The Best Private Schools in Western Springs, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Western Springs. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. John of the Cross School
Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools
St. John of the Cross School is a highly-regarded Catholic elementary school serving Western Springs and surrounding communities. The school offers a comprehensive education from preschool through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on academic excellence, faith formation, and character development. The curriculum includes advanced STEM programs, fine arts, and competitive athletics. The school features modern facilities including science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities. Parent satisfaction is exceptionally high with families praising the dedicated faculty, strong community atmosphere, and excellent student preparation for high school.
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St. Cletus School
Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools
Located in nearby La Grange, St. Cletus School serves families throughout the Western Springs area with its exceptional academic program and strong Catholic identity. The school offers preschool through 8th grade education with particular strengths in mathematics, language arts, and Spanish language instruction. The campus features updated technology resources, dedicated science labs, and extensive athletic facilities. The school is known for its welcoming community, experienced faculty, and comprehensive extracurricular programs including competitive sports, choir, and academic clubs. Parents consistently rate the school highly for its academic rigor and nurturing environment.
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St. Isaac Jogues School
Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools
St. Isaac Jogues School in Hinsdale serves Western Springs families seeking a faith-based education with strong academic foundations. The school provides education from preschool through 8th grade with a curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, technology integration, and comprehensive religious education. The school features state-of-the-art classrooms, computer labs, art studios, and gymnasium facilities. Extracurricular offerings include competitive sports teams, band, choir, and various academic clubs. The school community is noted for its active parent involvement, dedicated teachers, and successful student outcomes in high school placement and academic achievement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Western Springs, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available within Western Springs, IL, and what are their educational affiliations?
Western Springs, IL, is primarily served by three well-regarded Catholic parish schools: St. John of the Cross School (Pre-K-8), St. Cletus School (Pre-K-8), and St. Isaac Jogues School (Pre-K-8). These are the main private elementary/middle school options physically located within the village. For high school, families typically look to private institutions in the broader Chicago area, such as Fenwick, Nazareth Academy, or the many Jesuit and independent schools in the city. It's important to note that these local schools have specific parish boundaries, and tuition rates and admission priorities often differ for parish members versus non-members.
How does tuition for private elementary schools in Western Springs, IL, compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Illinois?
Tuition for the parish schools in Western Springs varies, typically ranging from approximately $6,000 to $9,000 per year for parishioners, with higher rates for non-parishioners. All three schools offer need-based financial aid through their parish foundations and the Archdiocese of Chicago. Additionally, Illinois residents benefit from the state's Invest in Kids Act Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which provides private school scholarships funded by donations from individuals and businesses who receive a state tax credit. While competitive, this is a significant state-specific resource for qualifying families to reduce the net cost of private education in Western Springs.
What are the typical enrollment timelines and key considerations for applying to a private parish school in Western Springs?
Enrollment for the following academic year at schools like St. John of the Cross, St. Cletus, and St. Isaac Jogues typically opens in January, with priority given to existing families, parish members, and siblings. The application process often requires baptismal certificates, proof of residency, and parish registration. Given Western Springs' high demand for these schools, it is crucial to contact the parish and school office early, often a full year in advance for Pre-K or Kindergarten. Many schools host open houses in the fall. A key local consideration is the parish boundary; your home address determines your "home parish," which affects tuition rates and admission priority.
Beyond core curriculum, what unique academic or extracurricular programs do Western Springs private schools offer?
The private schools in Western Springs leverage their parish communities and location to offer distinctive programs. Academically, they all integrate faith-based education and typically feature strong STEM initiatives, Spanish language instruction starting in elementary grades, and differentiated learning support. Extracurricularly, they often have robust athletic programs (like the Metro Suburban Conference for sports), music and band, and drama clubs. A notable local advantage is proximity to the vibrant Western Springs community, with partnerships for enrichment at the Western Springs Library and the Theatre of Western Springs. Each school also emphasizes service learning projects connected to local charities and the broader Chicago area.
For families moving to Western Springs, how do the local private parish schools compare academically and culturally to the highly-rated public school district?
Western Springs is served by the outstanding District 101 (Spring Avenue and Laidlaw schools) and Lyons Township High School District 204. The decision often hinges on educational philosophy. The public schools are consistently top-ranked in Illinois, offering vast resources, diverse programs, and a secular environment. The private parish schools offer smaller class sizes (often 20:1 or lower), a values-based education integrated with Catholic teachings, and a close-knit community centered around the parish. Culturally, the private schools provide a continuous Pre-K-8 environment, whereas public students transition between districts. Many families in Western Springs choose the public system, but those seeking a faith-based foundation with strong academics find the parish schools to be excellent, community-oriented alternatives.
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