The Best Private Schools in South Wilmington, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in South Wilmington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Rose School
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
St. Rose School is a highly-regarded Catholic elementary school serving the South Wilmington area with a strong tradition of academic excellence. The school offers comprehensive education from preschool through 8th grade with a faith-based curriculum that emphasizes core academic subjects while integrating technology and character development. Facilities include modern classrooms, a dedicated STEM lab, and athletic facilities. The school maintains small class sizes and has consistently high parent satisfaction ratings for its nurturing environment and strong community involvement.
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Joliet Catholic Academy
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
Joliet Catholic Academy is a premier co-educational college preparatory high school serving students from South Wilmington and surrounding communities. The academy offers a rigorous academic program with numerous Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM education, and competitive athletic programs with multiple state championships. The campus features state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. With a strong focus on character formation and college readiness, JCA maintains high graduation rates and college acceptance records.
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Marquette Academy
Diocese of Peoria Catholic Schools
Marquette Academy provides comprehensive Catholic education serving students from South Wilmington and the broader regional area. The school offers a challenging college preparatory curriculum with strong emphasis on STEM education, including advanced mathematics and science courses. The campus features modern technology integration, science laboratories, and competitive athletic programs. Known for its tight-knit community and individualized attention, Marquette Academy maintains high academic standards and strong college placement records with many graduates attending top universities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in South Wilmington, Illinois
What are the private school options for families residing in South Wilmington, IL, and are there any located directly within the village?
For families in South Wilmington, IL, the immediate local private option is St. Rose School, a Catholic K-8 school located in the village itself. For high school, families typically look to nearby communities. The top regional options include Joliet Catholic Academy (JCA) in Joliet, a co-ed college-preparatory school, and Marquette Academy in Ottawa, a Catholic academy serving grades 9-12. Most South Wilmington families considering private education utilize these schools, which may involve a commute of 20-40 minutes. There are no private high schools physically located within South Wilmington's village limits.
How does tuition at private schools serving South Wilmington, IL, compare, and what financial aid options are available through Illinois state programs?
Tuition varies significantly. St. Rose School, as a parish-affiliated elementary school, generally has the most accessible tuition, often around $4,000-$6,000 annually. Joliet Catholic Academy and Marquette Academy, as diocesan high schools, have higher tuition, typically ranging from $10,000 to $14,000 per year. A critical financial consideration for Illinois residents is the Invest in Kids Act Tax Credit Scholarship Program. This state initiative provides need-based scholarships funded by donations from individuals and businesses who receive a state tax credit. Families must apply through a qualified Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO), such as the Empower Illinois SGO, to determine eligibility for aid that can be used at participating private schools like JCA or Marquette.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by the private schools accessible to South Wilmington students that leverage the region's character?
Schools serving the South Wilmington area offer programs that reflect both their Catholic identity and the region's community values. Joliet Catholic Academy is renowned for its storied athletic programs, particularly in football and baseball, offering a competitive sports environment. Academically, many of these schools emphasize STEM initiatives and college-prep curricula. Furthermore, their location in Grundy and Will Counties often integrates agricultural science or local history into their programs. A distinctive feature of these Catholic schools is their required theology curriculum and community service hours, fostering a values-based education that resonates with many families in the South Wilmington area.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like St. Rose, JCA, and Marquette Academy for a family from South Wilmington?
The process and timeline are school-specific but generally begin early. For St. Rose School (K-8), interested families should contact the parish office in the fall or winter prior to the desired enrollment year for application details and any parish registration requirements. For high schools, the process is more formalized. Joliet Catholic Academy and Marquette Academy typically host open houses in the fall for prospective 8th-grade students. Applications for the following academic year are often due in December or January, with placement tests (like the HSPT) scheduled in the winter. Admissions decisions are usually communicated in early spring. It is crucial for South Wilmington families to plan ahead, as some schools have waiting lists for certain grades.
For a family in South Wilmington, IL, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school district (Wilmington CUSD 209U) to the available private school options?
The key considerations involve educational approach, cost, and community. Wilmington CUSD 209U provides a tuition-free, comprehensive public education from K-12 within the community, including Wilmington High School. The private school path, involving a commute to schools like JCA or Marquette, offers a specific religious and values-based education with typically smaller class sizes and a focused college-preparatory curriculum. The decision often hinges on a family's priority for faith-based instruction and their willingness to manage tuition costs and daily transportation. For younger children, the choice may be between the local public elementary and St. Rose School, which offers a close-knit, parish-centered environment right in South Wilmington.