The Best Private Schools in Oakwood, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Oakwood. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
University of Illinois Laboratory Schools
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
As part of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the Laboratory Schools offer an exceptional educational experience for students from preschool through high school. Located approximately 30 minutes from Oakwood, this prestigious institution serves the broader regional community with a research-based curriculum and access to university resources. The school features state-of-the-art facilities, highly qualified faculty, and innovative programs that integrate university-level resources. Students benefit from small class sizes, extensive Advanced Placement offerings, and unique opportunities to participate in university research projects. The diverse student body and comprehensive extracurricular programs create a dynamic learning environment.
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Judah Christian School
Independent Christian School
Judah Christian School is a well-established private Christian school serving the Champaign-Urbana metropolitan area and surrounding communities including Oakwood. The school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 12th grade education grounded in Christian values while maintaining high academic standards. The college preparatory curriculum includes honors and Advanced Placement courses, with graduates consistently gaining admission to selective colleges and universities. The campus features modern classrooms, science laboratories, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. Extracurricular offerings include competitive sports teams, music programs, drama productions, and mission trips, providing students with diverse opportunities for personal growth and development.
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Schlarman Academy
Diocese of Peoria Catholic Schools
Schlarman Academy is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving the Oakwood and greater Danville area. The school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 12th grade education with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and character development. With small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a rigorous curriculum that includes Advanced Placement courses, Schlarman prepares students for college success. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes. Extracurricular programs encompass competitive sports, performing arts, and community service opportunities, creating a well-rounded educational experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Oakwood, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in or near Oakwood, Illinois?
For families in the Oakwood, IL area, the most prominent private schools include Schlarman Academy in Danville (a Catholic, co-educational PK-12 school), Judah Christian School in Champaign (an interdenominational Christian school for grades K-12), and the highly selective University of Illinois Laboratory Schools in Urbana (serving grades 5-12). While Oakwood itself is a small village, these schools in neighboring cities are the primary private options for local residents, with varying educational philosophies, religious affiliations, and competitive admissions processes. Transportation is a key consideration, as commuting to Danville, Champaign, or Urbana is typically required.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Oakwood, IL area compare, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid options?
Tuition in the Oakwood-area private schools varies significantly. For the 2024-25 school year, Judah Christian School's tuition is approximately $9,000-$10,000, Schlarman Academy's is around $6,000-$8,000, and the University of Illinois Laboratory High School (Uni High) is a public laboratory school with no tuition for Illinois residents. Illinois offers the Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which can provide substantial need-based scholarships for qualifying families at participating schools like Schlarman and Judah Christian. Additionally, many schools offer parish subsidies (for Catholic schools), multi-child discounts, and payment plans. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school about their specific aid packages and application deadlines.
What unique academic or specialized programs do private schools near Oakwood, Illinois offer?
The private schools near Oakwood provide distinct academic specializations. The University of Illinois Laboratory Schools are renowned for their accelerated, research-intensive curriculum with direct access to university resources and faculty. Schlarman Academy offers a strong college-prep program with a Catholic faith foundation, including theology courses and sacramental preparation. Judah Christian School integrates a biblical worldview across all subjects and emphasizes character development. For vocational interests, some area private schools have partnerships with local community colleges for dual-credit courses, a notable advantage in the East Central Illinois region. None of these schools are large enough to offer expansive niche programs like performing arts academies, but they focus on core academic rigor within their respective missions.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Oakwood, Illinois families?
Enrollment timelines are school-specific and competitive, especially for Uni High. For Uni High, the application process for 7th-grade entry begins over a year in advance, with testing in the fall for admission the following academic year. For Schlarman Academy and Judah Christian School, open enrollment typically begins in January or February for the next school year, with rolling admissions until classes are full. It is highly recommended to attend open houses, often held in the fall, and to apply early. As Oakwood is part of the Oakwood CUSD 76 public district, parents should also be aware of their public school registration deadlines if considering multiple options. Many private schools require entrance exams, interviews, and records from previous schools.
For an Oakwood resident, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public schools and the surrounding private options?
The key considerations for an Oakwood resident include educational philosophy, cost, commute, and class size. Oakwood CUSD 76 provides a well-regarded, tuition-free public education with strong athletics and local community ties. Choosing a private school like Schlarman, Judah Christian, or Uni High involves a significant financial investment and daily commute to Danville, Champaign, or Urbana. In return, parents often seek a specific religious foundation (at Schlarman or Judah), a profoundly accelerated academic environment (at Uni High), or generally smaller class sizes. The decision often hinges on whether the family's priorities align with a private school's specific mission and whether the logistical and financial commitments are sustainable long-term, given that many families commit for their child's entire K-12 journey.