The Best Private Schools in Troy Grove, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Troy Grove. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Holy Family Catholic School
Holy Family Parish
Located just 12 miles from Troy Grove in Oglesby, Holy Family Catholic School provides excellent elementary education for students from preschool through 8th grade. The school offers a strong academic foundation with integrated technology, religious education, and enrichment programs. Features include modern classrooms, computer lab, library, and gymnasium. The school community is known for its family atmosphere and high parent satisfaction, with graduates successfully transitioning to regional high schools including St. Bede Academy.
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St. Bede Academy
Roman Catholic Diocese of Peoria
St. Bede Academy is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school located just 15 miles from Troy Grove. Founded by the Benedictine monks, the school offers a rigorous academic program with a 12:1 student-teacher ratio. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complexes. Students consistently achieve above-average ACT scores and college acceptance rates. The school offers extensive extracurricular activities including competitive sports, music programs, and community service opportunities.
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Marquette Academy
Roman Catholic Diocese of Peoria
Marquette Academy serves students from Troy Grove and surrounding communities, located approximately 20 miles away in Ottawa. This Catholic college preparatory school offers a comprehensive curriculum with Advanced Placement courses and dual credit opportunities. The school features modern technology integration, strong athletic programs, and a focus on character development. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Marquette provides personalized attention and has a strong track record of college placements.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Troy Grove, Illinois
What are the private school options available for families living in Troy Grove, Illinois, and are they located within the town itself?
Troy Grove is a small rural community, so most private school options are located in nearby towns. The primary private schools serving Troy Grove families are St. Bede Academy in Peru (a co-ed, college-prep Catholic high school), Marquette Academy in Ottawa (a Catholic junior/senior high school), and Holy Family Catholic School in Oglesby (a Pre-K through 8th grade school). There are no private school campuses physically located within Troy Grove's village limits, so transportation or carpooling to these neighboring communities is a key consideration for local parents.
How does the tuition at private schools like St. Bede Academy near Troy Grove, IL, compare, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid options?
Tuition for the 2023-2024 academic year at St. Bede Academy is approximately $8,500-$9,500, while Marquette Academy and Holy Family Catholic School have similar competitive parochial rates. A significant financial consideration specific to Illinois is the "Invest in Kids Act" Tax Credit Scholarship Program. This state program provides need-based scholarships for private school tuition, funded by donations from Illinois taxpayers who receive a tax credit. Many families in the Troy Grove area utilize this program to reduce out-of-pocket costs. Additionally, all local Catholic schools offer parish subsidies and in-house financial aid.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Troy Grove, Illinois, area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools serving Troy Grove emphasize college preparatory curricula with a values-based foundation. St. Bede Academy is notable for its 1:1 iPad program, extensive dual-credit courses through Illinois Valley Community College, and a strong tradition in athletics and fine arts. Marquette Academy offers a distinctive House System for student mentorship and a robust STEM program. Holy Family Catholic School provides a continuous, faith-integrated education from early childhood through middle school. These schools often have smaller average class sizes than the regional public districts, allowing for more individualized attention.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools like Holy Family Catholic School that serve Troy Grove, IL, families?
The enrollment process for schools like Holy Family Catholic School (Pre-K-8) and the academies typically begins with an open house in the fall or winter (October-February) for the following academic year. Priority registration for existing families and parishioners usually occurs in January, with open registration for new families beginning in February. The process involves submitting an application, academic records, baptismal certificate (for Catholic schools), and often a family interview. Given the small size of these schools and the demand from multiple surrounding towns like Troy Grove, it is highly advisable to begin the process early to secure a spot.
For a family in Troy Grove, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the local public school district (e.g., Lostant Elementary, Dimmick CCSD 175) and a private school in a neighboring town?
The core considerations involve logistics, cost, and educational philosophy. Logistically, attending a private school requires a daily commute to Peru, Ottawa, or Oglesby, whereas public school transportation is provided within the district. Financially, public school is tax-funded, while private school requires tuition, though financial aid may offset this. Educationally, the public schools are excellent, smaller rural districts, while the private options offer a specific religious affiliation and college-prep focus. Many Troy Grove families value the tight-knit, community-oriented environment of both types but must decide if the private school's mission and programs justify the added investment and travel.