The Best Private Schools in Pekin, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Pekin. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Peoria Academy
Independent School
Peoria Academy is an independent, coeducational day school serving students from preschool through 8th grade, with many families commuting from Pekin. As the only International Baccalaureate World School in central Illinois, it offers a globally-focused education with strong emphasis on critical thinking and inquiry-based learning. The school features small class sizes, specialized art and music studios, science laboratories, and extensive outdoor learning spaces. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment and academic rigor that prepares students for competitive high school programs.
Programs:
Peoria Notre Dame High School
Catholic Diocese of Peoria
Peoria Notre Dame High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving the greater Peoria area, including Pekin families. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 17 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and competitive athletics. With a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, the school provides personalized attention and strong college counseling. Facilities include modern science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. The school emphasizes character development and community service alongside academic excellence.
Programs:
Bergan Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Peoria
Bergan Catholic School serves students from preschool through 12th grade and draws families from Pekin and surrounding communities. The school offers a comprehensive Catholic education with modern facilities including science labs, computer labs, and athletic facilities. Academic programs include college preparatory courses, technology integration across all grade levels, and robust extracurricular activities. The school community is known for its strong family involvement and values-based education. Recent facility upgrades and curriculum enhancements maintain its competitive position in the region's private education landscape.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Pekin, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Pekin, Illinois?
While Pekin itself has a limited number of standalone private schools, families commonly look to nearby institutions in the greater Peoria area. The most prominent options include Peoria Notre Dame High School (a Catholic, co-ed high school in Peoria), Peoria Academy (an independent, secular Pre-K through 8th school in Peoria), and Bergan Catholic School (a Pre-K through 8th Catholic school in Peoria). Many Pekin families also consider local parish schools like St. Joseph Catholic School in Pekin for elementary education. Transportation to Peoria schools is a key logistical consideration for Pekin residents.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Pekin/Peoria area compare to the Illinois state average, and what financial aid is typically available?
Tuition in the Pekin/Peoria area is generally below the average for Illinois metropolitan areas like Chicago. For the 2024-2025 school year, elementary tuition at local Catholic schools like Bergan often ranges from $5,000 to $8,000, while Peoria Academy's tuition is higher, reflecting its independent school status. Peoria Notre Dame High School's tuition is approximately $10,000-$12,000. Importantly, Illinois offers the Invest in Kids Act tax credit scholarship program, which provides need-based financial assistance for qualifying families to attend private schools. Most schools also have their own need-based aid and parish subsidies for member families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving Pekin students offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Schools like Peoria Academy offer an International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme, a globally-focused curriculum uncommon in Pekin District 108 public schools. Peoria Notre Dame High School provides extensive college-prep tracks, specialized STEM initiatives, and a wide array of athletics and arts that rival larger public high schools. Bergan Catholic School and other faith-based institutions integrate character and religious education throughout the curriculum. A significant differentiator is often smaller class sizes, allowing for more individualized attention than in the larger public school system.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools that Pekin families apply to, and are there geographic restrictions?
The enrollment process for schools like Peoria Academy and Peoria Notre Dame typically begins in the fall prior to the desired school year, with application deadlines between January and March. These schools do not have strict geographic boundaries, so Pekin residents are eligible to apply. However, admission can be competitive, involving entrance exams (for high school), student interviews, and review of academic records. For parish-affiliated schools like Bergan, priority is often given to active parish members, but openings are available to others. We recommend contacting schools directly in the September before enrollment to get specific dates and requirements.
For a family in Pekin, what are the key factors when deciding between the local public schools and a private school in Peoria?
The decision hinges on several Pekin-specific factors. First is commute: attending a Peoria private school adds significant daily travel time. Second is cost: weighing tuition and available financial aid against the no-tuition public option. Third is educational philosophy: Pekin public schools offer a solid, comprehensive education, while private options provide specific environments like faith-based (Catholic) or secular independent (IB curriculum). Fourth is community: some families prefer the community feel of a smaller private school versus the larger, neighborhood-based public schools. Finally, consider extracurricular niches; a private school might offer a specific sport or art program that aligns with a student's passion.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities