The Best Private Schools in Toluca, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Toluca. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Matthew School
Diocese of Peoria Catholic Schools
St. Matthew School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school located approximately 25 miles from Toluca. Serving students from Pre-K through 8th grade, the school offers a comprehensive academic program rooted in Catholic values. The curriculum emphasizes strong foundational skills in reading, mathematics, and science while integrating technology throughout all grade levels. The school features modern facilities including dedicated science labs, computer labs, and a well-stocked library. Extracurricular programs include competitive sports teams, choir, band, and various academic clubs. Parent satisfaction is notably high, with families appreciating the small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and strong sense of community.
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St. Bede Academy
Diocese of Peoria Catholic Schools
St. Bede Academy is a prestigious co-educational Catholic high school located about 30 minutes from Toluca. Founded by the Benedictine Monks, the school has a long tradition of academic excellence and character formation. The college preparatory curriculum includes Advanced Placement courses, dual credit opportunities, and specialized programs in STEM and fine arts. Campus facilities include modern science laboratories, a performing arts center, athletic complex, and technology-enhanced classrooms. The school offers extensive extracurricular activities including championship athletic teams, drama productions, music ensembles, and numerous clubs. St. Bede maintains strong college acceptance rates and is known for its supportive community and dedicated faculty.
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St. Mary's School
Diocese of Peoria Catholic Schools
St. Mary's School in Wenona serves students from Pre-K through 8th grade and is located approximately 20 miles from Toluca. The school provides a faith-based education with a strong academic foundation, focusing on developing the whole child spiritually, academically, and socially. The curriculum includes comprehensive language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies programs enhanced by technology integration across all grade levels. Special programs include music education, art classes, physical education, and Spanish instruction. The school features updated facilities including computer labs, a gymnasium, and playground areas. Parents consistently praise the caring environment, experienced teachers, and the school's commitment to individual student success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Toluca, Illinois
What are the private school options for families living in Toluca, Illinois, and what grade levels do they serve?
Toluca, IL, is served by a small number of private, faith-based schools. The primary options are St. Matthew School (typically Pre-K through 8th grade) and St. Mary's School (also typically elementary/middle grades). For high school, families often look to nearby institutions like St. Bede Academy in Peru, IL, which is a common destination for Toluca students seeking a private, co-educational Catholic high school experience (grades 9-12). The availability is limited within Toluca's city limits, so considering schools in neighboring Marshall County communities is a practical necessity for a full K-12 private education.
How does tuition at Toluca-area private schools compare to the Illinois state average, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition at Toluca's parochial schools like St. Matthew and St. Mary's is generally below the Illinois state average for private schools, reflecting the region's cost of living. For the 2023-2024 academic year, elementary tuition at these schools often ranges from $3,000 to $5,000 per year, with significant discounts for active parish members and multiple children. St. Bede Academy's high school tuition is higher, typically between $8,000 and $10,000. All these schools offer need-based financial aid, and Illinois residents can also apply for the state's Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which provides private school scholarships funded by donations to Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs).
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Toluca area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools serving Toluca emphasize a faith-based education integrated into the core curriculum, which is their defining characteristic. Academically, they often maintain smaller class sizes than the local public districts, allowing for more individualized attention. St. Bede Academy, a common high school choice, offers a robust college-prep curriculum with Advanced Placement (AP) courses and distinctive programs in theology and campus ministry. Extracurricularly, these schools typically have strong traditions in sports (like St. Bede's athletic conference participation), music, and community service projects rooted in their religious missions, which may differ in focus from the public school offerings.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for families seeking to enroll a child at St. Matthew School in Toluca?
The enrollment process for St. Matthew School in Toluca typically begins in the winter or early spring for the following academic year. Parents should first contact the school office to express interest and schedule a tour. Priority is usually given to registered, active members of St. Matthew's Parish, followed by other Catholic families, and then the general community if space allows. The application packet will require birth and baptismal certificates, immunization records, and previous school records. It's advisable to apply by March or April, as some grades may have limited seats. A registration fee is often required to secure a spot.
For a family considering both public and private education in Toluca, what are the key logistical and community factors to weigh?
The key logistical factor is transportation. Toluca's public school district, Toluca Community Consolidated School District #2, provides busing for its students. Most private schools, including St. Matthew, do not provide district busing, meaning parents are responsible for transportation, which is a significant consideration for rural families in the Toluca area. Community-wise, the private schools offer a close-knit, values-based environment with consistent peer and family groups from Pre-K through 8th grade. The public school provides a broader, more diverse peer group within the immediate community. For high school, the choice is often between the local public high school (like from a sending district) and commuting to a private option like St. Bede Academy, impacting daily schedule and extracurricular participation.