The Best Private Schools in Washington, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Washington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Peoria Academy
Independent School
Peoria Academy is a highly-regarded independent school serving the greater Peoria area, including Washington families. The school offers an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme and emphasizes project-based learning, critical thinking, and global citizenship. With small class sizes averaging 15 students, the school provides personalized attention and strong academic foundations. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and extensive outdoor learning spaces. The school serves students from early childhood through 8th grade with a comprehensive curriculum that includes Spanish language instruction, technology integration, and extensive arts and athletics programs.
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St. Patrick Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Peoria
St. Patrick Catholic School is a well-established private school located directly in Washington, serving students from preschool through 8th grade. The school combines rigorous academic instruction with Catholic faith formation, offering a comprehensive curriculum that includes advanced mathematics, literature-based language arts, and hands-on science. Recent facility upgrades include modern technology labs and renovated classrooms. The school features strong parent involvement, competitive athletics programs, and extensive extracurricular activities including music, drama, and community service initiatives. St. Patrick's maintains small class sizes and has a reputation for preparing students well for local Catholic high schools.
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Central Catholic High School
Catholic Diocese of Peoria
Central Catholic High School serves students from throughout central Illinois, including Washington families seeking a comprehensive Catholic secondary education. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with 16 Advanced Placement courses, extensive STEM programs, and competitive athletics. Recent campus improvements include state-of-the-art science laboratories, a performing arts center, and modern athletic facilities. The school maintains a 12:1 student-teacher ratio and boasts a 100% college acceptance rate. Extracurricular programs include robotics, debate, music ensembles, and numerous service organizations, providing a well-rounded educational experience for students from diverse backgrounds.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Washington, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Washington, Illinois, and what are their key characteristics?
For families in Washington, IL, the most prominent local private options include St. Patrick Catholic School (PreK-8) and Central Catholic High School (9-12), both part of the Peoria-area Catholic Diocese. While Peoria Academy (PreK-8) is a highly-regarded independent school, it is located in Peoria, approximately a 20-25 minute commute from Washington. St. Patrick's offers a faith-based education in Washington itself, while Central Catholic in Bloomington provides a Catholic high school option, though it involves a longer commute. The availability of on-site private high school education within Washington's city limits is limited, making transportation and school choice for older students an important local consideration.
How does tuition for private schools in the Washington, IL area compare, and what financial aid options are available through Illinois state programs?
Tuition varies significantly among the top schools near Washington. For the 2024-25 year, St. Patrick Catholic School's tuition is approximately $5,000-$6,000 for parishioners, while Central Catholic High School's tuition is around $10,000-$11,000. Peoria Academy, as an independent school, has a higher tuition, typically exceeding $12,000. Critically for Illinois residents, the state's "Invest in Kids" tax credit scholarship program, which provided need-based aid, expired in 2023. Current state-level financial support is limited, so aid is primarily offered directly by the schools and associated parishes. Families in Washington should inquire directly with each school about their institutional scholarships and any parish subsidy programs for Catholic schools.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving Washington, IL students offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the region offer specialized programs that attract Washington families. Central Catholic High School features a strong college-prep curriculum with distinctive engineering and biomedical science tracks through Project Lead The Way. St. Patrick Catholic School integrates religious education and character formation throughout its daily curriculum, which is a core differentiator. Peoria Academy emphasizes an International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme framework, fostering inquiry-based learning and global-mindedness from a young age. For Washington students interested in agriculture or vocational tech—areas strong in Central Illinois—the private options may have less direct programming than the public Washington Community High School, but they counter with smaller class sizes and specialized academic tracks.
What is the typical enrollment and application timeline for private schools like St. Patrick's in Washington, and when should parents begin the process?
For Washington's St. Patrick Catholic School, the enrollment process for the following academic year typically opens in January for existing families and parishioners, with open enrollment for new families beginning in February or March. Many private schools in Illinois, including those in the Peoria diocese, have priority deadlines in early spring. It is highly advisable for Washington parents to begin researching and visiting schools the fall prior to desired enrollment. For kindergarten, starting the process 12-18 months in advance is common. Waiting lists can form for certain grades, especially at schools like Peoria Academy, so early inquiry is key. Most schools require application, records release, and often a family interview or student assessment.
For a family in Washington, IL, what are the major practical and philosophical considerations when choosing between Washington Community High School and a private high school like Central Catholic?
The decision between Washington Community High School (WCHS) and a private option like Central Catholic involves several local factors. Practically, WCHS offers proximity, no tuition, and extensive extracurriculars, including renowned athletics and agriculture programs. Central Catholic requires a daily commute to Bloomington (about 30-40 minutes) and significant tuition, but provides a faith-based environment, smaller class sizes, and a focused college-preparatory culture. Philosophically, it centers on whether a family values the specific religious formation and community of a Catholic education versus the comprehensive, tax-funded offerings of the large, high-performing public district. Many Washington families also consider the social transition, as choosing Central Catholic means students may not attend high school with their longtime public school peers.
Private Education Insights
Discover Top-Rated Private Kindergartens Near You in Washington, IL
When you begin searching for a "private kindergarten near me" in Washington, Illinois, you’re embarking on a significant decision that blends educational philosophy with the practicalities of community life. Washington, with its strong family-oriented neighborhoods and proximity to Peoria, offers a distinctive setting where private education is valued for its ability to provide tailored learning environments and foundational character development. The journey here is less about finding any school and more about discovering the right fit for your child’s first formal educational experience within the context of our local community.
Several established institutions serve Washington families, though it’s important to note that some are located just a short commute away, broadening your options while keeping community ties strong. For instance, St. Patrick Catholic School, right here in Washington, provides a faith-based kindergarten program that integrates spiritual growth with academic readiness, fostering a close-knit environment familiar to many local families. Meanwhile, a short drive to Peoria opens doors to schools like Peoria Academy, which offers an independent, progressive kindergarten experience focused on inquiry-based learning and social-emotional development—a popular choice for Washington parents seeking a specific educational approach. Even Central Catholic High School, while a secondary institution, is part of the broader private education ecosystem that Washington families grow into, highlighting the long-term pathway available.
Your search for a "private kindergarten near me" in Washington must consider the unique rhythm of our area. Think about daily logistics: Washington’s layout and access to Route 24 make certain commutes manageable, but you’ll want to visit and gauge the drive during typical drop-off times. Consider the community each school cultivates. Does it host events that Washington families regularly attend? Are there other children from your neighborhood enrolled? These connections can transform a school from just a program into an extension of your child’s social world. Furthermore, reflect on the educational continuity. Many parents appreciate that choosing a private kindergarten in our area can lead seamlessly into a structured elementary program, providing stability and deepening friendships within a consistent setting.
The investment in private kindergarten here goes beyond academics; it’s an investment in a community-oriented foundation. You are not just selecting a curriculum, but also choosing the values, the peer group, and the adult mentors who will help shape your child’s early years. We encourage you to move beyond the online search and experience these schools firsthand. Schedule tours, observe classrooms in session, and ask questions about how they nurture curiosity and resilience in young learners. Speak to current parents, especially those from Washington, to understand their experiences. This personal research will illuminate which environment—whether faith-based, independent, or another model—aligns with your family’s hopes for your child’s crucial kindergarten year. Your ideal "private kindergarten near me" is one that feels not only educationally sound but also like a natural part of your family’s life in Washington.
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