The Best Private Schools in Oakdale, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Oakdale. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Father McGivney Catholic High School
Diocese of Belleville
Father McGivney Catholic High School is a modern, state-of-the-art private Catholic school serving students from Oakdale and the greater Metro East region. The school offers a rigorous academic program with numerous honors and Advanced Placement courses, complemented by a comprehensive STEM academy. Facilities include advanced science laboratories, a performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes faith-based education while providing strong college preparatory programs, with graduates consistently gaining acceptance to top universities. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention, and the school offers diverse extracurricular activities including competitive sports, clubs, and service opportunities.
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Gibault Catholic High School
Diocese of Belleville
Gibault Catholic High School is a highly-regarded private Catholic school serving the Oakdale area and surrounding communities. Located approximately 15 miles from Oakdale, Gibault offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and individualized attention. The school features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes. Students benefit from a strong emphasis on character development alongside academic excellence, with extensive extracurricular opportunities in sports, arts, and community service. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and has earned recognition for its academic programs and supportive learning environment.
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Westminster Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Westminster Christian Academy is a highly respected private Christian school located in the St. Louis metropolitan area, serving families from Illinois communities including Oakdale. The school offers an exceptional college preparatory program with extensive Advanced Placement course offerings and a comprehensive curriculum. Westminster features outstanding facilities including modern classrooms, science and technology labs, performing arts spaces, and extensive athletic complexes. The school maintains small class sizes and provides strong student support services, with graduates consistently achieving high college acceptance rates. Westminster offers a wide range of extracurricular activities including championship athletic programs, fine arts, and numerous student organizations.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Oakdale, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families in or near Oakdale, Illinois?
Oakdale itself is a small village, so most private school options are located in the surrounding Metro East region of Illinois. The most prominent local options include Gibault Catholic High School in Waterloo (grades 9-12), Father McGivney Catholic High School in Glen Carbon (grades 9-12), and Westminster Christian Academy, a non-denominational K-12 school in nearby St. Louis County, Missouri. For younger grades, families often look to Catholic elementary schools in nearby towns like Columbia or Waterloo. The private school landscape for Oakdale residents is regional, requiring consideration of commutes into Madison County or even across the state line.
How does Illinois' tax credit scholarship program impact private school tuition for Oakdale families?
The Illinois Tax Credit Scholarship Program, enacted in 2018, is a significant financial consideration. It allows individuals and businesses to receive a state income tax credit for donations to scholarship-granting organizations. These scholarships are then awarded to eligible families (based on income) to help cover private school tuition. For Oakdale families considering schools like Gibault or Father McGivney, applying for these scholarships can substantially reduce the financial burden. It's crucial to apply early through the school or a partnered organization, as funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are emphasized by private schools serving the Oakdale, IL community?
Reflecting the values and opportunities of the region, private schools near Oakdale offer distinct programs. Gibault Catholic High School has a strong focus on agricultural science and FFA, aligning with the area's rural character. Father McGivney Catholic High School emphasizes STEM pathways and boasts a competitive robotics team. Westminster Christian Academy offers a comprehensive fine arts program and extensive athletic facilities. Many of these schools also integrate character and faith formation into their curricula, which is a key draw for families in the Oakdale area seeking an education aligned with specific values.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools like Gibault or Father McGivney for an Oakdale student?
The enrollment process for these diocesan high schools begins early, often in the fall of a student's 7th or 8th grade year. Key steps include: attending open houses (typically held September-November), completing an application by a December or January deadline, submitting records and teacher recommendations, and taking a placement exam (usually in January). Acceptance notifications go out in February, with registration and tuition agreements finalized in the spring. Oakdale families should note that while residency isn't a barrier, some schools give priority to students from Catholic feeder elementary schools, so applying promptly is essential.
How do the class sizes and community environments of private schools near Oakdale compare to the local public school districts?
Oakdale students are typically served by the Oakdale School District 1 (K-8) and then Columbia Community Unit School District 4 for high school. A primary distinction for private options is significantly smaller average class sizes. For example, Gibault and Father McGivney often maintain classes in the low 20s, compared to larger public high school sections. This fosters more individualized attention. Furthermore, the private school communities are often built around shared religious values or a specific educational mission, creating a close-knit environment that can differ from the broader geographic community of a public district. The trade-off involves tuition costs and, for some, a longer daily commute.
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