The Best Private Schools in University Park, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in University Park. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Lincoln-Way Preparatory School
Independent
Lincoln-Way Preparatory School is a private college preparatory high school serving University Park and the Lincoln-Way community. The school emphasizes academic excellence with a curriculum featuring 15+ AP courses and dual credit opportunities through local colleges. Small class sizes (average 12:1 ratio) ensure personalized attention, and the school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate. Facilities include state-of-the-art science laboratories, technology-integrated classrooms, and collaborative learning spaces. The school offers robust extracurricular programs including competitive athletics, academic teams, and community service initiatives. Parent satisfaction is notably high due to strong communication and academic outcomes.
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Providence Catholic High School
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
Providence Catholic High School is a highly-regarded co-educational Catholic institution serving the University Park area and surrounding communities. With over a century of educational excellence, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with 18 Advanced Placement courses and specialized academies in STEM, business, and arts. The 45-acre campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic complexes. The school maintains a 12:1 student-teacher ratio and boasts a 99% college acceptance rate. Extracurricular programs include 26 athletic teams, 50+ clubs, and comprehensive fine arts offerings.
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St. Mary's School
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
St. Mary's School is a highly-rated Catholic elementary and middle school serving University Park families seeking faith-based education. The school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade program with strong emphasis on core academics, technology integration, and Catholic values. Curriculum includes advanced mathematics, science laboratories, Spanish language instruction, and comprehensive fine arts programs. The school features modern facilities including STEM labs, library media center, and gymnasium. Extracurricular offerings include competitive sports teams, academic competitions, music programs, and community service opportunities. The school maintains strong parent involvement and consistently prepares students for success at top-tier high schools.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in University Park, Illinois
What are the primary private school options serving families in University Park, Illinois, and what grade levels do they cover?
University Park, IL, is primarily served by a few notable private institutions. **Providence Catholic High School** in New Lenox is a co-educational diocesan high school for grades 9-12. **St. Mary's School** in Mokena is a private Catholic school offering preschool through 8th grade. While not in University Park proper, **Lincoln-Way Preparatory School** (a private entity distinct from the public Lincoln-Way district) offers educational services in the region. For younger students, many University Park families also consider Catholic elementary schools in neighboring Frankfort and Mokena. The options are somewhat limited within the village boundaries, making the surrounding communities important for private school consideration.
How does tuition for private schools in the University Park, IL, area compare, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid options?
Tuition varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Providence Catholic High School's tuition is approximately $12,500, while St. Mary's School (K-8) is roughly $5,500-$6,000. Illinois offers two key financial aid programs that benefit University Park residents: the **Invest in Kids Act Tax Credit Scholarship Program**, which provides need-based scholarships funded by private donations, and the **Illinois K-12 Education Expense Tax Credit**, which allows you to claim a state income tax credit for 25% of qualified education expenses (including private school tuition) up to $750 per family. Additionally, all schools offer their own need-based financial aid and parish subsidies for active Catholic families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from University Park?
Schools in this area offer distinctive programs leveraging their private status. **Providence Catholic** is renowned for its **STEM Academy**, competitive **Scholars Program**, and extensive athletic tradition (winning multiple state championships). **St. Mary's School** emphasizes a faith-based curriculum with dedicated specials in Spanish, art, music, and technology from a young age. A notable feature for University Park families is the proximity to **Governors State University**; some local private schools establish partnerships for dual-credit courses or specialized resources. The private schools here often provide a smaller, values-based environment with a focus on college preparation, differentiating them from the larger public high schools in the Lincoln-Way district.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Providence Catholic and St. Mary's for University Park residents?
The process is school-specific and requires early planning. **Providence Catholic** holds its entrance exam (the HSPT) in December/January for fall enrollment, with shadow days and open houses starting in the prior fall. Application deadlines are typically in early February. **St. Mary's School** (K-8) often begins registration for current families in January and opens it to new families (including those from University Park) in February/March, with priority often given to parish members and siblings. For both, it's crucial to contact the admissions office a full year in advance, especially for kindergarten and 9th-grade entry. Unlike public school boundaries, admission is based on application, testing, and available space.
As a University Park resident, how should I weigh the choice between the well-regarded Lincoln-Way public high schools and local private options?
This is a key consideration. University Park is within **Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210**, which operates large, comprehensive public high schools (Lincoln-Way Central, East, West) known for strong academics, vast extracurriculars, and no tuition. The choice often hinges on priorities: private schools like **Providence Catholic** offer a smaller, faith-based community with a defined college-prep culture and mandatory service hours. The public schools provide immense diversity in course offerings, clubs, and sports due to their scale. For families seeking a religious education continuum, pairing St. Mary's (K-8) with Providence Catholic is a common path. Consider commute times, desired class size, educational philosophy, and budget—factoring in both private tuition and property taxes that fund the highly-rated public district.
Private Education Insights
Discover Top-Rated Prep Schools Near University Park, IL: A Parent's Guide
As you begin your search for "prep schools near me" from your home in University Park, you’re tapping into a rich educational landscape that blends strong community values with a focus on future readiness. The journey to find the right preparatory environment for your child is deeply personal, and here in our corner of Will County, families benefit from a variety of private institutions that emphasize rigorous academics, character development, and personalized pathways to college and beyond. Understanding the local options and what they uniquely offer can transform a broad search into a confident decision.
Your exploration will likely lead you to several notable schools that serve the University Park community. Providence Catholic High School in New Lenox, for instance, is a cornerstone for many local families, offering a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum rooted in Catholic tradition. Its strong athletic programs and wide array of extracurriculars provide a holistic environment where students can thrive. Closer to home, Lincoln-Way Preparatory School emphasizes a tailored academic approach, often appealing to parents seeking a more individualized pace and focus for their student. For younger children, St. Mary’s School in Mokena provides a foundational, faith-based education that seamlessly prepares students for the rigors of secondary prep schools. Each of these institutions, while distinct in character, shares a common commitment to preparing students not just for college, but for life.
When evaluating prep schools near you, consider the daily logistics unique to our area. University Park’s location, with its proximity to I-57 and Route 30, means commuting to schools in New Lenox, Mokena, or Frankfort is a common part of family life. Investigating carpool networks, school bus availability, or after-school care programs is a practical step many local parents take. Furthermore, the cultural and economic diversity of University Park and the surrounding communities is a significant asset. Look for schools that not only acknowledge this diversity but actively incorporate it into their curriculum and student life, preparing your child to navigate an increasingly global world.
The true measure of a preparatory school lies in its ability to match your child’s needs and your family’s values. We encourage you to move beyond websites and brochures. Schedule visits to feel the atmosphere of the hallways, observe teacher-student interactions, and ask current parents about their experiences. Inquire about how the school supports students through the college counseling process, what kind of academic or social support systems are in place, and how they foster a sense of community. The right prep school will feel like a partnership, extending the supportive environment you cultivate at home in University Park. Your search for "prep schools near me" is the first step in an exciting journey toward finding an academic home where your child will be known, challenged, and inspired to reach their fullest potential.