The Best Private Schools in Princeton, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Princeton. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Louis School
Diocese of Peoria Catholic Schools
St. Louis School is a highly-regarded Catholic school serving Pre-K through 8th grade students in Princeton. With over 75 years of educational excellence, the school provides a strong faith-based education combined with rigorous academics. The school features small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a comprehensive curriculum that includes STEM education, fine arts, and competitive athletics. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, strong community values, and excellent preparation for high school. The school maintains modern facilities while preserving its long-standing tradition of academic excellence in the Princeton community.
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La Salle Peru Catholic School
Diocese of Peoria Catholic Schools
Located approximately 20 miles from Princeton, La Salle Peru Catholic School serves students from preschool through 12th grade and is a popular choice for Princeton families seeking comprehensive Catholic education. The school offers a robust college preparatory curriculum with Advanced Placement courses, extensive fine arts programs, and competitive athletics. With modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes, LPCS provides a well-rounded education grounded in Catholic values. The school has strong college acceptance rates and maintains a reputation for academic excellence throughout the Illinois Valley region.
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Marquette Academy
Diocese of Peoria Catholic Schools
Marquette Academy, located approximately 25 miles from Princeton in Ottawa, is a respected Catholic high school serving students throughout the region. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory program with strong emphasis on STEM education, humanities, and faith formation. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Marquette Academy provides personalized attention and strong academic support. The school features modern science labs, technology integration, competitive sports programs, and extensive extracurricular activities. Families from Princeton often choose Marquette for its strong academic reputation, safe environment, and excellent college preparation track record.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Princeton, Illinois
What are the main private school options available for families in Princeton, Illinois, and what are their educational affiliations?
In Princeton, Illinois, the primary private school options are faith-based institutions. St. Louis School is a Catholic elementary school (Pre-K through 8th grade) located in Princeton itself, offering a core curriculum integrated with Catholic teachings. For high school, many Princeton families look to nearby communities. Marquette Academy in Ottawa (about a 25-minute drive) is a popular Catholic college-preparatory high school serving the Diocese of Peoria. Additionally, La Salle Peru Catholic School in LaSalle provides another K-8 option within a reasonable commuting distance. There are no large, independent non-sectarian private day schools within Princeton proper, making these Catholic schools the central private education providers for the area.
How does tuition for private schools in the Princeton, Illinois, area typically compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Illinois families?
Tuition for private schools in the Princeton area is generally more affordable than in major metropolitan areas but represents a significant commitment for local families. For the 2024-2025 school year, St. Louis School in Princeton has tuition rates around $4,000-$5,000 annually for parishioners, with higher rates for non-parishioners. Marquette Academy's high school tuition is higher, often exceeding $7,000. A critical financial consideration for Illinois residents is the "Invest in Kids Act" tax credit scholarship program. This state initiative provides need-based scholarships funded by donations from Illinois taxpayers, who receive a tax credit. Eligibility is income-based, and these scholarships can substantially reduce tuition costs at qualified schools like St. Louis and Marquette. All schools also offer parish-based subsidies, multi-child discounts, and internal financial aid.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Princeton, IL, area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Princeton-area private schools emphasize a faith-based education core, integrating religious studies and values throughout the curriculum. Academically, schools like Marquette Academy offer a classical education model with a strong emphasis on college preparation, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses. St. Louis School focuses on foundational skills in a smaller, community-oriented environment. A notable differentiator is the ability for these schools to facilitate participation in Illinois Elementary School Association (IESA) and Illinois High School Association (IHSA) athletics and activities, even with smaller enrollments. For example, Marquette Academy fields competitive sports teams that compete against larger public schools. Many programs also emphasize community service projects rooted in their religious mission, which is a structured component of the student experience.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools like St. Louis School in Princeton, and are there considerations for transferring from public schools?
The enrollment process for Princeton's private schools typically begins in the winter or early spring for the following academic year. For St. Louis School, priority is often given to registered parishioners of St. Louis Catholic Church, siblings of current students, and then new families. The process involves submitting an application, providing birth and baptismal certificates, academic records, and often a family interview. For families transferring from Princeton's public schools (e.g., Lincoln Elementary or Princeton High School), mid-year transfers are sometimes possible depending on space, but starting at the beginning of a semester is encouraged. It's crucial to contact the school office directly by January or February to secure placement, especially for sought-after grades. Schools welcome students of all faith backgrounds, though non-Catholic families should be prepared for the religious curriculum.
For a family considering the choice between Princeton's public schools and local private options, what are the key factors to weigh specific to this community?
In Princeton, Illinois, the decision often hinges on educational philosophy, class size, and cost. Princeton District 115 public schools are well-regarded and offer a comprehensive, tax-funded education with diverse extracurriculars. The private school choice is primarily a choice for a faith-based environment with typically smaller class sizes, allowing for more individualized attention. For example, a St. Louis School classroom may have 15-20 students compared to potentially larger public school classes. Families must consider the commute to schools outside Princeton (like Marquette Academy) for high school versus attending the local Princeton High School. Additionally, the community aspect is strong in the private schools, often centered around the church parish. The financial commitment is a major factor, but the Illinois tax credit scholarship can help bridge the gap for qualifying families. Ultimately, it's a personal decision between a secular, comprehensive public system and a values-driven, community-focused private education.
Private Education Insights
Discover the Top Private Elementary Schools in Princeton, Illinois for Your Child
When families in Princeton, Illinois, begin their search for the “best private elementary schools near me,” they are often looking for more than just academic rigor. They seek a nurturing environment that aligns with their values, a strong sense of community, and an educational foundation that will serve their children for a lifetime. Fortunately, the Princeton area offers several distinctive private school options, each with its own character and strengths, allowing parents to find a fit that feels just right for their family.
A cornerstone of private education in the region is St. Louis School, right here in Princeton. This parish school provides a faith-based, Pre-K through 8th-grade education deeply integrated with the local Catholic community. Parents often praise its intimate classroom settings and the emphasis on character development alongside core academics. For families seeking a traditional, values-centered education within the Princeton city limits, St. Louis is a compelling first stop. Its continuity through middle school is a significant benefit, offering a stable, long-term educational home.
Expanding the search just a short drive away opens up other excellent possibilities. La Salle Peru Catholic School, located in nearby La Salle, serves students from preschool through eighth grade and draws families from across Bureau County. It is known for its strong curricular programs and active parent-teacher organization. For Princeton parents working in the La Salle-Peru area or those looking for a slightly larger school community while maintaining a Catholic identity, LPCS is a wonderful option to consider. The commute is manageable and often shared among families.
Another highly regarded institution is Marquette Academy in Ottawa, a Pre-K through 12th grade school. While it involves a bit more of a drive from Princeton, many families find the comprehensive, college-preparatory environment worth it. The ability to have a child in a seamless educational system from elementary straight through high school is a powerful draw. Marquette’s broader range of extracurricular activities and academic resources, by virtue of being a full PK-12 campus, provides a different scale of opportunity.
Choosing between these excellent schools ultimately comes down to personal priorities. Princeton parents should consider daily logistics, the importance of a faith-based curriculum, the desired school size, and whether a Pre-8 or a K-12 model is preferable. We always recommend scheduling tours and visiting during a school day. There is no substitute for seeing the classrooms in action, feeling the school’s atmosphere, and speaking directly with teachers and administrators. Ask about classroom technology integration, approach to social-emotional learning, and how the school communicates with families. Your search for the “best private elementary schools near me” in the Princeton, IL area is really a search for a partnership—a place where your family’s values are reflected and your child is known, challenged, and encouraged. The good news is that with these quality local options, you are well-positioned to find that perfect educational partner.