The Best Private Schools in Redmon, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Redmon. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Montessori School of McLean County
Independent Montessori
The Montessori School of McLean County is a highly-regarded private school serving the broader Central Illinois region including Redmon. Founded on authentic Montessori principles, the school offers individualized education for children from preschool through middle school. The school features specially trained Montessori teachers, mixed-age classrooms, and hands-on learning materials that foster independence and critical thinking. Facilities include dedicated art and music rooms, outdoor learning spaces, and well-equipped classrooms. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment and the academic preparedness of graduates who transition successfully to area high schools.
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University High School
Illinois State University
University High School is a laboratory school affiliated with Illinois State University that serves as a regional educational resource for communities including Redmon. As a selective admission school, U-High offers an academically rigorous college preparatory program with small class sizes and exceptional faculty credentials. The school features state-of-the-art science laboratories, extensive technology resources, and partnerships with ISU that provide unique learning opportunities. Students benefit from a comprehensive extracurricular program including championship athletic teams, award-winning fine arts programs, and numerous academic competitions. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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Judah Christian School
Independent Christian
Judah Christian School is a well-established private Christian school serving families throughout East Central Illinois, including those from Redmon seeking quality private education options. The school offers a comprehensive PreK-12 program that integrates faith-based education with rigorous academic preparation. Judah features modern facilities including science laboratories, technology-enhanced classrooms, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. The school maintains small class sizes with dedicated Christian faculty and offers a robust extracurricular program including competitive athletics, music ensembles, and service learning opportunities. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the school's community atmosphere and college preparatory focus.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Redmon, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families in and around Redmond, Illinois?
Redmond, Illinois, is part of the broader McLean County area, which offers several well-regarded private school options. The most prominent include The Montessori School of McLean County, which serves preschool through elementary with a child-centered, hands-on approach; University High School, a selective college-preparatory school affiliated with Illinois State University in nearby Normal; and Judah Christian School, a faith-based institution offering a comprehensive Pre-K through 12th grade program. While Redmond itself is a smaller community, these schools are accessible to residents and represent the core of private education in the region, spanning Montessori, rigorous academic, and Christian educational philosophies.
How does tuition for private schools in the Redmond, IL, area compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Illinois?
Tuition in the Redmond area varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect a range from approximately $6,000 to $15,000+ annually. The Montessori School of McLean County and Judah Christian School typically fall in the mid-range, while University High School is at the higher end due to its intensive college-prep focus. A key Illinois-specific financial consideration is the Invest in Kids Act Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which provides need-based scholarships funded by donations from individuals and businesses who receive a state tax credit. All mentioned schools participate in or accept such scholarships. Additionally, each school offers its own need-based financial aid, and Judah Christian may have congregational support for member families.
What unique academic programs or specializations do private schools near Redmond, Illinois, offer?
Private schools near Redmond provide distinct academic pathways. University High School is renowned for its advanced curriculum, including extensive AP courses, and unique opportunities for student research and internships through its connection to Illinois State University. The Montessori School of McLean County offers the signature Montessori method, emphasizing individualized learning, multi-age classrooms, and practical life skills from an early age. Judah Christian School integrates a biblical worldview across all subjects and offers strong arts and athletic programs alongside college-prep academics. For families in Redmond, this means access to specialized pedagogies (Montessori, classical college-prep, faith-based integration) that are not typically found in a single public school district.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Redmond, Illinois, families?
The enrollment process for Redmond-area private schools generally begins in the winter for the following fall. Key dates are: University High School has a highly selective process with an application deadline often in early January, followed by entrance exams and interviews. The Montessori School of McLean County and Judah Christian School usually begin accepting applications in January-February, with rolling admissions thereafter until spots are filled. A common and critical first step for all schools is to attend an open house or schedule a personal tour, which are typically held between October and February. Given the limited seats, especially at University High, initiating the process a full year in advance is strongly advised for Redmond parents.
For a family in Redmond, what are the practical considerations when comparing local public schools to these private options?
Redmond families must weigh several local factors. The primary public school option is Olympia Community Unit School District 16, which serves the region from a consolidated campus in Stanford. Choosing a private school often involves a commute to Bloomington-Normal (20-30 minutes) for access to the specialized programs mentioned. The trade-off includes potentially smaller class sizes, distinct educational philosophies (Montessori, faith-based), and, in the case of University High, a focused academic environment. Financially, it means assuming tuition costs versus the no-tuition public option. However, for families seeking a specific pedagogical approach, a more rigorous college-prep environment, or religious education, the private schools near Redmond provide alternatives that the public district, by its nature, cannot offer. Transportation is also a key practical difference, as private schools do not provide district bus service.