The Best Private Schools in Pearl City, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Pearl City. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Aquin Catholic Schools
Diocese of Rockford
Aquin Catholic Schools is a highly-regarded PreK-12 private school system located just 15 minutes from Pearl City. With a 100% college acceptance rate and small class sizes, Aquin provides a comprehensive education grounded in Catholic values. The school features modern STEM labs, competitive athletic programs, and extensive extracurricular activities. Students benefit from individualized attention with a student-teacher ratio of 12:1 and consistently score above state and national averages on standardized tests.
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Keith Country Day School
Independent School
As the only International Baccalaureate World School in northern Illinois, Keith Country Day School offers an elite private education approximately 30 minutes from Pearl City. This independent school serves students from PreK through 12th grade with a focus on global citizenship and academic excellence. The campus features modern science laboratories, extensive arts facilities, and competitive athletic programs. With a student-teacher ratio of 8:1, students receive personalized attention and consistently achieve exceptional college placement results at top-tier universities nationwide.
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Lena-Winslow School District Private Programs
Lena-Winslow CUSD #202
Located just 10 minutes from Pearl City, Lena-Winslow offers exceptional private educational opportunities through its specialized programs. The district is renowned for its strong academic performance, championship athletic teams, and comprehensive vocational training. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, agricultural education centers, and technology-integrated classrooms. The school maintains strong community ties and provides diverse learning pathways including college preparatory and career-focused tracks.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Pearl City, Illinois
What are the primary private school options serving families in Pearl City, Illinois, and what are their educational approaches?
Pearl City itself is a small rural community, so most dedicated private schools are located in nearby towns. The primary options include **Aquin Catholic Schools** in Freeport (PreK-12, offering a faith-based, college-prep curriculum), **Keith Country Day School** in Rockford (PreK-12, an independent school with an advanced, project-based curriculum), and specialized private programs within districts like **Lena-Winslow**. For Pearl City residents, these schools typically involve a commute of 20-45 minutes. Aquin provides a traditional Catholic education with strong community ties, while Keith offers a secular, rigorous independent school experience. It's important to visit each to understand the commute and community fit for your family.
How does tuition for private schools in the Pearl City, IL area compare, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid options?
Tuition varies significantly based on the school. For the 2024-25 year, **Aquin Catholic Schools** has a parishioner rate around $5,000-$6,000 for elementary, with non-parishioner and high school rates higher. **Keith Country Day School** tuition ranges from approximately $15,000 to $20,000+. Illinois offers the **Invest in Kids Act Tax Credit Scholarship Program**, which can provide need-based scholarships for students attending qualified private schools, though funding is limited. Both Aquin and Keith participate in this program. Additionally, many schools offer their own need-based financial aid and multi-child discounts. It's crucial to apply for financial aid early in the admissions process.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are available at private schools accessible from Pearl City, IL, that might not be found in local public schools?
Schools in the region offer specialized programs to attract students from communities like Pearl City. **Keith Country Day School** emphasizes global education, advanced STEM labs, and extensive arts programs, including theater and music. **Aquin Catholic Schools** offers strong theology courses, competitive athletics within the NUIC conference, and dual-credit opportunities through local colleges. A key advantage for rural students is access to consistent, broad extracurricular offerings (e.g., robotics, world languages, varied arts) which can be more limited in small public districts due to funding and enrollment size. These programs are designed to provide a comprehensive, college-preparatory experience.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Aquin or Keith for a family living in Pearl City?
The process generally begins in the fall prior to the desired enrollment year. For **Keith Country Day School**, the application (including student assessments, teacher recommendations, and a family interview) is due in January/February, with decisions communicated in March. **Aquin Catholic Schools** often has a rolling admissions process but encourages applications by early spring for the best chance of placement and financial aid consideration. For Pearl City families, a key step is arranging a campus visit and a shadow day for the student, which requires planning for the commute. It's also vital to inquire about transportation options, as most schools do not provide bus service from Pearl City.
For a Pearl City family, what are the main considerations when choosing between the local public school (Pearl City CUSD #200) and a private school in Freeport or Rockford?
The decision hinges on several factors unique to your location. **Pearl City public schools** offer the convenience of a short commute, strong community integration, and no tuition. Private schools like **Aquin** or **Keith** offer different educational philosophies, often smaller class sizes, and specialized programs. Considerations include: the **daily commute** (30+ minutes each way to Freeport/Rockford), **cost** (tuition, gas, and time), **religious education** (if desired), and **academic fit**. For families seeking a specific college-prep environment, broader extracurriculars, or faith-based instruction, the private option may be worth the trade-offs. It's highly recommended to tour both your local public school and the private options to compare cultures and offerings directly.