The Best Private Schools in Smithton, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Smithton. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Governor French Academy
Independent Private School
Governor French Academy is an independent private school serving students from preschool through high school, drawing families from Smithton and throughout the Metro East region. The school offers both Montessori early childhood education and International Baccalaureate programs for older students. Known for its rigorous academic standards and small class sizes, Governor French provides individualized attention and a strong sense of community. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, global awareness, and character development. The historic campus in downtown Belleville features updated classrooms, science labs, and art studios while maintaining traditional architectural charm.
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Althoff Catholic High School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Belleville
Althoff Catholic High School is a highly-regarded private Catholic high school serving the Metro East region including Smithton. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with advanced placement courses, strong STEM programs, and extensive extracurricular activities. With a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, Althoff provides personalized attention and has a strong track record of college acceptance. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. The school emphasizes character development and community service alongside academic excellence.
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O'Fallon Township High School - Private Academy
O'Fallon Community Consolidated School District 203
While primarily a public high school, O'Fallon Township High School offers private academy programs that serve students from surrounding communities including Smithton. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including a planetarium, multiple computer labs, and extensive athletic facilities. The academic program includes numerous AP courses, dual credit opportunities with local colleges, and specialized career pathways. The school has received recognition for academic excellence and offers robust extracurricular programs in athletics, fine arts, and clubs. The private academy component provides enhanced educational opportunities for qualifying students.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Smithton, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Smithton, Illinois, and are there transportation services?
Smithton itself is a smaller village, so many families look to nearby communities for private education. The top options in the immediate Metro East area include Althoff Catholic High School (Belleville, grades 9-12), Governor French Academy (Belleville, a private, non-sectarian school for grades PreK-12), and O'Fallon Township High School's Private Academy (O'Fallon, a public school alternative program with a private school model for grades 9-12). It's important to note that O'Fallon Township High School itself is a public school, but its "Private Academy" is a distinct, tuition-based program. Most schools do not provide district-wide busing; transportation is typically the responsibility of parents, though some schools may facilitate carpool lists. Proximity to I-64 makes commuting to Belleville or O'Fallon relatively convenient for Smithton residents.
How does tuition for private schools in the Smithton, IL area compare, and what financial aid options are available specifically through Illinois state programs?
Tuition in the Smithton area varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Althoff Catholic High School tuition is approximately $10,000-$12,000, while Governor French Academy ranges from around $10,000 for lower grades to over $15,000 for upper grades. The OTHS Private Academy program tuition is generally lower, often around $6,000-$8,000. A critical financial consideration for Illinois residents is the "Invest in Kids Act" tax credit scholarship program. This state initiative provides scholarships for eligible families to attend private schools, and all mentioned schools typically participate. Additionally, most schools offer their own need-based financial aid and parish subsidies for member families at faith-based institutions.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools serving Smithton, Illinois students that differ from local public schools?
Private schools in the Belleville/O'Fallon area provide specialized tracks that can be a draw for Smithton families. Althoff Catholic emphasizes a college-prep curriculum with a required theology component and strong athletics in the Chicago Catholic League. Governor French Academy offers a distinctive, rigorous classical education model with a focus on Socratic seminars, Latin, and character education. The OTHS Private Academy provides an alternative for students seeking a smaller, more self-paced learning environment within a public school facility, which can be ideal for those who thrive outside a traditional classroom setting. These specialized approaches—classical, faith-based, and alternative-paced—offer choices that are not typically found in the standard public school curriculum of Smithton's local districts.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools like Althoff Catholic or Governor French Academy for a student from Smithton?
For schools like Althoff Catholic and Governor French Academy, the enrollment process for the following academic year often begins in the fall, with open houses typically held between October and January. Application deadlines are usually in early winter (January/February), especially for scholarship consideration. The process generally involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often an entrance exam (like the HSPT for Althoff) or a student interview. It is highly advisable for Smithton families to initiate inquiries by early fall of their child's 8th-grade year for 9th-grade placement. Rolling admissions may continue after deadlines if spaces remain, but popular grades fill quickly.
For a family in Smithton, what are the key factors in choosing between the local public schools (like Smithton School District 130) and a private school in a neighboring town?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. Smithton's public schools are highly-rated, offering a close-knit community and no tuition. Choosing a private school like those in Belleville involves a financial commitment and daily commute but offers distinct educational philosophies (e.g., religious formation at Althoff, classical core at Governor French). Parents should consider the value of a specialized curriculum, smaller average class sizes in private settings, and the desire for a faith-based environment. For high school, the choice may also involve programmatic offerings; a student seeking specific advanced STEM, arts, or athletic conferences available at a private school might opt for that, even with the commute. Ultimately, it's a balance of educational philosophy, cost, logistics, and the individual child's needs.
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