The Best Private Schools in Quincy, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Quincy. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Quincy Notre Dame High School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Illinois
Quincy Notre Dame is the premier Catholic college preparatory high school in the region, serving students in grades 9-12. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 95% of graduates attending college. QND features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, performing arts center, and comprehensive athletic facilities. The school maintains small class sizes with a 12:1 student-teacher ratio and offers extensive extracurricular activities including championship athletic programs, robotics team, and numerous clubs. QND is known for its strong community values and academic excellence.
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Holy Family School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Illinois
Holy Family School provides Catholic education for students in preschool through 8th grade. The school emphasizes academic excellence within a faith-based environment, featuring modern classrooms, computer labs, and dedicated spaces for music and art. Holy Family offers a comprehensive curriculum including advanced mathematics, language arts, and science programs. The school maintains strong parent involvement and community partnerships. Extracurricular activities include sports, choir, and academic competitions. Holy Family is recognized for its supportive learning environment and strong student achievement outcomes.
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St. Peter School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Illinois
St. Peter School has been serving the Quincy community for nearly a century, providing Catholic education for students in preschool through 8th grade. The school offers a balanced curriculum that integrates faith, academics, and character development. Facilities include modern classrooms, science lab, computer lab, library, and gymnasium. St. Peter's emphasizes technology integration with 1:1 device programs and interactive learning tools. The school offers comprehensive athletic programs, music education, and various clubs. Known for its strong sense of community and tradition, St. Peter School prepares students academically and spiritually for high school and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Quincy, Illinois
What are the main private school options available for families in Quincy, Illinois, and what grade levels do they serve?
Quincy, IL, offers a primarily faith-based private school network. The top institutions include **Quincy Notre Dame High School**, serving grades 9-12 as the city's sole private high school. For elementary and middle school education, **Holy Family School** (Pre-K through 8th grade) and **St. Peter School** (Pre-K through 8th grade) are prominent Catholic elementary schools. These schools provide a continuous, values-based education from early childhood through high school graduation within the Quincy community. There are limited secular private school options, making these Catholic schools the cornerstone of private education in the area.
How does tuition for private schools in Quincy, IL, compare, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid options?
Tuition in Quincy's private schools is generally considered moderate compared to larger metropolitan areas. For the 2023-2024 school year, elementary schools like Holy Family and St. Peter have annual tuition ranging from approximately $4,000 to $5,500 per student, with parishioner and multi-child discounts. Quincy Notre Dame High School tuition is higher, typically around $8,000-$9,000. Critically, Illinois offers the **Invest in Kids Act Tax Credit Scholarship Program**, which provides state tax credits to donors who fund scholarships for eligible students attending private schools. Families in Quincy should inquire directly with each school about their participation in this program, as well as local parish subsidies and need-based financial aid.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in Quincy that leverage the local community?
Quincy's private schools integrate the city's rich history and Mississippi River location into their programs. **Quincy Notre Dame (QND)** offers distinctive courses in Agricultural Science and Business, reflecting the region's farming economy, and has a strong engineering track. Its proximity to the river also supports environmental science studies. At the elementary level, schools like **St. Peter** and **Holy Family** emphasize community service projects tied to local organizations like the Quincy Food Pantry and historical sites such as the Villa Kathrine. Furthermore, QND's athletic rivalries with local public schools and other Illinois River communities create a unique interscholastic environment.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Quincy, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for Quincy's private schools typically begins in January or February for the following academic year, with priority often given to siblings of current students and active parish members. **Quincy Notre Dame** hosts an 8th Grade Shadow Day and requires an entrance exam for incoming freshmen. For the elementary schools, open houses are held early in the calendar year. While these schools generally have capacity, popular grades, especially Pre-K and Kindergarten, can fill quickly, leading to waitlists. It is highly advisable for Quincy parents to contact schools by early winter to secure application materials and schedule tours, as late applications may be considered only if space remains.
For parents considering both sectors, what are the key differences between Quincy's public schools (Quincy Public Schools District #172) and its private school options?
The key differences lie in curriculum, scale, and religious education. **Quincy Public Schools** (QPS) offer a broader range of specialized programs, including extensive Advanced Placement (AP) courses at Quincy Senior High and alternative education pathways. Private schools provide a smaller, more intimate environment with a mandatory faith-based curriculum and daily religion classes. Disciplinary and behavioral expectations often align closely with religious values. Extracurricularly, QPS has a larger selection of clubs and sports due to its size, while private schools like QND offer a tight-knit community where participation in multiple activities is common. Financially, QPS is tax-funded, whereas private schools require tuition but may offer a more uniform socio-economic environment. The choice often centers on a family's desire for a faith-integrated education versus a larger, secular public system.
Private Education Insights
Discover Top Independent Secondary Schools Near Quincy, IL for Your Child's Future
When families in Quincy, Illinois, begin searching for "independent secondary schools near me," they are often looking for an educational environment that aligns closely with their values and aspirations for their children. In our historic river city, this search typically leads to a thoughtful consideration of the distinct private institutions that have shaped generations of local students. While the term "independent" can sometimes be used interchangeably with "private," it often emphasizes a school's self-governance and unique mission. In Quincy, your exploration will reveal schools that are deeply independent in character and commitment, each offering a structured, values-based alternative to the public system.
Your most prominent option for secondary education is Quincy Notre Dame High School. As a diocesan Catholic school, QND provides a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum for grades 9-12, rooted in faith and service. Its independence is reflected in its ability to craft an academic and spiritual program that fosters both intellectual growth and community responsibility. Parents appreciate its strong athletic traditions, extensive extracurricular activities, and consistent record of graduates attending excellent universities. For a family in Quincy, QND represents a cornerstone institution, creating a close-knit community feel that extends well beyond the classroom walls.
While your search for "independent secondary schools near me" might focus on the high school level, understanding the full K-12 pathway is crucial. This is where schools like Holy Family School and St. Peter School become essential considerations. These institutions offer foundational education from preschool through eighth grade, operating independently with their own guiding philosophies and close ties to their parish communities. Holy Family, formed from the consolidation of several parish schools, and St. Peter, with its long history, both prioritize academic rigor, small class sizes, and character formation. Enrolling your child here often sets them on a seamless path, perfectly preparing them for the secondary environment at QND, creating a continuous, stable educational journey from a young age.
Choosing between these excellent options requires a local perspective. Consider the daily logistics: Quincy's layout means commute times are generally manageable, but visiting each campus is invaluable. Attend open houses, often held in the fall, to feel the culture of each school. Talk to current parents at Quincy's community events or at the many family-oriented activities along the riverfront. Financially, investigate each school’s tuition assistance programs—many Quincy families benefit from generous scholarships and parish subsidies, making private education more accessible than initially assumed. Your search for "independent secondary schools near me" is ultimately about finding a partner in your child’s development. In Quincy, you have the advantage of choosing from established institutions that are integral to the fabric of the city, each offering a personalized, values-driven education that prepares students not just for college, but for a life of purpose and contribution. Taking the time to explore these local gems will help you find the right fit for your family’s unique story.