The Best Private Schools in Tennessee, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Tennessee. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Costa Catholic Academy
Catholic Diocese of Peoria
Costa Catholic Academy is a highly-regarded private Catholic school serving the western Illinois region, including Tennessee. The school offers comprehensive education from preschool through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on faith-based learning combined with rigorous academics. Features include modern facilities, competitive athletics programs, and robust extracurricular activities including music, art, and STEM education. The school maintains small class sizes and has a reputation for excellent teacher-student relationships and strong community involvement.
Programs:
Immaculate Conception School
Catholic Diocese of Peoria
Immaculate Conception School serves students from Monmouth and surrounding communities including Tennessee. This established Catholic school provides education from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade with a focus on academic excellence and character development. The school features a comprehensive curriculum enhanced by technology integration, music programs, and competitive sports. Known for its strong community atmosphere and dedicated faculty, the school emphasizes both academic achievement and spiritual growth in a supportive learning environment.
Programs:
St. Paul School
Catholic Diocese of Peoria
St. Paul School in Macomb serves families throughout western Illinois, including the Tennessee area. This long-established Catholic school offers education from preschool through 8th grade with a balanced approach to academic, spiritual, and social development. The school features modern classrooms with technology integration, comprehensive athletic programs, and strong arts education. With a focus on individualized attention and community values, St. Paul School maintains a reputation for preparing students well for high school while fostering strong moral character and academic competence.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Tennessee, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families in Tennessee, Illinois, and what are their educational philosophies?
Tennessee, Illinois, is served by a small cluster of faith-based private schools, primarily Costa Catholic Academy (PreK-8), Immaculate Conception School (PreK-8), and St. Paul School (PreK-8). These institutions provide the main private education framework for the area. They all offer a values-based, Catholic education that integrates religious instruction with a standard academic curriculum. Given the rural setting of McDonough County, these schools are central community hubs, emphasizing small class sizes, strong teacher-student relationships, and a family-oriented environment. For high school, families typically look at Catholic or independent options in larger nearby cities like Macomb or Galesburg.
How does tuition at private schools in Tennessee, IL, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at private schools in Tennessee, IL, is generally below the statewide average for Illinois private schools, reflecting the area's lower cost of living. For the 2024-2025 school year, tuition for these parish schools often ranges from approximately $3,000 to $5,000 per student for parishioners, with a higher rate for non-parishioners. A key financial consideration specific to Illinois is the availability of the "Invest in Kids Act" tax-credit scholarship program, which can provide significant tuition assistance for eligible families. Additionally, the local schools themselves, supported by their parishes, often have discretionary aid, multi-child discounts, and active fundraising to help keep education accessible.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for schools like Costa Catholic Academy or St. Paul School in Tennessee?
The enrollment process for private schools in Tennessee, IL, typically begins in early winter (January-February) for the following academic year. It is highly recommended to contact the school office directly for specific dates and application packets. The process usually involves submitting an application form, providing birth and baptismal certificates (for Catholic schools), recent academic records, and possibly a small registration fee. Many families in this tight-knit community are known to the parishes, which can streamline the process. Due to the small size of the schools, available spots, especially in specific grade levels, can be limited, so early inquiry is advised. Open houses or "shadow days" for prospective students are common.
Beyond core academics, what unique programs or community aspects do private schools in Tennessee, IL, offer?
Private schools in Tennessee leverage their small size and parish support to offer unique programs that foster community. Common features include strong emphasis on music and liturgical participation (choirs, altar serving), annual community events like festivals and fish fries, and service projects that connect students to the local town. Academically, they often participate in regional events like the Diocese of Peoria's academic contests, science fairs, and spelling bees. Given the agricultural surroundings, aspects of local culture and history may be integrated into the curriculum. The intimate setting allows for individualized attention but may mean fewer specialized extracurriculars (like competitive sports teams) compared to larger districts, with a focus instead on intramurals and cooperative activities.
For a family considering both options, what are the key differences between the Tennessee Elementary School (public) and the local private schools?
The key differences center on curriculum, environment, and cost. **Tennessee Elementary School (public)** offers a secular education funded by taxes, with programming dictated by Illinois state standards. It may have access to certain public school resources and services. The local **private schools (Costa Catholic, Immaculate Conception, St. Paul)** provide a religious education with daily faith integration, typically have smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students per grade), and require tuition. The private school environment is explicitly values-based, with discipline and community rooted in Catholic teachings. For families in Tennessee, the choice often comes down to prioritizing a faith-based, close-knit educational community versus a tuition-free public option. Transportation can also be a factor, as the private schools do not provide district busing.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities