The Best Private Schools in Shirley, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Shirley. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Anne School
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
St. Anne School is a highly-regarded Catholic school serving the Shirley area and surrounding communities. Established in 1939, this parochial school offers education from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on faith-based learning combined with rigorous academics. The school features small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a comprehensive curriculum that includes STEM education, fine arts, and competitive athletic programs. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, strong community values, and excellent academic preparation for high school. The campus includes modern classrooms, a gymnasium, and outdoor recreational facilities.
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Providence Catholic High School
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
Providence Catholic High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school that serves students from Shirley and throughout the region. Founded by the Order of St. Augustine, the school has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and character formation. The comprehensive curriculum includes numerous Advanced Placement courses, honors programs, and specialized tracks in STEM, business, and humanities. Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic complexes. The school emphasizes spiritual development, community service, and leadership training, with graduates consistently gaining admission to top-tier universities nationwide.
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Bishop McNamara Catholic School
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
Bishop McNamara Catholic School serves the Kankakee County area including Shirley, offering education from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The school provides a comprehensive Catholic education with a strong college preparatory focus. Notable programs include their STEM Academy, competitive athletic teams, and extensive fine arts offerings. The campus features modern academic facilities, science and computer labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. The school community is known for its family atmosphere and commitment to developing students academically, spiritually, and socially. Bishop McNamara maintains high academic standards with graduates achieving strong college placement rates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Shirley, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Shirley, Illinois?
Shirley, IL, is a small village, so most private school options are located in nearby communities. The most prominent local Catholic schools are St. Anne School (K-8) in Bourbonnais, Providence Catholic High School in New Lenox, and Bishop McNamara Catholic School (K-12) in Kankakee. Given Shirley's location in Kankakee County, many families also consider private options in the broader Kankakee-Bradley-Bourbonnais area. There are no private schools physically within Shirley's village limits, so transportation planning is an important consideration for parents.
How does the tuition for private schools near Shirley, IL, typically compare to the state average, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition for the Catholic schools serving Shirley is generally at or slightly below the Illinois private school average due to the region's cost of living. For the 2023-2024 school year, elementary tuition (like at St. Anne) often ranges from $4,500 to $6,500 annually, while high school tuition (like at Bishop McNamara or Providence Catholic) can range from $9,000 to $13,000. All these schools offer need-based financial aid, and Illinois state programs like the Invest in Kids Act Tax Credit Scholarship can provide significant assistance to eligible families. It's crucial to apply for aid directly through the school's financial aid office as early as possible.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Shirley area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools near Shirley emphasize college-preparatory curricula with a values-based foundation. Providence Catholic High School is known for its strong STEM programs and championship-caliber athletics. Bishop McNamara offers a distinctive House System for student mentorship and a renowned performing arts program. St. Anne School provides a strong elementary foundation with dedicated religion classes and character education. A key differentiator is the smaller average class size, which allows for more individualized attention compared to some larger public school districts in Kankakee County.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Shirley, Illinois families?
The enrollment cycle for schools like St. Anne, Bishop McNamara, and Providence Catholic usually begins in January for the following academic year. Open houses are typically held in the fall and winter. The process involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a placement test or shadow day for the student. For high schools, applying by the priority deadline (often in early February) is critical for scholarship consideration. Since these schools draw from a wide geographic area, including Shirley, it's advisable to initiate contact with the admissions office a full year in advance, especially for entry into competitive grades like kindergarten, 6th, or 9th.
For a family in Shirley, what are the key logistical considerations when choosing a private school, given the need to commute?
The commute is the foremost logistical factor. Shirley is centrally located but requires driving to Bourbonnais (St. Anne), Kankakee (Bishop McNamara), or New Lenox (Providence Catholic). Parents should investigate carpool options with other local families, as organized groups often form. Some schools, particularly Bishop McNamara, may offer bus service from centralized pickup points in Kankakee County, which could include a stop near Shirley. The daily travel time and its impact on the student's schedule and extracurricular participation are significant considerations. Additionally, evaluating the school's community and whether it hosts events or has families from the Shirley area can help with integration and support.
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