The Best Private Schools in Urbana, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Urbana. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
University High School
Illinois State University
University High School is a nationally recognized laboratory school affiliated with Illinois State University, serving academically gifted students from across Central Illinois. The school offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with exceptional faculty, small class sizes, and extensive research opportunities. Students benefit from university-level resources, state-of-the-art facilities, and a comprehensive extracurricular program including championship athletics, competitive academic teams, and extensive arts offerings. The school consistently ranks among the top high schools in Illinois and the nation for academic excellence.
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The High School of Saint Thomas More
Diocese of Peoria Catholic Schools
Saint Thomas More is a comprehensive Catholic college preparatory high school serving the Champaign-Urbana community with a strong academic tradition and faith-based education. The school offers 18 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, championship athletic teams, and extensive fine arts opportunities. With a 100% college acceptance rate and average ACT scores consistently above state and national averages, STM provides a supportive community environment focused on academic excellence, character development, and service learning. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes.
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Judah Christian School
Independent Christian School
Judah Christian School is a respected PreK-12 Christian school serving the Champaign-Urbana area with a comprehensive educational program grounded in Christian values. The school offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a strong emphasis on character development. Programs include advanced STEM courses, competitive athletics, vibrant fine arts, and an international student program. The school features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. Judah Christian maintains a strong track record of college acceptance and student success in higher education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Urbana, Illinois
What are the main types of private schools available in Urbana, Illinois, and how do they differ?
Urbana offers a diverse range of private school options, each with distinct educational philosophies. The top schools include University High School (U-High), a nationally ranked laboratory school affiliated with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, focusing on rigorous academics and research. The High School of Saint Thomas More is a Catholic, college-preparatory school integrating faith-based education. Judah Christian School provides a Protestant, Biblically-integrated curriculum from preschool through 12th grade. This variety allows parents in Urbana to choose based on academic intensity, religious affiliation, and pedagogical approach, all within a university-town context that enriches resources and opportunities.
How does tuition for private schools in Urbana, IL, compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Illinois?
Tuition in Urbana varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $6,000 to $18,000 annually. Judah Christian School typically has a lower tuition range, while University High School is at the higher end, reflecting its extensive resources and faculty. All major private schools in Urbana offer need-based financial aid. Additionally, Illinois residents can benefit from the state's Tax Credit Scholarship Program, where donations to scholarship-granting organizations provide private school scholarships for eligible families, potentially reducing net tuition costs. It's crucial to contact each school's admissions office directly for the most current figures and aid applications.
What unique academic programs or specializations are offered by private schools in Urbana due to its proximity to the University of Illinois?
Urbana's private schools leverage their location in a major research university town to offer exceptional programs. University High School is unparalleled, with students taking university courses, engaging in original research with UIUC professors, and using world-class facilities. Saint Thomas More and Judah Christian also foster partnerships, offering enhanced STEM opportunities, guest lectures, and access to university libraries and events. This environment provides a unique "college-town" advantage, with early exposure to advanced academics and research culture that is rare for private high schools in other Illinois cities.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Urbana, Illinois?
The enrollment process in Urbana is competitive, especially for schools like University High School. Key timelines begin in the fall prior to the desired enrollment year (e.g., September-October for the following fall). The process generally includes: 1) Attending open houses (often held in October-November), 2) Submitting an application by January or February deadlines, 3) Completing entrance exams or assessments (like the HSPT for Saint Thomas More), 4) Student interviews and/or shadow days, and 5) Financial aid applications. Admission decisions are typically communicated in March. Due to limited seats, particularly in entry grades, early inquiry and application are strongly recommended for Urbana families.
For families considering both sectors, how do private schools in Urbana compare academically and culturally to the highly-rated Urbana School District 116 public schools?
The choice in Urbana is between excellent options. Urbana School District 116 offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme at Urbana High School, a significant draw. Private schools offer alternative strengths: U-High provides an intensely academic, project-based environment with a 100% college matriculation rate; Saint Thomas More offers a structured, faith-based college-prep model; Judah Christian emphasizes a faith-integrated curriculum in a smaller setting. Culturally, the private schools often have smaller class sizes (e.g., 15-20 students vs. 25+ in public) and distinct community identities. The decision often hinges on desired class size, religious education, specific academic approach (IB vs. AP/advanced research), and the value placed on the unique laboratory-school model at U-High.