The Best Private Schools in Olympia Fields, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Olympia Fields. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Infant Jesus of Prague School
Archdiocese of Chicago
Infant Jesus of Prague School is a highly-regarded Catholic elementary school serving families in Olympia Fields and surrounding communities. The school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education with small class sizes and individualized attention. The curriculum emphasizes strong foundational skills in literacy and mathematics while incorporating technology integration and faith formation. Students benefit from specialized instruction in music, art, physical education, and Spanish. The school maintains strong parent involvement and community partnerships, with graduates consistently accepted into top area high schools.
Programs:
St. Paul the Apostle School
Diocese of Joliet
St. Paul the Apostle School provides a comprehensive Catholic education to students from Olympia Fields and the surrounding Park Forest area. The school features a strong academic program with integrated technology, including 1:1 device implementation in upper grades. The curriculum includes specialized instruction in music, art, physical education, and Spanish. The school offers competitive athletic programs and extensive extracurricular activities. With a focus on developing the whole child spiritually, academically, and socially, St. Paul maintains small class sizes and strong community relationships, preparing students for success in high school and beyond.
Programs:
Marian Catholic High School
Archdiocese of Chicago
Marian Catholic High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school serving the south suburban Chicago area, including Olympia Fields. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 22 Advanced Placement courses and extensive extracurricular opportunities. Known for its outstanding fine arts programs and competitive athletics, Marian Catholic maintains a 99% college acceptance rate. The campus features modern science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development and community service alongside academic excellence.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Olympia Fields, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Olympia Fields, Illinois?
Olympia Fields itself is a residential village with a limited number of on-site private schools, leading many families to look at highly-regarded institutions in the immediate surrounding area. The most prominent local options include Marian Catholic High School (a co-ed Dominican college-prep high school in Chicago Heights), Infant Jesus of Prague School (a Catholic elementary school in Flossmoor), and St. Paul the Apostle School (a Catholic elementary school in Chicago Heights). For broader choices, families often also consider private schools in neighboring communities like Homewood, Flossmoor, and Park Forest. This means commuting is a typical consideration for Olympia Fields residents seeking private education.
How does tuition for private schools in the Olympia Fields area compare, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition in the Olympia Fields area varies by school level and affiliation. For the 2024-2025 academic year, elementary schools like Infant Jesus of Prague and St. Paul the Apostle typically have annual tuition ranging from $5,000 to $8,000 for parishioners, with higher rates for non-parishioners. Marian Catholic High School's tuition is approximately $13,000-$15,000 annually. A critical Illinois-specific financial resource is the Invest in Kids Act Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which provides need-based scholarships for students attending qualified private schools. Many local schools participate, and families should apply early. Additionally, most schools offer parish subsidies, multi-child discounts, and internal financial aid.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools serving the Olympia Fields community?
Schools in this area emphasize college preparation and faith-based values with distinct programs. Marian Catholic High School is renowned for its rigorous STEM curriculum, acclaimed performing arts department (Spartan Theatre), and competitive athletics in the East Suburban Catholic Conference. Infant Jesus of Prague and St. Paul the Apostle offer strong foundational programs with sacramental preparation and often feature Spanish language instruction, robotics clubs, and community service projects integrated with their Catholic identity. A notable local advantage is the proximity to Chicago, allowing for enriched field trip opportunities in history, science, and the arts that are frequently incorporated into curricula.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools near Olympia Fields, IL?
The process is school-specific but generally follows a regional Catholic school timeline. For elementary schools (K-8), applications often open in January for the following fall, with priority given to parish members and siblings. Key steps include a school tour, application submission, student assessment/interview, and registration. Marian Catholic High School holds entrance exams (typically the HSPT) in January, with application deadlines in late fall/early winter for 8th graders. It is crucial to contact schools by October of the year prior to desired enrollment. Many schools in the South Suburban area host open houses in the fall, which are essential for Olympia Fields families to attend given the choice of communities.
For an Olympia Fields resident, what are the key considerations when comparing local public schools (e.g., Matteson School District 162, Rich Township High School District 227) to private school options?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, class size, and religious instruction. Olympia Fields is served by elementary districts like Matteson 162 and high school districts like Rich Township 227. Private schools offer smaller class sizes, a consistent faith-based environment, and a focused college-prep trajectory, particularly at Marian Catholic. A major practical consideration is commute: Olympia Fields public schools provide neighborhood-based transportation, while private schools require personal transportation or paid bus services. Financially, choosing private school means assuming tuition costs versus the tax-supported public system. Many families value the community and disciplinary structure of the local Catholic schools as a defining factor.
Private Education Insights
Top Private Schools in Olympia Fields, IL: A Parent's Guide to Finding the Best Fit
For parents in Olympia Fields, Illinois, the search for the “best private schools near me” is often driven by a desire for academic excellence, strong values, and a supportive community close to home. Our village, with its beautiful tree-lined streets and family-oriented atmosphere, is fortunate to be surrounded by several exceptional private institutions that serve as cornerstones for education in the south suburban Chicago region. This journey is about finding the right fit for your child’s unique needs, and understanding the local landscape is the perfect first step.
When considering options, many families look first to the esteemed Marian Catholic High School, located right here in Olympia Fields. As a premier co-educational, college-preparatory school, Marian Catholic offers a rigorous academic environment coupled with a vibrant campus life. Its Spartan spirit is palpable, with nationally recognized programs in areas like fine arts and STEM. For parents seeking a faith-based, comprehensive high school experience that prepares students for top universities, Marian Catholic consistently ranks high in local searches for the best private schools. Its deep roots in the community provide a seamless transition from local grade schools.
Speaking of foundational education, Infant Jesus of Prague School in Flossmoor and St. Paul the Apostle School in Chicago Heights are both cherished institutions serving Olympia Fields families for generations. These schools offer a nurturing, faith-centered environment from preschool through eighth grade, emphasizing character development alongside core academics. The close-knit feel of these parishes creates an extended family for students, a quality many parents in our community highly value. The transition from these feeder schools to Marian Catholic or other area high schools is a well-trodden and supported path, offering educational continuity.
Your search for the best private schools near you should also consider the broader Southland region. Excellent independent and parochial schools in nearby towns like Homewood, Flossmoor, and Tinley Park expand the possibilities. When evaluating, think about daily logistics. Olympia Fields’ prime location near I-57 and Lincoln Highway makes many of these schools within a manageable commute, but visiting during rush hour is a wise test. Also, engage with your neighbors. The strong sense of community here means other parents are often the best resource for honest insights about school culture, teacher engagement, and extracurricular offerings.
Ultimately, defining “best” is a personal process. It involves aligning a school’s mission with your family’s values, your child’s learning style, and practical considerations like tuition and financial aid opportunities. We encourage you to move beyond online lists and schedule visits. Attend an open house at Marian Catholic, feel the community spirit at Infant Jesus of Prague or St. Paul the Apostle, and ask detailed questions. The best private school for your family is one where your child will be known, challenged, and inspired—and you’ll find several outstanding candidates right here, near our homes in Olympia Fields.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities