The Best Private Schools in South Roxana, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in South Roxana. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Metro-East Lutheran High School
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
Metro-East Lutheran High School is a highly-regarded Christian college preparatory school serving the Metro East region including South Roxana. The school offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes and personalized attention. Students benefit from a comprehensive curriculum that includes Advanced Placement courses, strong STEM offerings, and extensive fine arts programs. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes. With a focus on character development and spiritual growth, MELHS maintains strong college acceptance rates and offers numerous extracurricular activities including competitive sports teams, music programs, and community service opportunities.
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Marquette Catholic High School
Catholic Diocese of Springfield
Marquette Catholic High School is a longstanding Catholic institution serving students from South Roxana and surrounding communities. The school provides a comprehensive college preparatory education with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and faith formation. Students can choose from honors and advanced placement courses across multiple disciplines. The school features well-equipped classrooms, science laboratories, a library resource center, and athletic facilities. Marquette offers extensive extracurricular programs including championship athletic teams, drama productions, music ensembles, and various clubs. The school maintains a strong tradition of community involvement and service learning.
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Althoff Catholic High School
Catholic Diocese of Belleville
Althoff Catholic High School serves students from throughout the Metro East region, including South Roxana area families. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with specialized programs in STEM, business, and fine arts. Students benefit from modern facilities including state-of-the-art science labs, technology centers, and performance spaces. Althoff provides a strong faith-based education while maintaining high academic standards with numerous Advanced Placement and honors courses. The school features competitive athletic programs, extensive extracurricular activities, and a supportive community environment. Transportation options are available for students from surrounding areas.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in South Roxana, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in South Roxana, Illinois?
While South Roxana itself is a smaller village, families typically look to nearby communities in the Metro East region for private, faith-based education. The most prominent options are Marquette Catholic High School in Alton, Metro-East Lutheran High School in Edwardsville, and Althoff Catholic High School in Belleville. These schools serve students from South Roxana and the wider area, offering daily transportation or carpool networks. For younger grades, families often consider associated parochial elementary schools that feed into these high schools, such as those within the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois or the Lutheran School Association.
How does tuition for private high schools near South Roxana, IL, typically work, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid options?
Tuition at schools like Marquette, Metro-East Lutheran, and Althoff varies but often ranges from $8,000 to $12,000 annually for high school. Most schools offer multi-child discounts and active parishioner rates for Catholic schools. Critically, Illinois supports private school choice through the Invest in Kids Act Tax Credit Scholarship Program. This state program provides need-based scholarships funded by donations from individuals and businesses who receive a state tax credit. Families in South Roxana must apply through a certified Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) like the Empower Illinois SGO. Additionally, all schools have their own financial aid and payment plan options.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private high schools serving South Roxana students offer?
Schools in this region leverage their proximity to the St. Louis metropolitan area for unique opportunities. Marquette Catholic High School emphasizes a college-prep curriculum with strong STEM and fine arts programs. Metro-East Lutheran High School offers distinctive courses in engineering and theology, along with competitive athletics in the Prairie State Conference. Althoff Catholic High School provides a broad Advanced Placement (AP) curriculum and notable programs in broadcasting and medicine. All three schools facilitate dual-credit courses through partnerships with local colleges like Lewis and Clark Community College and Southwestern Illinois College, allowing students to earn college credit while in high school.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools in the South Roxana, IL, area?
The enrollment process for the upcoming academic year generally begins in the fall or early winter, with open houses held between October and January. For schools like Althoff and Marquette (Diocese of Springfield), priority is often given to students from their affiliated feeder elementary schools and active parish members. Applications, including transcripts, standardized test scores, and pastor/teacher recommendations, are typically due by February. Entrance exams (like the High School Placement Test) are usually required and administered on specific dates in the fall or winter. Families in South Roxana are encouraged to contact admissions offices by early fall to ensure they meet deadlines and understand any geographic parish boundaries.
For a family in South Roxana, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school district with the nearby private school options?
The key considerations involve educational approach, cost, and community. South Roxana students are served by the South Roxana School District 160 for elementary and Roxana Community Unit School District 1 for high school (Roxana High). The private school alternative offers a faith-based environment, typically smaller class sizes, and a specific college-preparatory focus. The decision often hinges on the value placed on religious education and the desire for a different social environment. Transportation is a practical factor; while public schools provide busing, private schools may require personal arrangements. Financially, it's a direct comparison of property taxes funding public schools versus private school tuition, potentially offset by Illinois tax credit scholarships. Many families in the area choose private schools for their structured discipline and strong alumni networks in the Metro East and St. Louis regions.
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