The Best Private Schools in Russell, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Russell. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary Immaculate Catholic School
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
St. Mary Immaculate Catholic School serves students from preschool through 8th grade and is one of the top-rated private schools in the Russell area. Located just minutes from Russell in Plainfield, the school offers a comprehensive Catholic education with strong academic programs including advanced STEM curriculum, fine arts, and competitive athletics. The school features modern facilities, small class sizes, and dedicated faculty. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, academic rigor, and strong community values that prepare students for high school success.
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All Saints Catholic Academy
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
All Saints Catholic Academy serves families throughout the region including Russell and provides education from preschool through 8th grade. The school is known for its strong academic foundation with particular emphasis on mathematics, science, and technology integration. The campus features state-of-the-art classrooms, science labs, and technology resources. The school maintains a balanced approach to education with robust music, art, and athletic programs. Parent reviews highlight the excellent teacher quality, safe learning environment, and comprehensive preparation for high school.
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St. Mary's School
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
St. Mary's School has served the regional community for nearly a century and provides education from preschool through 8th grade. Located within reasonable commuting distance from Russell, this established institution offers a traditional Catholic education with modern academic enhancements including targeted reading intervention programs, Spanish language instruction, and comprehensive athletic teams. The school is praised for its experienced faculty, strong community involvement, and well-maintained facilities. Parents appreciate the school's commitment to character development alongside academic excellence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Russell, Illinois
What are the private school options for families living in Russell, Illinois, and are they all Catholic-affiliated?
Russell, Illinois, is served by a small number of private schools, all of which are Catholic institutions. The primary options are St. Mary Immaculate Catholic School (in Plainfield, serving the area), All Saints Catholic Academy (also in nearby Plainfield), and St. Mary's School (in neighboring Minooka). There are no secular or non-Catholic private schools physically located within Russell's village limits. For families in Russell seeking a private education, these Catholic schools are the main choice, often involving a short commute to a neighboring community. It's important to research each school's specific mission, curriculum, and feeder parish relationships.
How does tuition at Catholic schools in the Russell, IL, area typically work, and are there Illinois state programs that can help with costs?
Tuition for schools like St. Mary Immaculate, All Saints Catholic Academy, and St. Mary's School is set by each parish and diocese. Rates often differ for parishioners versus non-parishioners, with registered and actively contributing members of the supporting Catholic church receiving a significantly reduced rate. For financial assistance, Illinois offers the **Invest in Kids Act Tax Credit Scholarship Program**. This state initiative provides scholarships for eligible families to attend private schools, and these area Catholic schools typically participate. Parents should inquire directly with their school of choice about application procedures for both need-based aid and the tax credit scholarship.
What are the enrollment timelines and key eligibility factors for the Catholic schools serving Russell, Illinois families?
Enrollment for the upcoming school year at schools like All Saints Catholic Academy and St. Mary Immaculate typically opens in January or February, with priority often given to siblings of current students and registered parishioners of their supporting churches. For families in Russell, eligibility may depend on your parish affiliation. Many of these schools have geographic boundaries based on parish territories, so your home address in Russell will determine your designated parish and its associated school. It is crucial to contact the school and parish office early to understand the specific timeline, required documentation (including baptismal certificates for Catholic students), and any entrance assessments.
Beyond religious education, what academic or extracurricular programs are notable at the private schools accessible from Russell, IL?
While sharing a Catholic foundation, the schools serving Russell each offer distinct programs. For example, **All Saints Catholic Academy** emphasizes a STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) curriculum and may have dedicated labs. **St. Mary Immaculate** often highlights its strong core academics and character education programs. Extracurriculars like sports (often through the Suburban Christian Conference), music, band, and clubs are common, but the breadth can vary with school size. Parents should schedule tours to see technology integration, ask about middle school electives, and inquire about partnerships with local high schools for advanced coursework.
For a family in Russell, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the local public school (Minooka Community Consolidated School District 201) and the available Catholic private schools?
The decision hinges on several factors specific to the Russell area. **Transportation** is a key difference: public school busing is provided within District 201, while parents are responsible for transportation to private schools. **Cost** is obvious, with public schools being tuition-free. **Class size** in the private options may be smaller than in the growing public district. **Curriculum focus**: public schools follow state standards, while Catholic schools integrate faith and values throughout the day. Finally, consider the **educational pathway**: the local Catholic schools feed into Catholic high schools like Providence Catholic, while public students typically attend Minooka High School. Visiting both types of schools is essential to feel the community and academic environment.
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