The Best Private Schools in Warren, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Warren. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Holy Trinity Academy
Catholic Diocese of Rockford
Holy Trinity Academy serves students from Warren and surrounding communities with a rigorous Catholic classical education model. The school offers small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 10:1, comprehensive STEM programming, and strong emphasis on character development. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic facilities. The school serves students from preschool through 8th grade with a well-established track record of preparing students for high school success.
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Wahlert Catholic High School
Archdiocese of Dubuque
Located approximately 30 minutes from Warren, Wahlert Catholic High School serves students from Illinois and Iowa with a comprehensive college preparatory program. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including advanced science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complex. Wahlert offers extensive AP course offerings, competitive athletic programs, and robust extracurricular activities. The school maintains strong academic outcomes with 99% of graduates attending college and receiving significant scholarship awards.
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Aquin Catholic Schools
Catholic Diocese of Rockford
Aquin Catholic Schools is a highly-regarded PreK-12 institution serving families throughout Northwest Illinois, including Warren. The school features a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with advanced placement courses, competitive athletics programs, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. With modern facilities including science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes, Aquin provides a well-rounded education with strong community values and academic excellence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Warren, Illinois
What are the specific private school options available for families living in or near Warren, Illinois?
Warren, IL, is served by a few key private institutions, primarily with a Catholic affiliation. The most prominent is **Holy Trinity Academy**, which is a Pre-K through 12th grade Catholic school located in nearby Stockton. For families in Warren, **Aquin Catholic Schools** in Freeport (about 30 minutes away) is another major option, offering a Pre-K through 12th grade continuum. **Wahlert Catholic High School** is located in Dubuque, Iowa, which is a significant commute and may be considered by some families in the region. Due to Warren's small size, most private schooling requires commuting to neighboring towns, making transportation an important local consideration.
How does tuition at private schools like Holy Trinity Academy compare to the Illinois state average, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition at schools like Holy Trinity Academy and Aquin Catholic Schools tends to be below the state average for Illinois private schools, reflecting the rural and small-town context of the Warren area. For the 2023-2024 school year, elementary tuition at these schools often ranges from $3,500 to $5,000, with high school levels being higher. Both schools typically offer substantial financial aid through parish subsidies for active Catholic families, multi-child discounts, and need-based assistance. Additionally, Illinois' **Invest in Kids Act** tax credit scholarship program can provide significant tuition assistance for eligible families, though funding is limited and application is competitive.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Warren, IL, area offer that leverage the local community?
Private schools near Warren often integrate the region's agricultural and close-knit community values into their programs. For example, Holy Trinity Academy and Aquin Catholic Schools may offer robust FFA (Future Farmers of America) chapters and agricultural science courses that align with the local economy. Additionally, due to smaller class sizes, these schools frequently provide strong, personalized academic support and opportunities for students to participate in a wide range of extracurriculars, from athletics to music, without the intense competition for spots found in larger districts. Their Catholic identity also emphasizes service learning, often partnering with local Warren and county organizations for community projects.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Aquin Catholic Schools that serve Warren-area families?
The enrollment process for schools like Aquin Catholic Schools or Holy Trinity Academy usually begins in January or February for the following fall. The process is rolling, but early application is encouraged, especially for incoming kindergarteners or students seeking financial aid. Key steps include: 1) Attending an open house or scheduling a tour, 2) Submitting an application with a fee, 3) Providing academic records and possibly teacher recommendations (for transfer students), and 4) A family interview or meeting. For families in Warren, it's crucial to inquire about transportation options early, as bus service may be limited or arranged through cooperative agreements with local public districts.
For a family in Warren, what are the key factors when comparing the local public school (Warren Community Unit School District 205) to nearby private options?
The key comparison points for Warren families are scale, curriculum focus, and community environment. **Warren CUSD 205** offers a single, consolidated Pre-K-12 public school experience with no commute and potentially broader elective offerings due to state funding. In contrast, private options like Holy Trinity Academy provide a specific faith-based education with smaller class sizes and often more traditional discipline. The decision frequently hinges on values alignment, desired student-teacher ratio, and willingness to commute 20-30 minutes. Academically, both sectors perform well, but private schools in this region often showcase high graduation and college attendance rates. The cost of private tuition versus potential savings on extracurricular fees in the public system is also a major local consideration.