The Best Private Schools in Scales Mound, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Scales Mound. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. John Lutheran School
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
St. John Lutheran School is a highly-rated Christian private school located just 8 miles from Scales Mound in Galena. Serving students from preschool through 8th grade, the school offers a comprehensive curriculum rooted in Lutheran values with strong emphasis on academic excellence. The school features small class sizes, dedicated certified teachers, and a nurturing environment. Programs include robust STEM education, music and arts programs, competitive athletics, and character development. The school has excellent parent satisfaction ratings and serves families throughout the tri-state area including Scales Mound residents.
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Wahlert Catholic High School
Archdiocese of Dubuque
Wahlert Catholic High School is a premier college-preparatory institution located approximately 15 miles from Scales Mound in Dubuque, Iowa. Serving the tri-state region, this highly-regarded school offers rigorous academic programs including Advanced Placement courses, a specialized STEM Academy, and comprehensive fine arts programs. The campus features modern facilities, state-of-the-art science labs, athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces. With a strong track record of college acceptance and student achievement, Wahlert serves many Illinois families from Scales Mound and surrounding communities. The school emphasizes faith formation, academic excellence, and character development.
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Galena Islamic School
Islamic Society of Galena
Galena Islamic School is a well-regarded private institution located just minutes from Scales Mound, serving students from preschool through middle school. The school combines rigorous academic standards with Islamic values and character education. The curriculum includes comprehensive college-preparatory coursework, advanced STEM programs, Arabic language instruction, and Islamic studies. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school provides individualized attention and strong academic outcomes. The modern campus features updated classrooms, science labs, and recreational facilities. The school serves a diverse student population from Scales Mound and surrounding Illinois communities, with excellent parent satisfaction ratings and strong community involvement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Scales Mound, Illinois
What are the private school options for families residing in Scales Mound, Illinois, and are there any located directly within the village?
Scales Mound is a small village, so there are no private schools physically located within its boundaries. However, families in Scales Mound have access to several well-regarded private schools in the surrounding northwestern Illinois region. The closest options include St. John Lutheran School (PreK-8) in Galena, approximately 10 miles away, and Wahlert Catholic High School in Dubuque, Iowa, about 20 miles away. For specific religious education, the Galena Islamic School is also an option in the area. Most families commute to these schools, and some may offer limited transportation services or carpool networks.
How does tuition for private schools near Scales Mound, IL, compare, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition varies significantly based on the school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. John Lutheran School's tuition is approximately $4,000-$5,000 per student, with multi-child discounts. Wahlert Catholic High School tuition is higher, typically ranging from $9,000 to $11,000. Illinois offers the Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which provides scholarships for eligible students to attend private schools. Families in Scales Mound with incomes up to 300% of the federal poverty level can apply. Additionally, all three mentioned schools offer their own need-based financial aid and parish/subsidy discounts for members.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Scales Mound area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools near Scales Mound provide specialized programs that reflect their missions. St. John Lutheran School integrates faith-based learning with a strong core curriculum and may offer smaller class sizes for personalized attention. Wahlert Catholic High School, while a commute, provides a comprehensive college-prep program with advanced placement (AP) courses, extensive arts and athletics, and unique electives not always available in small public districts. The Galena Islamic School offers a curriculum that includes standard academics alongside Arabic language and Islamic studies. These schools often emphasize character and values education as a core component.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools serving Scales Mound, Illinois, families?
The process generally begins in the winter prior to the desired school year. For St. John Lutheran School, open houses and applications typically open in January, with rolling admissions but priority given to parish members and siblings. Wahlert Catholic High School has a formal application deadline, often in early February, requiring transcripts, recommendations, and an entrance exam. It's crucial to contact schools directly as timelines can vary. Given the limited seats, especially in the smaller local schools like St. John, initiating contact by November or December is highly recommended for Scales Mound residents.
For a family in Scales Mound, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school in the region?
Key considerations include educational philosophy, cost, and logistics. The Scales Mound School District (Unit 211) is a consolidated K-12 school known for its very small class sizes and strong community feel, with no tuition. Choosing a private school involves tuition, a commute to Galena or Dubuque, and a desire for a specific religious or value-based education. Academically, the local public school offers solid programs, while private options provide a distinct curricular focus (e.g., Lutheran, Catholic, or Islamic). Parents should also consider extracurricular opportunities; Wahlert High offers more extensive sports and clubs due to its larger size compared to Scales Mound High School.
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