The Best Private Schools in Palos Heights, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Palos Heights. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Chicago Christian High School
Chicago Christian Schools
Chicago Christian High School is a premier private Christian school located directly in Palos Heights, serving students in grades 9-12. Founded in 1926, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with advanced placement courses and a comprehensive STEM academy. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school emphasizes academic excellence within a faith-based community. Extracurricular offerings include competitive athletics, music programs, and various clubs. The school maintains strong college acceptance rates and has built a reputation for developing well-rounded students.
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St. Laurence Catholic High School
Archdiocese of Chicago
St. Laurence Catholic High School, located just minutes from Palos Heights in Burbank, serves students throughout the southwest suburbs. This co-educational college preparatory school offers a comprehensive curriculum with honors and AP courses, plus specialized academies in STEM and business. The 21-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including renovated science labs, technology centers, and athletic facilities. St. Laurence emphasizes character development alongside academic achievement, with a strong tradition of athletic excellence and extensive extracurricular programs. The school maintains a 99% college acceptance rate and provides individualized college counseling.
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Victor J. Andrew High School (Private Division)
Consolidated High School District 230
While primarily a public school, Victor J. Andrew High School serves students from Palos Heights through its comprehensive private program options and specialized academies. The school is renowned for its International Baccalaureate program and extensive Advanced Placement offerings. The campus features exceptional facilities including advanced science laboratories, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic complexes. Andrew High School has received numerous accolades for academic excellence and offers a wide range of extracurricular activities from championship athletic teams to award-winning fine arts programs. The school's college and career readiness programs are particularly strong, with graduates regularly attending top universities nationwide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Palos Heights, Illinois
What are the primary types of private high schools available to families in Palos Heights, Illinois, and what are their distinguishing characteristics?
Palos Heights offers a few distinct types of private high schools. The most prominent are faith-based institutions, such as Chicago Christian High School (interdenominational Christian) and St. Laurence Catholic High School (Roman Catholic). These schools integrate religious education with college-prep academics and often have strong community and athletic traditions. Additionally, while Victor J. Andrew High School is primarily a public school, it's important to clarify that its "Private Division" is not a separate private school but typically refers to specialized, tuition-based programs or partnerships, such as for students with specific learning needs. For true private day schools, families in Palos Heights often also look at options in neighboring suburbs like Orland Park, Tinley Park, and Chicago.
How does tuition for private high schools in the Palos Heights, IL, area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for private high schools in the Palos Heights corridor varies. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition at schools like St. Laurence Catholic High School and Chicago Christian High School generally ranges from approximately $12,000 to $16,000 annually. Illinois has two significant financial aid programs that benefit many families: the Invest in Kids Act tax credit scholarship program, which provides need-based scholarships funded by private donors, and the Illinois Tax Credit for Educational Expenses, which allows families to claim a credit for a portion of qualified education expenses. Additionally, individual schools offer need-based financial aid and parish subsidies for member families at Catholic schools. It's crucial to apply for financial aid early, as deadlines often precede admission decisions.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are notable at private schools serving Palos Heights students?
Private schools in the Palos Heights area often develop robust specialty programs to distinguish themselves. Chicago Christian High School emphasizes a faith-integrated curriculum with strong STEM and fine arts programs. St. Laurence Catholic High School is known for its acclaimed STEM Academy, competitive broadcasting program (BTV), and extensive Advanced Placement (AP) course offerings. Many of these schools also have partnerships with local colleges for dual-credit courses. Given Palos Heights' location in the Chicago Southland, extracurriculars frequently include state-competitive athletic conferences (like the Chicago Catholic League), vibrant music and theater arts, and community service initiatives tied to the local churches and organizations.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools in Palos Heights, Illinois?
The enrollment process for private high schools in this area is highly structured and begins early. For fall entry, most schools open applications in August or September of the preceding year (e.g., fall of 8th grade). Key steps include: attending open houses (typically held September-November), submitting an application by a December or January deadline, taking a placement exam (like the HSPT for Catholic schools), and completing a family interview. Admission decisions and financial aid awards are usually communicated in February or March. It is highly advisable for Palos Heights families to begin research and attend open houses in the fall to understand each school's specific requirements and culture.
For a family living in Palos Heights, what are the key considerations when choosing between a local public school (like Palos Heights District 128) and a private high school?
The decision involves several local factors. Palos Heights is served by excellent public schools (e.g., Palos Heights District 128 feeding into Alan B. Shepard High School), which offer a tuition-free, comprehensive education with diverse programs. Choosing a private school often centers on specific values or specialized offerings: a desire for a faith-based education, potentially smaller class sizes, a particular academic focus (like an intensive STEM academy), or a specific athletic or arts tradition. Transportation is a practical consideration; while District 128 provides busing, private schools may require carpooling or use of private bus services. Ultimately, the choice is deeply personal, weighing the community and mission of a private school against the strengths and convenience of the highly-regarded local public system.
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