The Best Private Schools in Putnam, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Putnam. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Bede Academy
Roman Catholic Diocese of Peoria
St. Bede Academy is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school located just 8 miles from Putnam. With over 140 years of educational excellence, the school offers a rigorous academic program featuring 14 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM education, and extensive extracurricular activities including competitive athletics and fine arts programs. The 140-acre campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complexes. The school maintains small class sizes with a 12:1 student-teacher ratio and has a 99% college acceptance rate.
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Marquette Academy
Roman Catholic Diocese of Peoria
Marquette Academy is a distinguished Catholic college preparatory school located approximately 20 miles from Putnam in Ottawa. The school offers a comprehensive educational experience with Advanced Placement courses, dual credit opportunities through local colleges, and a strong emphasis on character development. The campus features modern academic facilities, science laboratories, and athletic complexes. Marquette maintains a strong tradition of academic excellence with 98% of graduates attending college and receiving substantial scholarship awards annually.
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St. Mary's School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Peoria
St. Mary's School provides exceptional private education for students in Pre-K through 8th grade, located just 8 miles from Putnam in Peru. As one of the oldest continuously operating schools in the region, St. Mary's offers a strong foundation in core academics complemented by technology integration, religious education, and enrichment programs. The school features modern classrooms, computer labs, and dedicated spaces for art and music. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention, and the curriculum prepares students for success at prestigious high schools throughout the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Putnam, Illinois
What are the private school options for families in and around Putnam, Illinois, and what grade levels do they serve?
Putnam itself is a small village, so the primary private school options are located in nearby communities, drawing from the Putnam area. The top schools include St. Bede Academy in Peru (co-ed, grades 9-12), Marquette Academy in Ottawa (co-ed, grades PreK-12), and St. Mary's School in Peru (co-ed, grades PreK-8). These Catholic institutions are the cornerstone of private education in the Illinois Valley region serving Putnam residents. For high school, St. Bede and Marquette are the main choices, while St. Mary's provides a K-8 foundation. Transportation considerations are important, as families typically need to commute to Peru or Ottawa.
How does tuition at private schools like St. Bede Academy or Marquette Academy compare to the Illinois state average, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition for these schools is generally below the Illinois state average for private high schools, reflecting the region's cost of living. For the 2024-2025 school year, high school tuition at St. Bede and Marquette typically ranges from $8,000 to $10,000 annually. All three schools offer substantial financial aid through parish subsidies for active Catholic families, need-based scholarships, and multi-child discounts. The Illinois Tax Credit Scholarship Program, via Empower Illinois, is a critical resource that allows donors to direct funds to scholarship-granting organizations, helping make these schools accessible to income-eligible families in Putnam and across the state.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Putnam-area private schools offer that leverage the local community?
Schools in the Illinois Valley emphasize strong college-prep curricula alongside unique local opportunities. St. Bede Academy offers a distinctive Engineering and Design Program and leverages its large campus for agricultural science interests. Marquette Academy provides a PreK-12 continuum and robust dual-credit courses through partnerships with Illinois Valley Community College. Given the area's strong Catholic heritage, theology and service learning are deeply integrated, with students participating in local outreach in Ottawa, Peru, and LaSalle. Athletics, particularly through the Tri-County Conference, foster strong rivalries and community spirit. These schools often utilize local history and river industry for project-based learning.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Putnam, Illinois families?
The enrollment process for schools like St. Mary's, Marquette, and St. Bede typically begins in January for the following academic year. Priority is often given to current families, siblings, and active parishioners of supporting Catholic parishes in the Illinois Valley Deanery. The process involves submitting an application, academic records, a pastor/principal recommendation (for Catholic schools), and often a family interview. Open houses are usually held in the fall and winter. For high schools, placement exams for incoming freshmen are scheduled in the winter. It's advisable for Putnam families to initiate contact by early fall, as some grades, particularly in the younger years at St. Mary's, may have waiting lists.
For a family in Putnam, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district (Putnam County CUSD 535) and a private school like St. Bede or Marquette?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. Putnam County CUSD 535 is a small, consolidated rural district offering a close-knit public school experience from elementary in McNabb to high school in Granville. Private options require a commute (15-30 minutes) to Peru or Ottawa but offer a faith-based education, often smaller class sizes, and a dedicated college-prep focus. For high school, a major differentiator is extracurricular breadth; the private schools may offer more niche sports or clubs due to their larger, regional draw. Financially, public school eliminates tuition but may involve activity fees. Families must also consider their values alignment and the importance of a religious foundation in their child's education within the context of the Illinois Valley community.