The Best Private Schools in Orland Park, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Orland Park. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School
Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School is a highly-regarded PreK-8 institution serving the Orland Park community with a comprehensive faith-based education. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a strong academic foundation complemented by robust extracurricular offerings including music, art, and sports programs. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, academic rigor, and strong community values. The campus includes modern classrooms, technology labs, and athletic facilities that support a well-rounded educational experience.
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Providence Catholic High School
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
Providence Catholic High School, located in nearby New Lenox, serves students from Orland Park and surrounding communities as a premier Catholic college preparatory institution. The school offers a rigorous academic program with a 100% college acceptance rate and numerous Advanced Placement and honors courses. Notable features include the innovative STEM Academy, comprehensive fine arts department, and highly competitive athletic programs that have won multiple state championships. The campus features modern academic facilities, science and technology labs, and extensive athletic complexes that support the school's commitment to developing well-rounded students.
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Victor J. Andrew High School
Consolidated High School District 230
While technically located in neighboring Tinley Park, Victor J. Andrew High School serves many Orland Park families as part of District 230. This comprehensive high school offers an extensive curriculum including 24 Advanced Placement courses, outstanding fine arts programs, and competitive athletic teams. The school is recognized for its academic excellence, with students consistently achieving above state and national averages on standardized tests. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic complexes that support a diverse range of student interests and talents.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Orland Park, Illinois
What are the primary types of private schools available in Orland Park, IL, and what distinguishes them?
Orland Park offers a few distinct types of private schools, primarily Catholic/parochial schools and a private, independent Catholic high school. St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School serves grades Pre-K through 8 with a faith-based curriculum. For high school, families often look to nearby institutions like Providence Catholic High School in New Lenox, which is a co-ed diocesan high school, and Victor J. Andrew High School, which is actually a public school in Tinley Park—not a private option. This means for a comprehensive K-12 private education entirely within Orland Park, families typically combine a local elementary school with a nearby Catholic high school. The distinction is important for planning.
How does tuition for private schools in the Orland Park area compare, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition varies significantly by grade level and school. For the 2024-2025 year, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School's tuition is approximately $5,500-$6,500 for parishioners, with higher rates for non-parishioners. Providence Catholic High School tuition is around $13,000-$14,000 annually. Illinois offers the "Invest in Kids Act" tax credit scholarship program, which can provide significant financial aid to eligible families at participating schools, though funding is limited and application is competitive. Many Orland Park area schools also offer parish subsidies, multi-child discounts, and need-based aid through internal funds. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school's admissions office about their specific aid packages and deadlines.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Orland Park area emphasize?
Schools in this area often leverage their Catholic identity to offer unique programs. St. Francis of Assisi integrates STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, Math) and has a strong emphasis on service learning within the Orland Park community. Providence Catholic High School, a common destination for Orland Park graduates, is known for its robust college preparatory curriculum, acclaimed athletic programs (especially in football and basketball), and distinctive academies within the school, such as the President's Leadership Academy. Many programs also emphasize character education and moral development, which is a key draw for families in the area.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like St. Francis of Assisi in Orland Park?
The enrollment process for Orland Park's private schools often begins nearly a year in advance. For St. Francis of Assisi, priority registration for existing families and parishioners typically opens in January for the following academic year, with open registration for new families in February or March. The process usually requires submitting an application, birth and baptismal certificates, sacramental records (if applicable), recent report cards, and often a placement assessment for incoming students. Many schools host open houses in the fall (October-November), which is the ideal time for prospective parents to start their research. Waiting lists can form for popular grades, so early inquiry is recommended.
For families considering the choice, what are the notable differences between Orland Park School District 135/230 public schools and the local private school options?
The key differences lie in curriculum, class size, cost, and educational philosophy. Orland Park's public schools (District 135 for K-8 and Consolidated High School District 230 for high school) are highly rated, tuition-free, and offer a wide array of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, sports, and extracurriculars. Private options like St. Francis offer a smaller, faith-based environment with religion integrated into the daily curriculum. Class sizes are often smaller, typically 20-25 students versus potentially larger public school classes. The financial commitment is substantial for private school, but some families value the specific moral framework and community. Many families in Orland Park choose the strong public system, while others seek the structured environment and continuity of a Catholic education from K-8 and into a Catholic high school.
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