The Best Private Schools in Oblong, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Oblong. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary's School
Diocese of Springfield in Illinois
St. Mary's School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school located just 15 minutes from Oblong in Robinson. Serving students from preschool through 8th grade, the school offers a comprehensive education rooted in Catholic values with strong academic foundations. The school features modern classrooms, dedicated faculty with an average of 15+ years teaching experience, and a robust curriculum that includes advanced mathematics, science labs, and literacy programs. Extracurricular activities include basketball, volleyball, choir, and academic competitions. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, small class sizes, and strong community involvement.
Programs:
Sacred Heart School
Diocese of Evansville
Located approximately 20 minutes from Oblong in Palestine, Sacred Heart School provides exceptional private education for students in pre-K through 12th grade. As part of the Diocese of Evansville Catholic school system, the school offers a rigorous academic program with college preparatory courses, Advanced Placement opportunities, and comprehensive faith formation. Facilities include science laboratories, computer labs, a modern library, and athletic facilities. The school is particularly noted for its strong STEM programs, competitive sports teams, and outstanding fine arts department. Parent reviews highlight the school's excellent teacher-student ratios and strong college acceptance rates.
Programs:
St. Lawrence School
Diocese of Springfield in Illinois
St. Lawrence School in Lawrenceville, located about 25 minutes from Oblong, serves students from preschool through 8th grade with a comprehensive Catholic education. The school features a classical education approach combined with modern technology integration, including 1:1 device programs and interactive smart boards in classrooms. Academic programs emphasize critical thinking, writing skills, and moral development. The school campus includes a gymnasium, playground, library, and computer lab. Extracurricular offerings include basketball, cheerleading, academic bowl, and various clubs. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the school's safe environment, dedicated teachers, and strong academic preparation for high school.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Oblong, Illinois
What are the private school options available for K-12 education in Oblong, Illinois?
In Oblong, Illinois, private school options are primarily faith-based institutions. The main schools are St. Mary's School (Catholic, typically serving grades Pre-K through 8), Sacred Heart School (Catholic, also generally Pre-K through 8), and St. Lawrence School (Catholic). It's important to note that Oblong does not currently have a private high school; these schools typically feed into Oblong Township High School or other area Catholic high schools for grades 9-12. Parents seeking a continuous private K-12 pathway may need to consider commuting to nearby cities like Robinson or Terre Haute, Indiana.
What is the average annual tuition for private elementary schools in Oblong, IL, and are there financial aid options?
For the Catholic elementary schools in Oblong, such as St. Mary's, Sacred Heart, and St. Lawrence, annual tuition typically ranges from $3,000 to $5,000 per student for parishioners, with higher rates for non-parishioners. These figures are generally lower than urban private school averages in Illinois due to the rural setting and lower cost of living. All schools offer financial aid, primarily through parish subsidies and the Empower Illinois Tax Credit Scholarship program, which provides state-funded scholarships for qualifying lower- and middle-income families. It's crucial to contact each school directly for their current fee schedule and aid application process.
How do the academic programs at Oblong's private schools differ from the public school curriculum?
Oblong's private schools integrate faith-based education and character development with the Illinois Learning Standards. The core difference from Oblong Unit School District #4 is the inclusion of daily religion classes, sacramental preparation (for Catholic students), and a values-centered approach to all subjects. Academically, they often feature smaller class sizes, which can allow for more individualized attention. However, the public district may offer a wider range of elective courses, extracurricular activities, and specialized services due to its larger scale. Private schools in Oblong often emphasize a tight-knit community atmosphere and traditional teaching methods.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Oblong, Illinois?
Enrollment for the upcoming school year at Oblong's private schools usually opens in January or February, with priority given to current students and siblings. The process involves submitting an application, providing birth and baptismal certificates (for Catholic schools), immunization records, and often participating in a family interview or student assessment. Given the small size of these schools, spaces can be limited, especially in specific grades, so early inquiry is recommended. Many schools also host open houses in the winter. It's advisable to contact the parish office directly, as St. Mary's, Sacred Heart, and St. Lawrence each have their own parish administration overseeing admissions.
What are some unique benefits of choosing a small, rural private school in Oblong, IL, compared to a larger city?
Private schools in Oblong offer a uniquely close-knit, community-focused educational environment. Students often have multi-age interactions and are known personally by every teacher and staff member. The schools are deeply integrated into the fabric of the local community, with strong ties to local parishes and town events. Safety and a shared value system are significant draws for families. The trade-off is that specialized programs (like advanced STEM labs or extensive language offerings) and certain extracurriculars (like niche sports) may be more limited than in larger urban private schools. For families valuing a personalized, faith-based education in a supportive small-town setting, Oblong's private schools are a distinctive choice.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities