The Best Private Schools in Streator, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Streator. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Michael the Archangel School
Catholic Diocese of Peoria
St. Michael the Archangel School is a highly-regarded Catholic elementary and middle school serving Streator and surrounding communities. The school provides a faith-based education with strong academic foundations, featuring small class sizes and individualized attention. The curriculum includes comprehensive STEM programs, fine arts education, and competitive athletics. Facilities include modern classrooms, a science lab, computer lab, and gymnasium. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, dedicated teachers, and strong community values that prepare students for high school success.
Programs:
St. Bede Academy
Catholic Diocese of Peoria
St. Bede Academy is a highly respected Catholic college-preparatory high school located in Peru, serving students from Streator and the broader Illinois Valley region. With a rich 140-year history, the academy offers a comprehensive academic program including advanced STEM courses, extensive fine arts programs, and competitive athletic teams. The campus features modern academic facilities, science and technology labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic complexes. Known for its strong community values and academic rigor, St. Bede consistently achieves high college acceptance rates and student success outcomes.
Programs:
Marquette Academy
Catholic Diocese of Peoria
Marquette Academy is a premier Catholic high school located in nearby Ottawa that serves students from Streator and the surrounding region. The school offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with multiple Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and competitive athletics. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, technology-enhanced classrooms, performing arts spaces, and extensive athletic facilities. With a strong emphasis on character development and academic excellence, Marquette Academy consistently produces graduates who excel in higher education and beyond.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Streator, Illinois
What are the main private school options available for families in Streator, Illinois, and what are their core educational models?
Streator, IL, is served by a few key private institutions, each with distinct characteristics. **St. Michael the Archangel School** is a Catholic elementary school (Pre-K through 8th grade) providing a faith-based foundation. **Marquette Academy** in nearby Ottawa (a common choice for Streator families) is a Catholic junior-senior high school (grades 9-12) offering college preparatory academics and athletics. **St. Bede Academy** in Peru is another regional Catholic college preparatory high school (grades 9-12) with a strong tradition, also drawing students from Streator. For a continuous Catholic education, a common path is St. Michael's for elementary and then Marquette or St. Bede for high school. There are limited non-religious private day schools within Streator itself, so many families consider these nearby Catholic academies.
How does tuition at Streator-area private schools compare, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid options?
Tuition varies by school and grade level. For the 2023-2024 year, St. Michael the Archangel School had tuition around $4,000-$5,000 for parishioners, with multi-child discounts. Marquette Academy and St. Bede Academy have high school tuition typically ranging from $8,000 to $10,000+ annually. A critical Illinois-specific financial aid resource is the **Invest in Kids Act Tax Credit Scholarship Program**. This state program provides need-based scholarships for private school tuition, and all three schools participate. Families must apply through a certified Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO). Additionally, each school offers its own financial aid, parish subsidies for members, and payment plans to help manage costs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Streator, IL, area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools in the Streator region emphasize college preparatory curricula with a values-based component. **St. Bede Academy** is known for its robust engineering and STEM programs, including Project Lead The Way. **Marquette Academy** offers a strong academic foundation with notable fine arts and competitive athletic conferences (Tri-County). Both high schools feature smaller class sizes, often leading to more individualized attention. A defining feature of all these schools is the integration of Catholic faith and character education throughout the curriculum, which is a primary draw for families. They also often have longer-standing traditions and alumni networks specific to the Illinois Valley region.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like St. Michael's, Marquette, and St. Bede for a family living in Streator?
The process generally begins in the winter prior to the desired school year. **Open Houses** are typically held between January and March. Application deadlines for the high schools (Marquette and St. Bede) are often in early spring (February/March) for the following fall, with placement tests for incoming freshmen usually held in January or February. **St. Michael's** (elementary) may have a more rolling admissions but encourages early application. Key steps include: submitting an application, providing records from previous schools, attending an entrance exam (for high school), and a family interview. For high schools, applying for financial aid and tax credit scholarships is a parallel and time-sensitive process with early spring deadlines. It's advisable to contact the school's admissions office directly, as timelines can vary.
For a Streator resident, what are the practical considerations regarding transportation and daily commute to these private schools?
This is a crucial logistical factor. **St. Michael the Archangel School** is located within Streator, minimizing commute issues. However, for **Marquette Academy** (in Ottawa, ~15-20 minute drive) and **St. Bede Academy** (in Peru, ~20-25 minute drive), transportation is primarily the family's responsibility. None of these private schools provide district-style bus transportation from Streator. Many families form carpools with other students from the Streator area. Some schools may facilitate carpool lists. The daily commute on Route 6, Route 23, and I-80 is a significant time and cost consideration, especially during Illinois winters. This commute, however, is a trade-off many families make for the specific educational environment these schools offer.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities