The Best Private Schools in Park Forest, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Park Forest. 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-rated Catholic elementary school serving Park Forest and surrounding communities in the South Chicago suburbs. The school offers a challenging academic program from preschool through 8th grade with strong emphasis on faith formation, character development, and academic excellence. Features include state-of-the-art technology integration, comprehensive fine arts programs, and competitive athletic teams. The school maintains small class sizes allowing for personalized instruction and has an outstanding record of high school placements. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty, strong community atmosphere, and well-rounded educational experience.
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St. Laurence Catholic School
Archdiocese of Chicago
St. Laurence Catholic School provides a comprehensive PK-8 education with a strong academic foundation rooted in Catholic values. The school serves families throughout the South Chicago suburbs including Park Forest. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, and STEM education with modern technology integration across all grade levels. The school features dedicated science labs, computer labs, and extensive athletic facilities. St. Laurence is particularly noted for its strong parent community, individualized attention through small class sizes, and excellent preparation for high school placement.
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Marian Catholic High School
Archdiocese of Chicago
Marian Catholic High School is a highly-regarded co-educational Catholic high school serving Park Forest and the broader South Chicago suburbs. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with 24 Advanced Placement courses and a comprehensive STEM program. Students consistently achieve above-average ACT scores and college acceptance rates. The campus features modern science labs, performing arts facilities, and extensive athletic complexes. Marian Catholic is known for its strong spiritual formation, diverse extracurricular offerings, and commitment to developing well-rounded students prepared for college and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Park Forest, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Park Forest, Illinois, and what grade levels do they serve?
Park Forest, IL, is served by several well-regarded private, primarily Catholic, institutions. The notable options include **Marian Catholic High School** (grades 9-12) in nearby Chicago Heights, **St. Laurence Catholic School** (preschool-8) in Chicago Heights, and **Infant Jesus of Prague School** (preschool-8) in Flossmoor. While Park Forest itself has a strong public school district (Forest Trail School District 91 and Rich Township High School District 227), these nearby private schools are popular choices for Park Forest families seeking faith-based education. It's important to note that these schools have specific parish boundaries or enrollment priorities, so checking residency and parish membership is a key first step.
How does tuition for private schools in the Park Forest, Illinois, area typically work, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition for the Catholic schools serving Park Forest families varies by grade level and parish membership. For the 2024-2025 school year, expect ranges from approximately $5,000-$8,000 annually for elementary schools (with discounted rates for registered parishioners) and $13,000-$16,000 for Marian Catholic High School. Illinois offers the **Invest in Kids Act Tax Credit Scholarship Program**, which provides need-based scholarships funded by donations from individuals and businesses who receive a state tax credit. Additionally, all three mentioned schools offer their own need-based financial aid and parish subsidies. The **Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE)** also lists approved non-public schools for recognition, which can be a factor in some aid considerations.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by the private schools accessible to Park Forest residents?
The private schools near Park Forest provide distinct programs that attract families. **Marian Catholic High School** is renowned for its prestigious **Spirit of Marian Band** program, a nationally recognized competitive marching band, alongside strong college-prep curricula and STEM initiatives. **St. Laurence Catholic School** and **Infant Jesus of Prague School** both offer robust early childhood programs, Spanish language instruction, and technology integration from an early age. A key differentiator for these schools is their **faith-based character education** woven into the daily curriculum, which is a significant draw for many Park Forest-area parents. Many also have strong community service requirements and partnerships with local Chicago Southland organizations.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Marian Catholic, St. Laurence, and Infant Jesus of Prague for a Park Forest family?
The enrollment process for these schools begins early, often a full year in advance. **Open Houses** are typically held in the fall (October-November). Applications for the following academic year usually open in November/December, with priority deadlines for parishioners and siblings in January or February. For **Marian Catholic**, an entrance exam (the HSPT) is required, typically administered in December or January. Park Forest families should proactively contact the school's admissions office, as some schools have geographic or parish boundaries that may affect acceptance priority. It's highly recommended to schedule a shadow day for your child, especially for middle and high school levels.
For a Park Forest parent deciding between the local public schools and nearby private options, what are some key comparative factors specific to this community?
The decision in Park Forest often hinges on several local factors. **Academically**, District 91 public schools are well-regarded, while private options offer a faith-based curriculum and often smaller class sizes. **Logistics** are crucial: Park Forest public schools are within the village, while the private options require transportation to Chicago Heights or Flossmoor. **Financial commitment** is a major differentiator, as public schools are tuition-free. **Extracurricular focus** may sway decisions; for example, a student passionate about instrumental music might be drawn to Marian Catholic's elite band program. Finally, the **community environment** differs; the private schools foster a close-knit, parish-affiliated community, which can be a significant benefit for families seeking that specific social and moral framework.
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