The Best Private Schools in Pembroke Township, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Pembroke Township. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Bishop McNamara Catholic School
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
Bishop McNamara Catholic School is a highly-regarded PreK-12 Catholic school serving the greater Kankakee County area, including Pembroke Township. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with Advanced Placement courses, strong STEM programs, and extensive extracurricular activities including competitive athletics, fine arts, and community service programs. With modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes, the school provides a well-rounded education focused on academic excellence and character development.
Programs:
St. George Elementary School
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
St. George Elementary School in Bourbonnais serves students from PreK through 8th grade across Kankakee County, including the Pembroke Township area. The school offers a comprehensive Catholic education with strong academic programs, technology integration, and enrichment opportunities. Features include modern classrooms, computer labs, library resources, and various extracurricular activities. The school focuses on developing well-rounded students through academic excellence, spiritual formation, and community involvement, with many graduates continuing to top regional high schools.
Programs:
St. Anne Elementary & Junior High School
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
St. Anne Elementary & Junior High School serves students from PreK through 8th grade in the broader Kankakee County region, including Pembroke Township families. The school provides a strong faith-based education with emphasis on core academic subjects, technology integration, and character development. The curriculum includes specialized programs in music, art, and physical education, with small class sizes ensuring personalized attention. The school maintains strong community ties and prepares students for success in high school and beyond.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Pembroke Township, Illinois
What are the private school options specifically within Pembroke Township, Illinois, and are there any non-religious alternatives?
Within Pembroke Township itself, private school options are exclusively faith-based and centered in the neighboring communities of Kankakee County. The primary schools serving Pembroke Township families are Bishop McNamara Catholic School (a K-12 campus in Kankakee), St. Anne Elementary & Junior High School (in St. Anne), and St. George Elementary School (in Bourbonnais). There are currently no non-religious or independent private schools located directly within Pembroke Township's boundaries. Families often commute to these nearby towns, which are within a 15-30 minute drive. This geographic reality is a key consideration for daily logistics and transportation planning.
How does tuition at private schools like Bishop McNamara near Pembroke Township compare, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition for the schools serving Pembroke Township varies. For the 2024-2025 academic year, elementary tuition at these diocesan schools typically ranges from $4,500 to $6,000 per child, with discounts for parish members and multiple children. Bishop McNamara High School tuition is higher, approximately $10,000-$12,000. Critically, Illinois offers the "Invest in Kids Act" tax credit scholarship program, which provides need-based financial aid for private school tuition. While this program is currently being phased out, existing scholarships are being honored, and families should inquire directly with schools about remaining opportunities and other diocesan aid. Illinois also allows for 529 plan funds to be used for K-12 private school tuition, up to $10,000 per year per beneficiary.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Pembroke Township area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools serving Pembroke Township emphasize a faith-based education core, but also offer specific programs shaped by their mission and resources. Bishop McNamara Catholic School, as a K-12 institution, provides a continuous educational pathway, advanced placement (AP) courses, and notable athletics programs competing in the Chicago Catholic League. St. Anne and St. George Elementary schools offer strong foundational curricula with integrated religious studies and character education. A key differentiator in this rural area is often smaller class sizes, which can allow for more individualized attention compared to some larger public school districts in Kankakee County. Many also emphasize community service projects tied to local needs.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for families in Pembroke Township seeking to join a private school like St. George or St. Anne?
The enrollment process for these parish-affiliated schools typically begins in January or February for the following fall. Priority is usually given to active parishioners of the supporting church, then to Catholic families from other parishes, and finally to non-Catholic families if space permits. The process involves submitting an application, birth and baptismal certificates, previous school records, and often a family interview. For Pembroke Township residents, proving residency within the broader diocese is sufficient; there are no strict geographic boundaries like public schools. It's highly advisable to contact the school office by early winter, as some grades (particularly kindergarten and junior high transition years) may have waiting lists.
For a family in rural Pembroke Township, what are the practical considerations regarding transportation and community when choosing a private school?
Transportation is a primary practical concern. Pembroke Township does not provide public school busing to private schools. Families are responsible for arranging their own transportation to schools in Kankakee, Bourbonnais, or St. Anne, which can mean a significant daily commute. Some families form carpools with others from the township. The community aspect is twofold: your child will become part of a faith-based school community that may be geographically dispersed, which can affect playdates and extracurricular participation. Conversely, it can expand your child's social network beyond the immediate township. It's important to visit the school, assess the drive during typical drop-off times, and connect with other Pembroke Township families currently enrolled to understand the real-world logistics.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities