities, athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and emphasizes leadership development through various student organizations and service programs. Small class sizes ensure individualized attention and strong teacher-student relationships.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in O Fallon, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families in O'Fallon, Illinois, and what grade levels do they serve?
O'Fallon, IL, is served by several notable private schools, primarily with a Catholic affiliation. The most prominent are Althoff Catholic High School (grades 9-12) in nearby Belleville, Gibault Catholic High School (grades 9-12) in Waterloo, and Westminster Christian Academy (grades 9-12) in St. Louis County, MO. For younger students, families typically look to parish-affiliated elementary and middle schools in O'Fallon and surrounding St. Clair County, such as those connected to local Catholic parishes. It's important to note that while these high schools are regional draws, they are not physically located within O'Fallon city limits, so transportation is a key consideration for O'Fallon residents.
How does tuition for private high schools in the O'Fallon, IL, area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the primary private high schools serving O'Fallon families varies. For the 2024-2025 school year, Althoff Catholic and Gibault Catholic have tuition rates around $10,000-$12,000 annually for parishioners, with a higher rate for non-parishioners. Westminster Christian Academy, as an independent Christian school, often has a higher tuition, typically ranging from $18,000 to $22,000. All these schools offer need-based financial aid, and the Catholic schools often have substantial parish subsidy programs for active members. Illinois also has the Invest in Kids Act, which provides tax credit scholarships for eligible families to use at private schools, though funding is limited and application is competitive.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do O'Fallon's area private high schools offer that differentiate them?
Each school has distinct strengths. Althoff Catholic High School offers a robust STEM program and is known for its strong college preparatory curriculum with a high percentage of students earning college credit through AP and dual-enrollment courses with local colleges. Gibault Catholic High School emphasizes a smaller, community-focused environment and has notable programs in agriculture and business. Westminster Christian Academy, while based in Missouri, attracts many Illinois families for its comprehensive arts programs, competitive athletics, and a widely recognized academic curriculum from a Reformed Christian perspective. For O'Fallon students interested in specific tracks like engineering or performing arts, the choice between these schools can be significant.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools serving O'Fallon, Illinois?
The enrollment process for these schools generally begins in the fall for the following academic year. For 8th graders looking to enter 9th grade, open houses and shadow days typically occur between September and January. Application deadlines are often in early February, with acceptance notifications sent by March. The process usually includes submitting an application, academic records, standardized test scores, teacher recommendations, and often a family interview. For the Catholic schools, priority is frequently given to siblings of current students and active members of supporting parishes. It is crucial for O'Fallon families to plan ahead, as some schools have waiting lists, especially for popular entry grades.
How do the private school options for O'Fallon residents compare to the highly-rated O'Fallon Township High School (OTHS) public school district?
This is a key consideration for O'Fallon families. O'Fallon Township High School is consistently ranked among the top public high schools in Illinois, offering a vast array of AP courses, extensive extracurriculars, and strong athletic programs. The choice often comes down to educational philosophy, class size, and religious affiliation. Private options offer smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students vs. 25+ at OTHS) and a values-based education integrated with faith. However, OTHS provides a tuition-free, comprehensive education with immense diversity in course offerings and activities. Many families in O'Fallon weigh the cost of private tuition against the excellent, free public option, making the decision highly personal based on a child's individual needs and family priorities.
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