The Best Private Schools in Ursa, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Ursa. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Quincy Notre Dame High School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Illinois
Quincy Notre Dame is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory high school serving the broader Quincy area, including Ursa. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 95% of graduates attending college. Features include advanced placement courses, state-of-the-art science and technology labs, comprehensive athletic programs, and extensive extracurricular activities. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 14:1 and emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence.
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Blessed Sacrament School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Illinois
Blessed Sacrament School is a highly-rated Catholic elementary school serving students from preschool through 8th grade, drawing families from Ursa and surrounding communities. The school provides a strong foundation in core academics with integrated technology, religious education, and character formation. Features include modern classrooms, dedicated STEM labs, music and art programs, and before/after school care. The school is known for its family-oriented community and strong parent involvement.
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St. Peter School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Illinois
St. Peter School is one of the oldest and most established private schools in the region, serving students from preschool through 8th grade, including families from Ursa. The school offers a comprehensive academic program with emphasis on faith development, academic excellence, and service learning. Facilities include modern classrooms, computer labs, library, gymnasium, and playgrounds. The school maintains small class sizes and offers extensive extracurricular activities including sports, music, and academic competitions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Ursa, Illinois
What are the private school options for families living in Ursa, Illinois, and are there any directly within the village?
Ursa itself is a small village, so there are no private school campuses physically located within its boundaries. However, families in Ursa are part of the broader Adams County community and have access to several well-regarded private schools in nearby Quincy, just a short commute away. The top options include Quincy Notre Dame High School (9-12), Blessed Sacrament School (PreK-8), and St. Peter School (PreK-8). These schools serve the Ursa area and provide a private, often faith-based, education alternative to the public Union School District.
How does tuition at private schools like Quincy Notre Dame work for Illinois residents, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition at schools like Quincy Notre Dame, Blessed Sacrament, and St. Peter is set by each institution and typically ranges from several thousand dollars per year for elementary to higher rates for high school. As an Illinois resident, you may be eligible for the state's "Invest in Kids Act" tax credit scholarship program, which provides financial assistance to eligible families choosing private schools. Additionally, many local private schools offer parish subsidies for active church members, multi-child discounts, and need-based financial aid through the school itself. It's essential to contact each school's admissions office directly for the most current tuition schedules and aid applications.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Ursa/Quincy area offer that might not be available in local public schools?
Private schools serving Ursa families often provide distinctive programs rooted in their missions. Quincy Notre Dame High School, for example, offers a strong college-prep curriculum alongside unique electives in theology and a renowned athletics program. Blessed Sacrament and St. Peter Schools integrate faith-based learning throughout the day and may have smaller class sizes allowing for more individualized attention. Additionally, these schools often have specialized programs in STEM, fine arts, or language that are enhanced by their close-knit community support, something highly valued in the rural Ursa area.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools like St. Peter School for a family moving to Ursa?
The enrollment process for private schools in the Quincy area, which serve Ursa, often begins in the winter or early spring for the following academic year. For example, St. Peter School typically opens registration for current families in January and for new families shortly after. The process usually involves submitting an application, providing records from a previous school, and possibly a student assessment or family interview. For Ursa residents, it's crucial to plan ahead due to potential waiting lists, especially in younger grades. We recommend contacting the admissions office of your chosen school by November or December to express interest and get specific dates.
For a family in rural Ursa, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private school in Quincy?
The decision involves weighing several location-specific factors. The public option for Ursa students is the Union School District, which offers the convenience of a very short, local commute. Choosing a private school in Quincy involves a daily commute of 15-20 minutes but provides an alternative educational philosophy, often with a religious component. Considerations include: the value you place on faith-based education, class size differences, extracurricular opportunities (like private school sports leagues), and the financial investment versus no-cost public education. Many Ursa families appreciate the strong community feel of both options but choose private schools for their specific academic rigor and shared values system.