The Best Private Schools in Rutland, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Rutland. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary School
Diocese of Peoria Catholic Schools
St. Mary School is a highly-regarded Catholic school serving the Rutland area and surrounding communities. With over 160 years of educational excellence, the school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade program grounded in Catholic values. The curriculum emphasizes strong academics with integrated STEM education, fine arts programs, and competitive athletics. The school features modern facilities, small class sizes, and dedicated teachers who provide personalized attention. Parents consistently praise the strong community atmosphere, academic rigor, and character development programs. The school serves multiple rural communities including Rutland families seeking quality private education.
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Marquette Academy
Diocese of Peoria Catholic Schools
Marquette Academy is a premier Catholic high school serving Rutland and the broader LaSalle County region. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with multiple Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive fine arts programs, and competitive athletic teams. With historic roots dating back to 1854, the school combines tradition with modern educational practices. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and extensive athletic complexes. The school is known for its strong academic outcomes, with graduates consistently accepted to top universities. Parents appreciate the safe, values-based environment and the school's commitment to developing well-rounded students.
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St. Bede Academy
Diocese of Peoria Catholic Schools
St. Bede Academy is a respected Benedictine college preparatory school serving Rutland and the Illinois Valley region. Founded in 1890, the academy offers a comprehensive 9-12 grade education rooted in Catholic tradition and academic excellence. The school features strong STEM programs, extensive fine arts offerings, and competitive athletics. The campus includes modern academic facilities, science and technology labs, and beautiful historic buildings. St. Bede is particularly noted for its strong sense of community, individualized college counseling, and commitment to character formation. The school serves students from multiple rural communities and provides transportation options for families in the Rutland area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Rutland, Illinois
What are the private school options for families living in Rutland, Illinois, and are there any located directly in the town?
For families in Rutland, Illinois, the primary private school options are Catholic institutions within a reasonable commuting distance. There are no private schools physically located within the small village of Rutland itself. The most prominent nearby options include St. Mary School in nearby Wenona (Pre-K through 8th grade), Marquette Academy in Ottawa (Pre-K through 12th), and St. Bede Academy in Peru (9th through 12th). This means families in Rutland must plan for transportation to these schools in neighboring communities, which is a key local consideration.
How does the tuition at private schools near Rutland, IL, compare, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition varies among the schools serving Rutland-area families. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. Mary School (K-8) has a parishioner rate around $4,000, while Marquette Academy's high school tuition is approximately $9,000. St. Bede Academy's tuition is roughly $10,000. Importantly, Illinois offers the "Invest in Kids Act" tax credit scholarship program, which can provide significant need-based financial aid for qualifying families at these participating private schools. All three schools have their own financial aid and parish subsidy systems, so it's essential to inquire directly about the total cost and available assistance.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools near Rutland, Illinois, offer that differentiate them?
The private schools accessible to Rutland residents offer distinct programs shaped by their missions. Marquette Academy provides a college-preparatory curriculum with a 1:1 technology program and notable fine arts offerings. St. Bede Academy, a Benedictine college-prep school, features a renowned journalism program (The Academy Chronicle) and strong STEM pathways. St. Mary School offers a strong foundational education with an emphasis on faith and character, often serving as a feeder to the high schools. For Rutland families, these specialized programs come with the trade-off of a longer daily commute but provide options not typically available in very small rural public districts.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like St. Mary, Marquette, and St. Bede for a family from Rutland?
The enrollment process for these schools typically begins in January or February for the following fall, with priority often given to current families and parish members. As a Rutland resident, you should contact the admissions office of each school directly, as you will be outside their immediate parish boundaries. Key steps include submitting an application, providing records from your current school (which may be a small rural public school), and often a student/parent interview or assessment. For St. Bede Academy, which is a boarding school, Rutland families can apply as day students. It's advisable to initiate contact a full year in advance, especially for competitive grades.
For a family in Rutland, what are the primary considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school like Marquette or St. Bede?
The decision for Rutland families often centers on community size, curriculum breadth, and values. The local Rutland public schools are part of a very small district (Rutland CCSD 230), which offers a close-knit community but may have limited advanced placement or specialized elective courses. Private options like Marquette or St. Bede offer a wider array of college-prep courses, extracurricular activities, and typically smaller class sizes, but require a daily commute of 20-40 minutes to Ottawa or Peru. Furthermore, the private schools provide a faith-based education environment, which is a significant factor for many families in this region. Transportation logistics and cost become the primary practical trade-offs.