The Best Private Schools in Wenona, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Wenona. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Bede Academy
Roman Catholic Diocese of Peoria
St. Bede Academy is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving the Wenona area and surrounding communities. Located approximately 20 miles from Wenona, the school offers a rigorous academic program with 14 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive fine arts programs, and competitive athletics. The 140-acre campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, St. Bede maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and strong community values.
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Marquette Academy
Roman Catholic Diocese of Peoria
Marquette Academy serves students from Wenona and the broader Illinois Valley region with a comprehensive Catholic education program. The school offers a strong college preparatory curriculum with emphasis on STEM education, complemented by robust arts and athletic programs. Located about 25 miles from Wenona, the school features modern classrooms, science laboratories, and athletic facilities. Marquette Academy is known for its family atmosphere, dedicated faculty, and strong track record of college placements, with graduates attending prestigious universities nationwide.
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LaSalle-Peru Township High School (Private Program)
LaSalle-Peru Township High School District
While primarily a public institution, LaSalle-Peru Township High School offers specialized private program options and serves as a regional educational center for communities including Wenona. Located approximately 15 miles from Wenona, the school provides comprehensive college preparatory programs with 18 Advanced Placement courses, extensive career technical education pathways, and outstanding fine arts and athletic programs. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including advanced STEM labs, performing arts center, and competitive sports complexes, making it a popular choice for families seeking rigorous academic opportunities in the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Wenona, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Wenona, Illinois?
While Wenona itself is a smaller community, families typically look to nearby towns for private secondary education. The most prominent options are St. Bede Academy in Peru (a co-ed, Catholic, college-prep school for grades 9-12) and Marquette Academy in Ottawa (also a Catholic, college-prep high school). For a unique public-private hybrid, LaSalle-Peru Township High School in LaSalle offers a "Private Program" that operates within the public school, providing a private school curriculum and environment. For younger grades, families often consider Catholic elementary schools in surrounding towns like Ottawa, Peru, and Streator.
How does the "Private Program" at LaSalle-Peru Township High School differ from a traditional private school like St. Bede Academy?
This is a key distinction for Wenona-area families. The LaSalle-Peru (LP) Private Program is a tuition-based program housed within the public LP High School building. Students take a dedicated, accelerated curriculum with a separate faculty but have access to the public school's facilities, clubs, and sports teams. St. Bede Academy and Marquette Academy are fully independent, faith-based institutions with their own campuses, cultures, and athletic conferences. The choice often comes down to preference for a fully immersive private/faith-based community versus a rigorous academic program within a comprehensive public school setting.
What is the typical tuition range for private high schools near Wenona, IL, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid options?
For the 2023-2024 academic year, tuition at St. Bede Academy and Marquetta Academy is approximately $8,000-$10,000 annually. The LP Private Program tuition is generally lower, often around $4,000-$5,000. Illinois offers the "Invest in Kids Act" tax credit scholarship program, which can provide significant need-based financial aid for qualifying families to attend private schools. Additionally, all these schools offer their own need-based aid and parish subsidy discounts for active Catholic families. It's crucial to apply for financial aid early in the enrollment process.
Are there strong college preparatory or specialized academic programs at the private schools serving Wenona students?
Yes, all three primary options emphasize college preparation. St. Bede Academy and Marquette Academy offer honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses, strong STEM curricula, and faith-based learning. St. Bede has a notable engineering track. The LP Private Program is specifically designed as an accelerated college-prep track with a rigorous core curriculum and access to AP courses. A unique consideration for Wenona families is the potential for specialized agriculture or FFA programs, which are robust at LP High School and accessible to Private Program students, whereas the traditional private schools may have a more generalized science focus.
What are the enrollment timelines and key considerations for applying to private schools in the Wenona, IL, area?
Enrollment timelines are critical. For St. Bede and Marquette Academies, the application process typically begins in the fall (October-November) for the following academic year, with deadlines often in January or February. Shadow visits and entrance exams are usually required. The LP Private Program has its own application window, often in early winter, and may require testing and an interview. Given Wenona's location, transportation is a major logistical factor. None of these schools provide district-wide busing from Wenona, so families must plan for daily commuting, which can be 20-30 minutes to LaSalle, Peru, or Ottawa. Exploring carpool options with other local families is highly recommended.