The Best Private Schools in Peoria Heights, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Peoria Heights. 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 school serving students from preschool through 8th grade, located just minutes from Peoria Heights. The school offers a comprehensive International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme and emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning. With small class sizes and a 7:1 student-to-teacher ratio, the school provides individualized attention and strong academic foundations. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and extensive outdoor learning spaces. The school is known for its diverse community, strong arts programs, and commitment to developing global citizens.
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Peoria Notre Dame High School
Catholic Diocese of Peoria
Peoria Notre Dame is a comprehensive Catholic high school serving students throughout the Peoria area, including Peoria Heights. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with 18 Advanced Placement courses and specialized programs in STEM, business, and fine arts. With a 13:1 student-to-teacher ratio, students receive personalized attention and academic support. The campus features state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, athletic facilities, and technology-enhanced classrooms. The school emphasizes character development, community service, and preparing students for college success.
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Peoria Christian School
Independent Christian School
Peoria Christian School serves students from preschool through 12th grade and is conveniently located near Peoria Heights. The school provides a comprehensive education with strong academic programs integrated with Christian values and biblical principles. The curriculum includes college preparatory courses, advanced mathematics and science programs, extensive fine arts offerings, and competitive athletics. The campus features modern classrooms, science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. The school is known for its strong community atmosphere, dedicated faculty, and focus on developing students academically, spiritually, and socially.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Peoria Heights, Illinois
What are the primary private school options serving families in Peoria Heights, Illinois, and what grade levels do they cover?
The primary private schools serving the Peoria Heights area are Peoria Academy (Pre-K through 8th grade), Peoria Notre Dame High School (9-12), and Peoria Christian School (Pre-K through 12). It's important to note that while these schools are located in the broader Peoria metro area, they are common choices for Peoria Heights residents. Peoria Heights itself does not host a major private school campus within its village limits, so families typically look to these nearby institutions. Peoria Academy and Peoria Christian offer continuous elementary and middle school programs, while Peoria Notre Dame provides the local Catholic high school option.
How does tuition for private schools in the Peoria, IL, area compare, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid options?
Tuition in the Peoria area varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges of approximately $8,000-$12,000 for elementary grades and $10,000-$14,000 for high school. Peoria Notre Dame, as a diocesan high school, often has a slightly lower tuition than independent schools, with active parishioner discounts. Illinois-specific aid includes the "Invest in Kids" Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which provides need-based scholarships funded by donations to Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs). All top local private schools participate. Additionally, Illinois' 529 plan funds can be used for K-12 private school tuition, and many schools offer their own need-based financial aid and multi-child discounts.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Peoria area that attract Peoria Heights families?
Peoria-area private schools offer distinctive programs that draw families from Peoria Heights. Peoria Academy, an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, offers the IB Primary Years Programme, a rare and rigorous global curriculum for younger students. Peoria Notre Dame High School provides extensive college-prep STEM pathways and a renowned arts program, including state-champion speech and drama teams. Peoria Christian School emphasizes a biblical worldview integration across subjects and offers strong athletics and fine arts. Proximity to Peoria's institutions like the Riverfront Museum and Caterpillar Inc. also allows for unique local partnerships and field study opportunities not always available in public districts.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Peoria Academy or Peoria Christian School for a family moving to Peoria Heights?
The enrollment process for Peoria-area private schools is rolling but prioritizes applications submitted by late winter for the following fall. Key steps include: 1) Attending an open house (typically held October-February). 2) Submitting an application by February/March for first-round consideration, along with application fees ($50-$100). 3) Providing records, teacher recommendations, and often completing a student assessment or shadow day. 4) For Peoria Notre Dame, placement test results are required. Financial aid applications usually have a March deadline. Because these schools draw from the entire region, popular grades can fill, so Peoria Heights families are advised to begin the process a full year in advance, especially for entry-level grades (Pre-K, Kindergarten, 9th).
For a family in Peoria Heights, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school (Peoria Heights District 325) and a private school in the area?
Key considerations include educational philosophy, class size, cost, and community. Peoria Heights District 325 offers a well-regarded local public option from elementary through high school with no tuition. Choosing a private school like those in Peoria involves a significant financial investment for often smaller class sizes (e.g., 15:1 vs. 20+:1) and specialized curricula (IB, faith-based). Transportation is a practical factor; while District 325 provides buses, private schools may require carpooling. For high school, the choice may be between Peoria Heights High School and Peoria Notre Dame, which involves comparing public school extracurriculars against private school college placement records and faith-based environment. Many families value the community alignment—whether with a neighborhood public school or a private school's specific mission.
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