The Best Private Schools in Warrensburg, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Warrensburg. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Sacred Heart School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Illinois
Sacred Heart School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving the Warrensburg area from nearby Decatur. Established in 1959, the school offers comprehensive education from preschool through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on faith-based learning combined with rigorous academics. The school features modern facilities, dedicated faculty, and a well-rounded curriculum that includes STEM programs, fine arts, and competitive athletics. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, small class sizes, and strong community values that prepare students for academic success and character development.
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St. Teresa High School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Illinois
St. Teresa High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory high school serving students from Warrensburg and the greater Decatur area. Founded in 1966, the school offers a comprehensive academic program with advanced placement courses, a dedicated STEM academy, and extensive fine arts programs. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. With a strong track record of college acceptance and a supportive community environment, St. Teresa emphasizes academic excellence, faith formation, and leadership development. The school maintains a robust athletic program competing in the Central Illinois Conference.
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Mount Zion Early Learning Center & Elementary School
Mount Zion School District (Private Programs)
Mount Zion Early Learning Center & Elementary School offers private early childhood and elementary education programs serving families in Warrensburg and surrounding communities. Established in 1999, this institution provides a strong foundation for young learners with developmentally appropriate curriculum, experienced educators, and modern learning environments. The school focuses on individualized instruction, character education, and comprehensive early childhood development. Programs include literacy-focused curriculum, mathematics enrichment, arts integration, and technology education. Parents appreciate the school's commitment to creating a safe, nurturing environment that fosters both academic growth and social-emotional development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Warrensburg, Illinois
What are the main private school options available for families in Warrensburg, Illinois, and what grade levels do they serve?
Warrensburg, IL, is served by a small number of private, faith-based institutions. The primary options are Sacred Heart School (a Catholic K-8 school), St. Teresa High School (a Catholic 9-12 school in nearby Decatur, commonly attended by Warrensburg students), and Mount Zion Early Learning Center & Elementary School (a Christian preschool and elementary school in the neighboring village of Mount Zion). For a complete K-12 private education, families in Warrensburg typically utilize Sacred Heart for elementary/middle grades and then transition to St. Teresa for high school. There are no large, independent non-religious private schools within Warrensburg itself, making these faith-based schools the cornerstone of private education in the local area.
How does tuition at Warrensburg-area private schools compare to the Illinois state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at the private schools serving Warrensburg is generally below the Illinois state average for private schools, reflecting the region's cost of living. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Sacred Heart School's tuition is approximately $4,500-$5,500 for parishioners, with a higher rate for non-parishioners. St. Teresa High School tuition is around $9,000-$10,000. Both schools, along with Mount Zion Early Learning, offer need-based financial aid, multi-child discounts, and active participation in the Illinois Tax Credit Scholarship Program. This program allows donors to direct scholarships to specific schools, providing crucial tuition assistance to eligible families. It's important to contact each school's admissions office directly for the most current rates and a personalized financial aid assessment.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Warrensburg, IL, area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools serving Warrensburg emphasize small class sizes, faith-based character education, and specific programmatic strengths. Sacred Heart School integrates Catholic teachings across its curriculum and may offer specialized religion classes. St. Teresa High School provides a college-prep curriculum with notable athletics programs (competing in the Central Illinois Conference) and opportunities like dual-credit courses through local community colleges. A key differentiator is the continuity of a values-based community from kindergarten through high school for families who choose the Sacred Heart-to-St. Teresa pathway. These schools often have strong community service requirements and close-knit environments that are distinct from the larger Warrensburg-Latham public school district.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Sacred Heart in Warrensburg, and are there deadlines for the Illinois Tax Credit Scholarship?
Enrollment for the fall semester at Sacred Heart School and St. Teresa High School typically opens in January or February. The process involves submitting an application, providing academic records, and often a family interview or student assessment. While these schools may accept applications year-round based on availability, priority is given to applications submitted by March. A critical deadline for families seeking financial aid is the application for the Illinois Tax Credit Scholarship (Empower Illinois), which usually opens in late January with a fiercely competitive, first-come, first-served online application portal that can fill within minutes. Parents must apply for this scholarship separately from school enrollment and should monitor the Empower Illinois website closely.
For a family new to Warrensburg, what are the key practical considerations when choosing between the Warrensburg-Latham public school district and local private options?
The decision hinges on several Warrensburg-specific factors. The Warrensburg-Latham School District (CUSD #11) offers a tuition-free, comprehensive public education with transportation provided. The local private pathway requires tuition, personal transportation to St. Teresa High School in Decatur (a 15-20 minute drive), and an alignment with the religious mission of the schools. Academically, both sectors perform well, but the private option offers a consistent, faith-based environment from K-12. For families deeply involved in the local Catholic or Christian communities, the private schools serve as an extension of that community. Financially, utilizing the Tax Credit Scholarship can make private school feasible for qualifying families. It's recommended to schedule tours at both Sacred Heart and Warrensburg-Latham Elementary to directly compare culture, class size, and curriculum.
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