The Best Private Schools in Savoy, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Savoy. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The High School of Saint Thomas More
Diocese of Peoria Catholic Schools
The High School of Saint Thomas More is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving the Champaign-Urbana metropolitan area, including Savoy. Founded in 2007 through the consolidation of two established Catholic high schools, it offers a rigorous academic program with 18 Advanced Placement courses and a comprehensive STEM curriculum. The school features modern facilities including state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. With a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, students receive personalized attention and strong college counseling. The school emphasizes character development and community service alongside academic excellence, with graduates consistently attending top-tier universities nationwide.
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Judah Christian School
Independent Christian School
Judah Christian School has been serving the Champaign-Urbana community, including Savoy families, since 1979. This established Christian school offers a comprehensive educational program from kindergarten through 12th grade with a strong college preparatory focus. The curriculum integrates biblical worldview across all subjects while maintaining high academic standards. Facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, art studios, and athletic fields. The school emphasizes character development, community service, and spiritual growth alongside academic achievement. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Judah Christian provides a nurturing environment that prepares students for college and beyond while maintaining strong parent satisfaction ratings.
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St. John Lutheran School
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
St. John Lutheran School has been providing quality Christian education to the Champaign-Urbana area, including Savoy, for over seven decades. Serving students from preschool through 8th grade, this established Lutheran school offers a comprehensive curriculum grounded in Christian values while meeting rigorous academic standards. The school features updated facilities, technology-integrated classrooms, and specialized spaces for music, art, and physical education. With a strong emphasis on individualized learning and character development, St. John prepares students for success in high school and beyond. The school maintains an active parent community and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities, making it a popular choice for families seeking a faith-based educational foundation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Savoy, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Savoy, Illinois?
Savoy itself is a smaller village, so most of its residents look to neighboring Champaign-Urbana for private school options. The top schools serving Savoy families include The High School of Saint Thomas More (Catholic, grades 9-12), Judah Christian School (interdenominational Christian, PreK-12), and St. John Lutheran School (Lutheran, PreK-8). While these schools are located in Champaign, they actively enroll students from Savoy, often with provided transportation or carpool networks. There are no large, independent private school campuses within Savoy's village limits, making proximity to Champaign-Urbana a key factor.
How does the tuition for private schools serving Savoy, IL, compare, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-25 academic year, St. John Lutheran's elementary grades are approximately $6,000-$8,000, Judah Christian ranges from $8,000 to $11,000 for K-12, and Saint Thomas More High School is around $10,000-$12,000. Illinois offers the Tax Credit Scholarship Program, where donors can receive a state tax credit for contributions to scholarship-granting organizations, increasing financial aid availability. Additionally, the Illinois Invest in Kids Act, though currently in a sunset phase, has previously provided significant scholarship opportunities. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school's financial aid office about need-based grants and parish subsidies for member families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Savoy/Champaign area?
Leveraging their proximity to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, local private schools offer unique partnerships and programs. The High School of Saint Thomas More provides dual-credit courses through Parkland College and robust STEM initiatives. Judah Christian School emphasizes a comprehensive biblical worldview integration across all subjects and offers strong fine arts programs. St. John Lutheran School focuses on foundational literacy and character education with small class sizes. Notably, many students benefit from access to university resources, including science fairs, library systems, and guest lecturers, which are unique advantages of the Savoy-Champaign locale.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Savoy, Illinois families?
The enrollment process is school-specific but generally follows an annual cycle. For schools like Judah Christian and St. John Lutheran, priority enrollment for existing families and siblings often begins in January, with open enrollment for new families starting in February or March. The High School of Saint Thomas More typically holds its entrance exam and application process in the fall for the following academic year. Given the competitive nature for limited seats, especially in early grades and at the high school level, Savoy parents are advised to begin inquiries a full year in advance, attend fall open houses, and complete applications by the priority deadlines to secure placement.
For Savoy residents, how do the local private school options compare to the highly-rated public schools in the Champaign Unit 4 and Mahomet-Seymour districts?
This is a key consideration for Savoy families, as the village is split between the Champaign Unit 4 (Savoy Elementary) and Mahomet-Seymour school districts, both of which are well-regarded. The choice often centers on educational philosophy and specific needs. Private schools offer smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students vs. 25+ in public), explicit religious instruction, and a consistent community from elementary through high school. Public schools offer greater diversity, extensive extracurricular and AP course catalogs (especially at Champaign Central), and no tuition. Many Savoy families value the private school option for its structured environment and moral foundation, while others prefer the resources and broad programs of the large public districts, making it a highly personal decision based on family values.
Private Education Insights
Discover Top-Rated Private Pre-K Programs in Savoy, IL: Your Local Guide
As a parent in Savoy, Illinois, beginning the search for a “private pre k near me” marks an exciting and foundational step in your child’s educational journey. This vibrant community, nestled near the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and access to rich academic resources, which extends thoughtfully into its early childhood education options. Finding the right private pre-kindergarten program is about more than just proximity; it’s about aligning a school’s philosophy, community, and approach with your family’s values and your young learner’s needs.
While Savoy itself is a growing residential community, your search for exceptional private pre k will naturally lead you to explore the broader Champaign-Urbana area, where several established institutions have served families for generations. Schools like St. John Lutheran School and Judah Christian School, though not located within Savoy’s immediate boundaries, are a short and convenient commute away and are central to many local families' considerations. These schools often provide a seamless educational continuum from pre-kindergarten through middle or high school, offering a stable, consistent environment for your child to grow. When you search for “private pre k near me,” you’re likely looking at these respected programs, each with a distinct character. A faith-based foundation is a common thread, integrating spiritual and moral development with early academics and social-emotional learning in a structured, nurturing setting.
The practicalities for Savoy parents are important to consider. When evaluating a private pre k, inquire about transportation options or carpool networks, as many Savoy families coordinate together. Visit during the day to observe the classroom dynamic and ask specific questions about daily routines, play-based learning, and how they prepare children for the transition into kindergarten. Given our community’s connection to the university, many programs benefit from that proximity, incorporating elements of diverse cultural perspectives or innovative early childhood research into their curricula. It’s also wise to understand the enrollment timeline, as sought-after private pre k programs in our area often have waiting lists or early application deadlines.
Ultimately, your visit will tell you more than any website. Schedule a tour, let your child explore the classroom if possible, and talk to the teachers. You’ll want to feel a sense of partnership and open communication. The right private pre k near Savoy will feel like an extension of your family—a place where your child is known, valued, and encouraged to explore their world with curiosity and confidence. This initial investment in their education lays the groundwork for a lifelong love of learning, right here in our supportive community. Taking the time to find the perfect fit is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give your child as they take their first formal steps into the world of education.