The Best Private Schools in Union, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Union. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary Catholic School
Diocese of Rockford
St. Mary Catholic School is one of the oldest and most respected private schools in McHenry County, serving students from Union and surrounding communities. The school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education with strong emphasis on Catholic values, academic excellence, and character development. The curriculum includes advanced mathematics, literacy programs, science labs, and technology integration with 1:1 iPad program. Extracurricular activities include sports, choir, band, and various clubs. The school maintains small class sizes and has a reputation for preparing students well for high school.
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Marian Central Catholic High School
Diocese of Rockford
Marian Central Catholic High School is a highly-regarded co-educational Catholic high school serving students throughout McHenry County, including Union. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with 16 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and competitive athletics. With a student-teacher ratio of 15:1, the school provides personalized attention and strong community values. Facilities include modern science labs, performing arts spaces, and extensive athletic facilities. The school has a 99% college acceptance rate and emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence.
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St. Thomas the Apostle School
Diocese of Rockford
St. Thomas the Apostle School serves families throughout McHenry County, including Union, with a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education. The school features a strong academic program with emphasis on STEM education, Spanish language instruction from preschool onward, and integrated technology throughout the curriculum. The campus includes modern classrooms, science labs, a dedicated STEM lab, and extensive playground facilities. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 18:1 and offers robust extracurricular programs including athletics, music, and community service opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Union, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families in Union, Illinois, and what grade levels do they serve?
Union, Illinois, is served by a small cluster of faith-based private schools. The notable institutions are Marian Central Catholic High School (grades 9-12), St. Mary Catholic School (typically Pre-K through 8th grade), and St. Thomas the Apostle School (typically Pre-K through 8th grade). For families seeking a K-12 private education in Union, this often means attending a parish elementary school and then transitioning to Marian Central for high school. There are no large, independent non-sectarian private day schools within Union itself, so the local options are predominantly Catholic.
How does tuition at Union, IL private schools compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition at the Catholic schools in Union is generally below the Illinois state average for private schools, reflecting their parish-subsidized model and mission of accessibility. For the 2024-2025 school year, elementary tuition at schools like St. Mary's or St. Thomas is often structured with discounted rates for active parishioners, with non-parishioner rates being higher. Marian Central Catholic High School's tuition is set independently. All these schools typically offer need-based financial aid, and Illinois residents can also apply for the state's Tax Credit Scholarship Program (Invest in Kids Act), which provides scholarships funded by private donations in exchange for a tax credit. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school about their specific tuition schedules and aid application processes.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Union, IL area offer that distinguish them from local public schools?
The private schools in Union leverage their specific identities to offer unique programs. Marian Central Catholic High School features a strong college-prep curriculum with notable theology requirements, and it competes in the Chicago-area East Suburban Catholic Conference for athletics. The elementary schools, like St. Mary's and St. Thomas, integrate faith formation into daily learning and often have smaller class sizes than nearby public districts. A distinctive feature of this area's private education is the seamless feeder system from parish schools to the diocesan high school, fostering a tight-knit community. Additionally, these schools may offer Latin instruction, annual retreats, and community service requirements that are central to their mission, which are less common in the local public school framework.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Union, Illinois, and are there priority considerations?
The enrollment process for Union's private schools usually begins in January or February for the following academic year. Priority is almost always given in this order: 1) Siblings of currently enrolled students, 2) Children of active parishioners of the supporting Catholic parish (for the elementary schools), and 3) New families from other parishes or faiths. For Marian Central Catholic, priority is given to students graduating from feeder Catholic elementary schools. The process typically involves submitting an application, academic records, baptismal certificate (for Catholic schools), and often a family interview or student assessment. Given the small size of these schools, especially at the elementary level, it is highly advisable to initiate contact early in the calendar year to secure a spot.
For families moving to Union, how do the local private schools compare to the public school districts, specifically Union School District 81 and Huntley Community School District 158?
This is a key consideration. Union is split between Union School District 81 (K-8) feeding into Richmond-Burton Community High School District 157, and portions feeding into the larger Huntley School District 158. The private schools offer an alternative with a consistent religious education framework from preschool through high school (Marian Central), which can be appealing for families seeking that continuity. Academically, the public districts are well-regarded, but private options provide smaller, more intimate learning environments. The choice often hinges on values: the public schools offer diverse extracurriculars and no tuition, while Union's private schools provide a faith-based education with associated community and character formation, albeit with tuition costs. Transportation is another factor, as public school busing is not typically provided for private school students in these districts.