The Best Private Schools in Ullin, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Ullin. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Notre Dame Regional High School
Catholic School System
Notre Dame Regional High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving students from Southern Illinois and Southeast Missouri. Located just 20 minutes from Ullin in Cape Girardeau, the school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and extensive extracurricular activities including competitive athletics and fine arts. The school features modern facilities, small class sizes, and a strong focus on character development and community service. With a long-standing reputation for academic excellence, Notre Dame consistently produces graduates who attend top colleges and universities nationwide.
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St. Vincent de Paul School
Catholic Diocese of Springfield
St. Vincent de Paul School provides excellent Catholic education for students from preschool through 8th grade, serving families throughout the Southern Illinois and Southeast Missouri region. Located approximately 15 miles from Ullin, the school offers a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes academic excellence, faith formation, and character development. The school features dedicated faculty, modern classroom technology, and a strong sense of community. Extracurricular programs include music, art, sports, and various clubs that enhance the educational experience. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment and strong academic foundation.
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St. Mary's Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Belleville
St. Mary's Catholic School in Anna, Illinois, serves students from preschool through 8th grade and is conveniently located just 10 miles from Ullin. The school provides a strong academic foundation with a Christ-centered environment, featuring small class sizes and individualized attention. The curriculum includes comprehensive language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies programs enhanced by technology integration. Students benefit from music, art, physical education, and various extracurricular activities. The school has a long history of preparing students for success in high school and beyond, with many graduates attending top regional high schools.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Ullin, Illinois
What are the private school options for families in Ullin, Illinois, and what grade levels do they serve?
Ullin, Illinois, is served by a small number of faith-based private schools, primarily Catholic institutions. The main options are Notre Dame Regional High School (grades 9-12), St. Vincent de Paul School (typically grades PreK-8), and St. Mary's Catholic School (typically grades K-8). Due to the rural nature of Southern Illinois, these schools often draw students from Ullin and surrounding communities like Anna, Jonesboro, and Cairo. For families seeking non-religious private education, exploring options in larger nearby cities like Carbondale or Cape Girardeau, MO, may be necessary.
How does tuition at Ullin-area private schools compare, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition at the Catholic schools serving Ullin is generally structured to be accessible for families in the region, often with lower rates for parish members. Exact figures vary annually, but they are typically several thousand dollars per year. Illinois offers the "Invest in Kids Act" tax credit scholarship program, which can provide significant financial aid to eligible families. Additionally, the "Illinois K-12 Education Expense Credit" allows a state income tax credit for qualified education expenses. It's crucial to contact each school's financial office directly, as they can provide the most current tuition schedules and guide you through applying for diocesan aid, parish subsidies, and these state programs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Ullin area offer that reflect the local community?
Private schools in the Ullin area often emphasize community values and personalized education. Academically, they provide strong core curricula with religious education integrated throughout. Given the agricultural and service-oriented nature of Southern Illinois, programs may include community service projects, local history units on the region's significance, and partnerships with nearby Shawnee Community College for dual-credit opportunities for high schoolers. Extracurriculars at a school like Notre Dame Regional High School might include sports like baseball and softball that are popular in the region, as well as clubs focused on leadership and faith, which are central to the community's identity.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools like St. Vincent de Paul or St. Mary's in Ullin, Illinois?
The enrollment process for Ullin's private schools usually begins in the winter or early spring for the following academic year. It typically involves: 1) Submitting an application form, often with a fee; 2) Providing records from the previous school (and baptismal certificate for Catholic schools); 3) A family interview or meeting with the principal; and 4) Completing financial aid applications if needed. Due to the smaller size of these schools, spaces can be limited, especially in specific grade levels, so early inquiry is recommended. Many schools also host open houses or shadow days for prospective students, which are valuable for families considering the close-knit community environment.
For a family in Ullin, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private Catholic school?
The key considerations are educational philosophy, class size, cost, and community. Ullin's public schools are part of the Century Community Unit School District, offering a tuition-free, secular education with a standard curriculum. The private Catholic schools offer a faith-based education with moral development woven into daily learning, often resulting in very small class sizes and high levels of individual attention. The trade-off is tuition. Transportation can also be a factor, as private schools may not provide district busing. For many families in this region, the decision centers on whether they value the specific religious formation, tight-knit environment, and tradition of the local Catholic schools versus the no-cost, comprehensive offerings of the public system. Visiting both types of schools is the best way to gauge the right fit.