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.