The Best Private Schools in Sherrard, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Sherrard. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Rivermont Collegiate
Rivermont Collegiate
Rivermont Collegiate is a highly-regarded independent day school serving the Quad Cities region including Sherrard. As the only International Baccalaureate World School in the area, it offers rigorous academic programs from preschool through 12th grade. The school features small class sizes averaging 12 students, a 7:1 student-to-teacher ratio, and a strong focus on critical thinking and global perspectives. Facilities include modern science labs, dedicated art studios, and extensive athletic facilities. Over 95% of graduates attend their first-choice colleges, with many receiving significant merit scholarships.
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Alleman High School
Rock Island County Catholic Schools
Alleman High School is a respected Catholic college preparatory school serving the Illinois Quad Cities area, including Sherrard families. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum with 15 Advanced Placement courses and extensive extracurricular opportunities. With a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, students receive personalized attention in a faith-based environment. The campus features modern classrooms, science and computer labs, a performing arts center, and athletic facilities. Alleman maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and has been recognized for academic excellence throughout its history.
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Seton Catholic School
Seton Catholic School
Seton Catholic School provides comprehensive private education from preschool through 8th grade, serving families throughout the Quad Cities region including Sherrard. The school combines strong academic foundations with Catholic values in a nurturing environment. Features include dedicated STEM labs, integrated technology throughout classrooms, art and music programs, and competitive athletics. With small class sizes and individualized attention, Seton prepares students for success in high school and beyond. The school community is known for its strong parent involvement and supportive learning environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Sherrard, Illinois
What are the specific private school options available for families residing in or near Sherrard, Illinois?
While Sherrard itself is a smaller community, families have access to several well-regarded private schools in the broader Quad Cities area. The most prominent include Rivermont Collegiate in Bettendorf, IA (a PreK-12 International Baccalaureate World School), Alleman High School in Rock Island, IL (a Catholic college-preparatory high school), and Seton Catholic School in Moline, IL (a PreK-8 parish school). For Sherrard residents, these schools involve a commute but offer distinct educational philosophies. It's also worth exploring smaller parochial options in nearby towns like Aledo or Milan. Transportation is typically the family's responsibility, which is an important logistical consideration for Sherrard parents.
How does tuition at private schools like Rivermont Collegiate or Alleman High School compare, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid options?
Tuition varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-25 academic year, Rivermont Collegiate's tuition is among the highest in the region, often exceeding $15,000 annually, reflecting its IB program and small class sizes. Alleman High School's tuition is typically lower, often in the $8,000-$10,000 range for parishioners and slightly higher for non-parishioners. Seton Catholic School at the elementary level is more affordable. Illinois residents should investigate the **Invest in Kids Act Tax Credit Scholarship Program**, which provides need-based scholarships funded by donations from individuals and businesses who receive a state tax credit. While funding is limited and application is competitive, it is a key state-specific resource. All schools also offer their own need-based financial aid and payment plans.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Sherrard, IL?
The schools near Sherrard provide specialized programs not always available in smaller public districts. **Rivermont Collegiate** is distinguished as the only PreK-12 IB continuum school in the Quad Cities, offering a globally-focused curriculum with an emphasis on critical thinking and languages. **Alleman High School** offers strong college-prep with distinctive programs like its Engineering Academy and extensive theology courses. For younger students, **Seton Catholic** provides a faith-based foundation with dedicated STEM and art initiatives. A unique advantage for Sherrard families is the ability to access these specialized tracks—from intensive international education to faith-based college prep—without moving, though it requires commuting to the Illinois/Iowa border region.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Alleman or Seton Catholic for a family in Sherrard?
Enrollment timelines for these schools are crucial as they often operate on a first-come, first-served basis with limited seats. For **Seton Catholic (PreK-8)**, the enrollment process for the following school year typically opens in January for parishioners and February for the general public. **Alleman High School** usually holds its freshman placement exam and begins accepting applications in the fall of a student's 8th-grade year, with deadlines often in December or January. **Rivermont Collegiate** has a rolling admissions process but recommends applying by February for the best chance of placement. Sherrard families should initiate inquiries and campus visits a full year in advance, especially for transitional grades (PreK, Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th), and be prepared to submit records, teacher recommendations, and possibly attend an entrance assessment.
How do the private school options near Sherrard compare to the highly-rated Sherrard Unit School District 200?
This is a key consideration. Sherrard Unit School District 200 is consistently high-performing, which influences the decision. The comparison often centers on educational approach and environment rather than just academic quality. The public district offers a comprehensive, tuition-free K-12 experience within the community with strong athletics and arts. Private options provide smaller class sizes (often 15:1 or lower), distinct religious or values-based education (at Alleman/Seton), or a highly rigorous, globally-focused IB curriculum (at Rivermont). For Sherrard families, the choice may come down to seeking a specific pedagogical approach (like IB), a faith-based environment, or a different social setting, balanced against the cost of tuition and daily commute to the Quad Cities versus the convenience and quality of the local public schools.
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