The Best Private Schools in Sorento, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Sorento. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Greenville Junior High School
Greenville Community Unit School District
Greenville Junior High School serves students in the broader Bond County area, including Sorento residents, with a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum. The school features strong STEM programs, advanced placement opportunities, and extensive extracurricular activities including competitive athletics and fine arts. With modern facilities and dedicated faculty, the school maintains high academic standards and strong community involvement, making it a top choice for families in the region seeking rigorous private education options.
Programs:
Mater Dei Catholic High School
Diocese of Belleville
Mater Dei Catholic High School serves students from across Clinton County and surrounding areas, including Sorento families seeking comprehensive private education. The school offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with numerous Advanced Placement courses, strong STEM programs, and extensive extracurricular opportunities in athletics and fine arts. With a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and character formation grounded in Catholic values, Mater Dei provides a supportive community environment with modern facilities and experienced faculty dedicated to student success.
Programs:
Saint Paul Catholic School
Diocese of Springfield in Illinois
Saint Paul Catholic School provides a comprehensive faith-based education serving families throughout Madison and Bond counties, including Sorento. The school combines classical education principles with modern technology integration, offering a well-rounded curriculum that includes strong academic foundations, music education, and competitive sports programs. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, creating a nurturing environment that has earned strong parent satisfaction ratings.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Sorento, Illinois
What are the private school options for families living in Sorento, Illinois, and are there any located directly within the town?
Sorento itself is a small village, so there are no private schools physically located within its boundaries. However, families in Sorento typically look to nearby communities for excellent private options. The most prominent local schools include Saint Paul Catholic School (K-8) in Highland, Mater Dei Catholic High School in Breese, and Greenville Junior High School (a public school, often confused; true private options are faith-based in this region). This means commuting is a standard part of the private school experience for Sorento residents, with most drives ranging from 15 to 30 minutes to towns like Highland, Breese, and Greenville.
How does the tuition for private schools near Sorento, IL, compare, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition for the Catholic schools serving the Sorento area varies. For the 2024-2025 year, Saint Paul Catholic School (K-8) tuition is approximately $4,000-$5,000 per child, with parishioner discounts. Mater Dei Catholic High School tuition is roughly $7,000-$8,000. Illinois offers the Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which can significantly reduce costs for eligible families. This program allows donors to receive a state tax credit for contributions to scholarship-granting organizations, which then award need-based scholarships to students attending private schools. It's crucial for Sorento parents to apply for these scholarships early, as funds are limited.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools accessible from Sorento, IL, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools in the Bond County/Metro East region near Sorento emphasize faith-based education and often have distinct programs. Mater Dei Catholic High School, for instance, offers a strong college-prep curriculum with dual-credit courses through local colleges and a renowned agriculture program that connects to the region's farming community. Saint Paul Catholic School integrates religious education into all subjects and may offer smaller class sizes than some regional public districts. These schools often feature mandatory community service components, fostering a sense of local commitment, which is a valued trait in the Sorento area.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Saint Paul and Mater Dei that serve Sorento families?
The enrollment process for these schools usually begins in January or February for the following academic year. For Saint Paul Catholic School, priority is often given to active parishioners of supporting churches, then to current families, and finally to new families. Mater Dei High School holds open houses in the fall and requires an application, placement test, and records review. Given the limited seats and the number of feeder schools from small towns like Sorento, it is highly advisable to attend open houses in the fall, submit applications by early spring, and complete financial aid applications simultaneously to secure a spot and potential assistance.
For a family in Sorento considering the choice, what are the practical and community differences between sending a child to the local public district (Bond County CUSD #2) versus a private Catholic school in a neighboring town?
The primary differences involve logistics, community, and educational approach. The public school option (Sorento Elementary, then Greenville Junior/Senior High) involves no tuition and minimal transportation. Choosing a private school like Saint Paul or Mater Dei requires a daily commute and tuition investment but offers a consistent faith-based environment from kindergarten through 12th grade. Socially, private school may connect your child to a wider regional network of families from multiple small towns, while public school keeps them within the immediate Bond County community. Academically, the public district may offer more diverse elective paths due to its larger size, while private schools offer a focused, values-driven curriculum with potentially more individualized attention in the lower grades.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities