The Best Private Schools in Peoria, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Peoria. 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 a highly-regarded independent school offering a comprehensive Montessori-based education for students from preschool through 8th grade. The school emphasizes individualized learning, hands-on experiences, and character development. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and extensive outdoor learning spaces. The school is known for its strong academic foundation, diverse student body, and commitment to developing lifelong learners with excellent parent satisfaction ratings.
Programs:
Peoria Notre Dame High School
Catholic Diocese of Peoria
Peoria Notre Dame is a comprehensive Catholic college preparatory high school serving the greater Peoria area. The school offers rigorous academic programs including Advanced Placement courses, dual credit opportunities with local colleges, and specialized academies in STEM and fine arts. Facilities include modern science laboratories, performing arts center, athletic complexes, and technology-enhanced classrooms. With a strong focus on faith formation and academic excellence, the school maintains high college acceptance rates and extensive extracurricular opportunities.
Programs:
Dunlap Grade School
Dunlap Community Unit School District 323
Located in nearby Dunlap and serving the greater Peoria metropolitan area, Dunlap Grade School is part of the highly-rated Dunlap School District. The school offers a comprehensive elementary education with strong emphasis on academic achievement and character development. Programs include advanced learning opportunities, comprehensive special education services, and extensive extracurricular activities. The school features modern facilities, technology integration across all grade levels, and maintains excellent parent satisfaction ratings for its committed faculty and strong community involvement.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Peoria, Illinois
What are the main types of private school options available for families in Peoria, Illinois, and how do they differ?
Peoria offers a diverse range of private school models to fit different educational philosophies. The area features independent schools like Peoria Academy (PreK-8), which follows an International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme. For faith-based education, there are Catholic institutions such as Peoria Notre Dame High School (9-12) and associated feeder elementary schools. Additionally, there are private schools within specific suburban districts like Dunlap, such as Dunlap Grade School, which is a private elementary option in a high-performing public district. This variety allows parents to choose based on curriculum rigor, religious affiliation, and school culture specific to the Greater Peoria area.
How does tuition for private schools in Peoria, IL, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are locally available?
Tuition in Peoria is generally below the average for Illinois' major metropolitan areas but varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-25 academic year, elementary tuition can range from approximately $6,000 to $12,000 annually, while high school tuition, particularly at Peoria Notre Dame, can approach $10,000-$13,000. Most Peoria-area private schools offer need-based financial aid, and Illinois state programs like the Invest in Kids Act tax credit scholarship can provide significant assistance to eligible families. It's crucial to contact each school's admissions office directly, as many have local endowment funds and parish subsidies (for Catholic schools) that can further reduce costs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Peoria private schools offer that leverage local community resources?
Peoria private schools often integrate the city's robust medical, engineering, and agricultural sectors into their programs. For instance, schools like Peoria Academy and Peoria Notre Dame have established partnerships with local institutions like OSF HealthCare, Caterpillar Inc., and Bradley University for STEM internships, research projects, and guest lectures. Furthermore, many schools emphasize agricultural science and leadership through affiliations with the Peoria County 4-H and the Illinois FFA, taking advantage of the region's strong farming community. Arts programs frequently collaborate with the Peoria Symphony Orchestra and the Peoria Riverfront Museum, providing students with unique enrichment opportunities grounded in the local cultural scene.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Peoria, and are there key local deadlines parents should know?
The enrollment process in Peoria typically begins in the fall, with open houses held from September through January for the following academic year. Key application deadlines are often in late January or early February. For schools like Peoria Academy and Peoria Notre Dame, placement testing or shadow days for prospective students usually occur in February. A notable local consideration is that many Catholic elementary schools have priority deadlines for parish members and siblings of current students. It's highly recommended to initiate inquiries by November 1st, as some grades, particularly kindergarten and 6th grade, may have waiting lists. Rolling admission may continue afterward, but space is not guaranteed.
For families considering both sectors, what are the defining characteristics of the private school environment in Peoria compared to its public school districts?
The defining characteristic of Peoria's private schools is their ability to offer specialized, consistent educational environments amidst the city's diverse and sometimes challenging public school landscape. While public schools in Peoria Public Schools District 150 face challenges with funding and performance variability, private options provide smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students), distinct curricular focuses (like IB or college-prep theology), and often more stable student populations. Conversely, public schools in surrounding suburbs like Dunlap are highly rated but lack the religious or specific philosophical education. Private schools in Peoria often serve as a middle path, offering structured alternatives without requiring a move to a specific suburban public district, which is a significant consideration for families committed to living in the city proper.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities