The Best Private Schools in Savanna, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Savanna. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Riverview Center
Riverview Center Independent
Riverview Center is a highly-rated specialized private school serving the Savanna area with a focus on students with special needs and developmental disabilities. The school has earned exceptional ratings for its dedicated staff, comprehensive individualized education programs, and outstanding facility. Serving students from early childhood through adulthood, Riverview Center provides academic instruction, vocational training, and life skills development in a supportive, structured environment. The campus features specialized classrooms, therapeutic spaces, and vocational training areas. The school is particularly noted for its high parent satisfaction rates and commitment to helping each student reach their maximum potential.
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Holy Family Catholic Schools
Holy Family Catholic Schools System
Holy Family Catholic Schools in Dubuque, Iowa serves as a regional private education option for Savanna families, located approximately 30 miles away. This comprehensive K-12 Catholic school system offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with numerous Advanced Placement courses, strong STEM programs, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. With a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and high college acceptance rates, Holy Family attracts students from across the tri-state area including Illinois. The school provides transportation options and has a track record of serving students from the Savanna region with its comprehensive educational programs and strong community support.
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Saint John the Baptist Catholic School
Diocese of Rockford Catholic Schools
Saint John the Baptist Catholic School is the primary private education institution located directly in Savanna, serving students from Pre-K through 8th grade. As part of the Diocese of Rockford Catholic Schools system, the school provides a faith-based education with strong emphasis on core academic subjects. The school features small class sizes, individualized attention, and a close-knit community environment. Facilities include modern classrooms, a dedicated library, and technology resources. The school maintains strong community ties and offers a well-rounded education that includes religious instruction, academic fundamentals, and extracurricular activities tailored to the needs of Savanna families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Savanna, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families in Savanna, Illinois, and what are their educational approaches?
In Savanna, Illinois, the primary private school options are faith-based institutions. Saint John the Baptist Catholic School offers a Pre-K through 8th-grade education rooted in Catholic values and a traditional academic curriculum. Riverview Center is a private therapeutic day school serving students with special needs, providing individualized education and behavioral support. Holy Family Catholic Schools, while based in nearby Fulton, IL, is a regional system that some Savanna families consider, offering a Catholic education from Pre-K through 12th grade. The limited number of options means most private education in Savanna is religiously affiliated, with one specialized therapeutic option.
How does tuition at Savanna, IL private schools compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at Savanna's private schools, like Saint John the Baptist, is generally below the Illinois state average for private elementary schools due to the rural setting and lower cost of living. Annual tuition often ranges from $3,000 to $5,000 per student for parishioners, with slightly higher rates for non-parishioners. Illinois' Tax Credit Scholarship Program, "Invest in Kids," is a crucial financial aid resource, allowing donors to fund scholarships for eligible low- and middle-income families. Additionally, local parishes often provide subsidized tuition for active members, and some schools offer multi-child discounts. It's essential to inquire directly with each school about their specific tuition schedules and aid applications.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in Savanna, IL, offer that leverage the local community or environment?
Private schools in Savanna leverage their small size and river-town location for unique programs. Saint John the Baptist Catholic School often integrates the Mississippi River's ecology and local history into its science and social studies curricula. Its small class sizes allow for highly individualized instruction. Riverview Center provides specialized therapeutic programs and life skills training tailored to each student's needs, a niche service for the region. Given the proximity to the Mississippi, some schools may organize field trips to the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. Furthermore, the strong community focus in these schools often translates into service projects benefiting local Savanna organizations.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools in Savanna, Illinois, and are there waiting lists?
The enrollment process for Savanna's private schools usually begins in early spring (January-March) for the following academic year. For Saint John the Baptist Catholic School, priority is often given to registered parishioners and siblings of current students. The process typically involves submitting an application, providing birth and baptismal certificates (for Catholic schools), academic records, and sometimes a family interview. Due to the small size of the schools, spaces can be limited, especially in specific grade levels, but formal waiting lists are less common than in urban areas. Riverview Center's enrollment is driven by Individualized Education Program (IEP) team placements and referrals. We recommend contacting the school principal or admissions contact directly by February to understand specific deadlines and availability.
For a family in Savanna, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school?
Key considerations for Savanna families include educational philosophy, class size, cost, and transportation. Savanna's public schools (Savanna School District #300) offer a comprehensive K-12 system with no tuition and a wider range of elective and athletic programs at the secondary level. Private options like Saint John the Baptist provide a specific faith-based environment, often with smaller class sizes (sometimes 10-15 students) and consistent values integration throughout the day. Parents must weigh the annual tuition cost against their educational priorities. Transportation is another factor; while public schools provide busing, private school families often must arrange their own transportation. For families seeking a specialized therapeutic environment, Riverview Center fills a need the public school may not. Visiting both types of schools is crucial to feel the community difference firsthand.