The Best Private Schools in Summerfield, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Summerfield. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Westminster Christian Academy
Westminster Christian Academy
Westminster Christian Academy is a highly-regarded Christian college preparatory school serving the St. Louis metropolitan area, including Illinois families from communities like Summerfield. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 23 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM education, and extensive fine arts opportunities. With small class sizes averaging 16 students, Westminster provides personalized attention and maintains a 100% college acceptance rate. The 40-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. The school emphasizes character development and spiritual growth alongside academic excellence.
Programs:
Thomas Jefferson School
Thomas Jefferson School
Thomas Jefferson School is an elite private college preparatory school serving students from across the St. Louis region, including Illinois residents. Known for its intensive academic program and small community atmosphere, TJ offers a classical education with emphasis on critical thinking and writing skills. The school features a 7:1 student-to-teacher ratio and prepares students for top-tier universities. While offering boarding options, the school also serves day students from the metro area. The curriculum includes advanced mathematics, comprehensive humanities, and extensive science programs. The campus includes modern academic buildings, dormitories, and athletic facilities.
Programs:
The Fulton School at St. Albans
The Fulton School
The Fulton School at St. Albans provides innovative Montessori-inspired education serving families throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area, including Illinois communities. The school offers programs from preschool through 8th grade with a focus on hands-on, project-based learning in a natural environment. The 20-acre campus features outdoor classrooms, nature trails, and modern academic facilities. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and character development while maintaining strong academic standards. Small class sizes and individualized learning plans ensure each student receives personalized attention. The school's location in the scenic St. Albans area provides an ideal learning environment while remaining accessible to Summerfield families.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Summerfield, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in or near Summerfield, Illinois?
Summerfield itself is a small village, so families typically look to the broader St. Louis metropolitan area for private education. The most prominent local options include Westminster Christian Academy in Town and Country, MO (a PreK-12 Christian school), Thomas Jefferson School in Sunset Hills, MO (a highly academic, independent day and boarding school for grades 7-12), and The Fulton School at St. Albans in St. Albans, MO (a private, independent school for grades PreK-8). While these schools are located in Missouri, they are a standard commute for many families in the Summerfield, IL area. There are also Catholic and other faith-based schools within a reasonable driving distance in both states.
How does tuition for private schools near Summerfield, IL, compare, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid options?
Tuition in this region varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-25 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $15,000 to $25,000+ annually for day students. Westminster Christian and The Fulton School are generally on the lower end of that spectrum, while Thomas Jefferson School is at the higher end due to its intensive college-prep focus and boarding program. Illinois residents should investigate the **Invest in Kids Act Tax Credit Scholarship Program**, which provides scholarships for eligible students to attend private schools. While the program's funding is limited and application-based, it is a key state-specific financial consideration. Additionally, all major schools offer their own need-based financial aid.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Summerfield, IL vicinity offer?
Schools in this area leverage their proximity to St. Louis to provide distinctive opportunities. Westminster Christian Academy emphasizes a biblically integrated curriculum and strong arts and athletics. Thomas Jefferson School is renowned for its classical curriculum, advanced placement in mathematics and languages, and a mandatory "Jefferson Outdoor Experience." The Fulton School at St. Albans focuses on project-based learning, environmental stewardship utilizing its rural campus, and a strong emphasis on social-emotional development. A common advantage for all is access to St. Louis's cultural, scientific, and historical institutions for enrichment.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools near Summerfield, Illinois?
The process is highly structured and begins early. For sought-after schools like those listed, the admission cycle for the following fall typically opens in August or September, with application deadlines between January and February. Key steps include: 1) Attending fall open houses or virtual tours, 2) Submitting an application with essays and recommendations, 3) Completing a student assessment or visit day, and 4) A family interview. Notification dates are usually in March. Given the competitive nature and limited seats, especially in entry grades, families in Summerfield are advised to start research 12-18 months in advance.
For a family in Summerfield, IL, what are the major considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school in Missouri?
The decision involves several location-specific factors. First is **commute**: Attending a Missouri private school means a daily drive across the metro area, which can be 20-45 minutes depending on traffic and exact location. Second is **educational approach**: Edwardsville Community Unit School District 7 is highly rated, offering a robust, tax-funded public education. Private options offer specific religious affiliations (Westminster), accelerated classical curricula (Thomas Jefferson), or progressive, hands-on learning (Fulton). Third is **cost**: Weighing the significant tuition against the free public option is paramount. Finally, consider **community**: Your child's social and extracurricular circles will likely be centered in Missouri, which may affect local friendships and activities in Summerfield.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities