The Best Private Schools in Summit Argo, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Summit Argo. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Nazareth Academy
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago
Nazareth Academy is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory high school serving the Summit Argo area and surrounding southwest suburbs. Founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph, the school offers a rigorous academic program with 22 Advanced Placement courses and a comprehensive STEM curriculum. The 30-acre campus features modern science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. With a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, Nazareth emphasizes personalized education and character development while maintaining strong college placement records.
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St. Laurence High School
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago
St. Laurence High School is a Catholic college preparatory school serving the Summit Argo region with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and character formation. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including recently renovated science labs, innovation center, and athletic complex. St. Laurence offers a comprehensive curriculum with multiple academic tracks, extensive AP course offerings, and specialized programs in STEM and business. The school maintains a 12:1 student-teacher ratio and emphasizes personalized learning with strong college counseling support.
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Queen of Apostles School
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago
Queen of Apostles School provides Catholic education for students from preschool through 8th grade, serving families in Summit Argo and surrounding communities. The school offers a strong academic foundation with emphasis on faith development and character building. Features include modern classrooms, technology integration, and comprehensive extracurricular programs. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Queen of Apostles focuses on individualized attention and prepares students for success in high school and beyond. The school maintains active parent involvement and strong community partnerships.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Summit Argo, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Summit Argo, Illinois?
Summit Argo itself is a small village, so most top-rated private schools are located in nearby communities. The most prominent options include Nazareth Academy (a Catholic, co-educational college-prep high school in La Grange Park), St. Laurence High School (a Catholic, co-educational high school in Burbank), and Queen of Apostles School (a private, Catholic elementary school in Riverdale). Many Summit Argo families also consider schools in broader Cook County. Transportation is a key consideration, as these schools are not within walking distance, so carpooling or school-provided bus services are common logistics to plan for.
How does the tuition for private high schools like Nazareth Academy or St. Laurence compare, and what financial aid options are available for Illinois residents?
For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition at schools like Nazareth Academy and St. Laurence High School typically ranges from approximately $13,000 to $16,000 annually. Both schools, along with many other Illinois private schools, offer substantial financial aid packages based on demonstrated need, which can significantly reduce the net cost. Illinois residents should also explore the state's Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which provides scholarships funded by donations to Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs). This program can make private school more accessible for middle- and lower-income families in the Summit Argo area.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are notable at the private schools serving the Summit Argo community?
Schools in this area offer robust programs to compete in the broader Chicago metro region. Nazareth Academy is recognized for its STEM curriculum and renowned performing arts program. St. Laurence High School has a strong focus on college-prep with innovative academies in fields like Engineering and Business, and it boasts a state-of-the-art fabrication lab. Queen of Apostles School provides a strong foundational curriculum with a focus on faith and service. For Summit Argo students interested in specific trades or athletics, these schools often have partnerships with local organizations and compete in competitive athletic conferences.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools near Summit Argo, and are there preferences for local or parish families?
The enrollment process for schools like Nazareth Academy, St. Laurence, and Queen of Apostles usually begins in the fall for the following academic year, with open houses held from September through November. Application deadlines are often in December or January. For Catholic schools, priority is typically given to active parish members and siblings of current students. Since Summit Argo families may not belong to the parishes directly associated with these schools, it's crucial to apply early and communicate directly with the admissions office. Many require entrance exams (for high schools), transcripts, and teacher recommendations.
How do the private school options near Summit Argo differ from the local public school district, Argo Community High School District 217?
The key differences lie in class size, curriculum focus, and religious education. Private schools like Nazareth and St. Laurence offer smaller average class sizes, a college-preparatory curriculum with a required theology component, and a defined community culture centered on specific values. Argo Community High School, the local public option, offers a diverse curriculum, extensive extracurriculars, and specialized programs without tuition. For Summit Argo families, the decision often hinges on the desire for a faith-based education, a specific academic environment, or specialized programs not available in the public district, balanced against the significant financial investment and commute required for private options.
Private Education Insights
Discover the Best Private Primary Schools Near Summit Argo, IL: A Parent's Guide
If you’re a parent in Summit Argo, Illinois, typing “private primary schools near me” into a search engine, you’re likely seeking more than just a list. You’re looking for a community, a specific educational philosophy, and a nurturing environment that aligns with your family’s values, all within a practical distance from our unique community nestled near the crossroads of I-55 and Harlem Avenue. The search for the right private primary school here is deeply personal and wonderfully supported by several excellent local options, each offering a distinct approach to foundational education.
While Summit Argo itself is a tight-knit residential community, your search for private primary schools will naturally extend into the surrounding areas, which is a common and manageable reality for families here. A prime local example is Queen of Apostles School, located right in neighboring Riverdale. This Catholic school provides a faith-based, K-8 education that has served generations of local families. Its structured environment and emphasis on core values make it a compelling choice for parents seeking a traditional academic foundation coupled with character development. The commute is minimal, often just a short drive down 147th Street, making it a true neighborhood institution for many in Summit Argo.
Expanding your search slightly further opens doors to other renowned institutions. Nazareth Academy in La Grange Park, though known for its exceptional high school, symbolizes the continuum of private Catholic education available to families willing to consider a short commute. It represents the end goal for many parents starting their journey at the primary level, highlighting the importance of considering a child’s full educational arc. Similarly, St. Laurence High School in Burbank stands as another beacon of secondary education, reminding parents that choosing a primary school is the first step in a longer journey. For daily life in Summit Argo, this means your search for a primary school is also an investment in a potential educational network, with feeder patterns and aligned values that can provide stability from kindergarten through twelfth grade.
When researching “private primary schools near me” from Summit Argo, practical local considerations come into play. Our community’s proximity to major highways is a double-edged sword; it provides easy access to schools in broader Cook County and DuPage County, but also means factoring in traffic patterns, especially during rush hour on I-55. Many families find carpooling with neighbors to be an invaluable part of the private school experience, fostering community bonds. Furthermore, the decision often involves weighing the intimate, faith-based environment of a parish school against the specialized curricula of independent academies a bit farther afield. The key is to visit, to talk to other Summit Argo parents at local spots like the Summit Park District events, and to see where your child—and your family—feels most at home. Your ideal school is not just a building on a map, but a partner in raising your child within the context of our distinctive community.
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