The Best Private Schools in Sherman, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Sherman. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Sacred Heart-Griffin High School
Catholic Diocese of Springfield
Sacred Heart-Griffin is a premier Catholic college preparatory high school consistently ranked among the top private schools in central Illinois. Serving students from Sherman and surrounding communities, SHG offers extensive Advanced Placement courses, championship athletic programs, and outstanding fine arts opportunities. The school boasts exceptional college placement rates and provides a comprehensive education that balances academic rigor with spiritual formation and extracurricular engagement.
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St. Agnes School
Catholic Diocese of Springfield
St. Agnes School provides exceptional Catholic education for students from preschool through 8th grade, serving families throughout central Illinois including Sherman. The school features a strong academic foundation with emphasis on faith formation, character development, and community service. With dedicated teachers and modern facilities, St. Agnes prepares students for success in high school and beyond through its challenging curriculum and supportive learning environment.
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Lutheran High School
Lutheran Church Missouri Synod
Lutheran High School is a highly-regarded Christian college preparatory school serving central Illinois families, including those from Sherman. The school offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes and dedicated faculty. Students benefit from comprehensive STEM programs, competitive athletics, and extensive fine arts opportunities. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Sherman, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Sherman, Illinois?
Sherman, IL, is served by a few notable private institutions, though some are located in nearby Springfield due to the village's size. The most directly associated is St. Agnes School (K-8) in Springfield, which many Sherman families attend. For high school, popular choices include Lutheran High School and Sacred Heart-Griffin High School, both also in Springfield. These schools provide a faith-based education with smaller class sizes than many public options. Sherman's proximity to Springfield means families have access to these established programs, but transportation is an important consideration as there are no private secondary schools within Sherman's village limits.
How does tuition at private schools like Sacred Heart-Griffin or Lutheran High compare to Illinois state averages, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition for Sherman-area private high schools like Sacred Heart-Griffin and Lutheran High is generally competitive with or slightly below the Illinois private school average. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition at these schools typically ranges from $9,000 to $12,000 annually. Both schools, along with St. Agnes, offer robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need, and they actively support families in applying. Importantly, Illinois offers a state tax credit scholarship program, the Invest in Kids Act, which can provide significant tuition assistance to eligible families. Additionally, many families utilize parish subsidies if they are members of a supporting Catholic church.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving Sherman, IL, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools accessible to Sherman families often have specialized programs rooted in their missions. Sacred Heart-Griffin High School offers a renowned STEM Academy and extensive college-prep Advanced Placement courses. Lutheran High School provides distinctive vocational tracks in areas like agriculture and skilled trades, alongside college preparatory curricula. Both schools have strong athletics and arts programs that compete at the state level. A key differentiator is the integration of faith and values throughout the curriculum, which is a primary draw for many families in the Sherman community. These schools also often have more flexibility in curriculum design than public districts.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for families in Sherman applying to schools like St. Agnes or Lutheran High?
The enrollment process for Sherman families typically begins in the fall or winter prior to the desired school year. For St. Agnes (K-8), the process often starts with an open house, followed by a formal application, submission of records, and a family interview. For the high schools (Lutheran High, Sacred Heart-Griffin), the timeline is crucial: shadow days for 8th graders are held in the fall, applications are due by early spring, and acceptance notifications go out by March. It's highly recommended to contact the admissions office directly, as some schools have priority deadlines for parish members or siblings. Given the limited seats, especially in popular grades, starting the process early is key.
For a family in Sherman, what are the practical considerations regarding transportation and community when choosing a private school in Springfield?
This is a vital logistical question for Sherman residents. None of the major private schools provide district-wide bus transportation from Sherman. Therefore, families must arrange for carpooling, private transportation, or utilize the limited shuttle services some schools may offer from designated areas. The commute to Springfield schools is typically 15-25 minutes. On the community front, choosing a school often means your child's social and extracurricular circle will be centered in Springfield. However, many Sherman families find this worthwhile for the specific educational environment. It's advisable to connect with other Sherman families at your chosen school to build a local support network for rides and activities.
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