The Best Private Schools in Rinard, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Rinard. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary's School
Diocese of Peoria Catholic Schools
St. Mary's School provides faith-based education to students from Rinard and surrounding communities. The school features a strong academic foundation with emphasis on core subjects, moral development, and community service. Facilities include modern classrooms, technology integration, and dedicated spaces for religious education. Parents consistently rate the school highly for its safe environment, dedicated teachers, and strong academic preparation for high school.
Programs:
Bishop McNamara Catholic School
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
Bishop McNamara Catholic School serves as a regional Catholic high school option for Rinard area families, offering comprehensive college preparatory education with advanced placement courses and specialized academies. The campus features state-of-the-art science laboratories, performing arts center, athletic facilities, and technology-enhanced learning spaces. The school maintains strong academic performance records with high college acceptance rates and extensive extracurricular opportunities including championship athletic programs and award-winning fine arts departments.
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Milford Junior/Senior High School
Milford Community Unit School District 280
Milford Junior/Senior High School serves the Rinard area as part of a comprehensive community school district. The school offers rigorous college preparatory curriculum with strong STEM programming and agricultural education pathways. Facilities include modern science labs, technology-enhanced classrooms, and comprehensive athletic facilities. The school maintains small class sizes and personalized attention, with strong parent satisfaction ratings for its community-focused approach and academic outcomes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Rinard, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families in Rinard, Illinois, and what grade levels do they serve?
Rinard, Illinois, is served by a few key private institutions, primarily with a Catholic affiliation due to the area's history. The notable schools include Milford Junior/Senior High School (grades 7-12), St. Mary's School (typically Pre-K through 8th grade), and Bishop McNamara Catholic School (a K-12 institution located in Kankakee, which draws many students from the Rinard area). Given Rinard's small size, families often look to these nearby schools in Milford and Kankakee for private education. There are limited non-religious private school options within Rinard itself, so exploring schools in surrounding Iroquois and Kankakee Counties is common.
How does tuition for private schools in the Rinard, IL, area compare, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition in the Rinard area varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, elementary tuition at St. Mary's may range from $4,000-$6,000 annually, while Milford Junior/Senior High and Bishop McNamara may have higher rates for secondary education, often between $7,000-$10,000. A critical financial consideration for Illinois residents is the "Invest in Kids Act" tax credit scholarship program, which provides need-based scholarships for private school tuition. While this program's future is subject to state legislative decisions, it has been a significant aid source. Additionally, all schools offer parish subsidies for active church members and have their own need-based financial aid applications.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools serving Rinard students?
Schools serving Rinard emphasize strong college preparatory curricula alongside faith-based education. Bishop McNamara Catholic School offers a notable STEM program and a wide range of athletics and arts. Milford Junior/Senior High School, being smaller, often provides personalized attention and may have strong agricultural science or vocational programs reflective of the rural Iroquois County community. St. Mary's School typically focuses on a solid foundational core curriculum with integrated technology and religion. A unique aspect for Rinard families is access to these close-knit school communities that often have multi-generational ties, fostering a strong sense of belonging and support.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools in the Rinard, Illinois, area?
The enrollment process for schools like St. Mary's and Milford Junior/Senior High usually begins in January or February for the following fall. Key steps include: 1) Attending an open house or scheduling a tour, 2) Submitting an application with a fee, 3) Providing academic records and sometimes standardized test scores, 4) For Catholic schools, providing baptismal certificates and possibly a pastor recommendation. For Bishop McNamara, the process may start earlier due to its larger draw. It's highly advisable for Rinard families to initiate contact by early winter, as some grades, especially kindergarten and 7th grade, may have limited seats. Sibling and parish member priority is often given.
How do the private schools near Rinard, IL, compare to the local public school district, and what are the key decision factors for families?
Rinard is part of the Milford Community Consolidated School District and Milford Township High School District. The key comparison points are scale, curriculum, and environment. Public schools are tuition-free and offer a broad curriculum to a wider demographic. The private options (St. Mary's, Milford Junior/Senior High, Bishop McNamara) offer smaller class sizes, a specific religious and values-based education, and often a more traditional disciplinary approach. For many Rinard families, the decision hinges on the desire for a faith-based education and the perception of a more structured environment. Transportation can be a factor, as private schools do not provide district busing, so carpooling is common among Rinard residents.