The Best Private Schools in Willowbrook, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Willowbrook. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Avery Coonley School
Independent School
The Avery Coonley School is a nationally recognized independent school serving gifted students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade. Located just minutes from Willowbrook, the school offers an accelerated curriculum with exceptional academic programming, including advanced STEM courses, comprehensive arts education, and competitive athletics. With small class sizes and highly qualified faculty, Avery Coonley provides a challenging environment that fosters intellectual curiosity and academic excellence. The school's beautiful 14-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, art studios, and athletic fields.
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Benet Academy
St. Procopius Abbey
Benet Academy is a premier Catholic college preparatory high school located in nearby Lisle, serving students from Willowbrook and surrounding communities. The school offers a rigorous academic program with over 20 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive fine arts programs, and competitive athletic teams. Benet's strong college counseling program ensures nearly 100% of graduates attend four-year colleges and universities. The 57-acre campus features modern academic facilities, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic complexes. The school maintains a strong tradition of academic excellence within a values-based educational environment.
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Montini Catholic High School
Diocese of Joliet
Montini Catholic High School is a comprehensive college preparatory school serving the Willowbrook area with a strong focus on academic achievement and character development. The school offers a diverse curriculum including honors and Advanced Placement courses, a specialized STEM Academy, extensive fine arts programs, and championship athletic teams. Montini's campus features modern science and technology labs, performing arts facilities, and athletic complexes. The school emphasizes community service and spiritual development while preparing students for success in college and beyond, with a strong track record of college acceptances to top universities nationwide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Willowbrook, Illinois
What are the primary types of private schools available to families residing in Willowbrook, Illinois?
Willowbrook, IL, is served by several highly-regarded private institutions, primarily clustered in the surrounding DuPage County area. The options include prestigious independent schools like The Avery Coonley School (a nationally recognized gifted school for grades PreK-8), and private Catholic high schools such as Benet Academy (a Benedictine college-prep school in Lisle) and Montini Catholic High School (a Lasallian college-prep school in Lombard). While Willowbrook itself does not host a large number of campus-based private schools, its central location in the western suburbs provides excellent access to these and other nearby options, including various parochial elementary schools.
How does the tuition for top private schools near Willowbrook, IL, compare, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition in the Willowbrook area varies significantly by school type and grade level. For the 2024-25 academic year, The Avery Coonley School's tuition is approximately $26,000-$30,000. Benet Academy and Montini Catholic High School have lower, but still substantial, tuition in the range of $15,000-$18,000, reflecting their Catholic affiliation. All these schools offer need-based financial aid, and Illinois residents should also explore the state's Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which provides scholarships funded by donations to Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs). This can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs for qualifying families.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs distinguish the private schools accessible from Willowbrook?
The schools near Willowbrook offer distinct specializations. The Avery Coonley School is renowned for its accelerated curriculum and project-based learning for academically gifted students. Benet Academy boasts a rigorous classical college-prep curriculum with exceptional STEM and humanities programs, along with a strong tradition in athletics and arts. Montini Catholic emphasizes a faith-based, student-centered learning environment with notable programs in engineering, business, and a 1:1 iPad initiative. Their proximity to Chicago also allows many of these schools to facilitate unique enrichment opportunities, internships, and cultural trips not typically available in standard public school curricula.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Willowbrook, IL, area?
The process is competitive and requires early planning. For schools like Avery Coonley, the application cycle for the following academic year often opens in August/September, with fall/winter deadlines. It typically involves an application, student assessments, parent interviews, and school visits. For Catholic high schools like Benet and Montini, the process for 9th grade usually begins in the fall of a student's 8th-grade year, requiring placement tests (like the HSPT), transcripts, and recommendations. Siblings and legacy applicants often receive priority. We strongly recommend contacting admissions offices 12-18 months in advance, especially for entry-grade levels.
For a family in Willowbrook, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school district (Hinsdale Township High School District 86 & Elementary District 181) to the area's private options?
The key consideration is educational philosophy and fit. Willowbrook is within the boundaries of the highly-ranked Hinsdale public districts, which offer a robust, tax-funded education with extensive resources and AP/IB programs. Choosing a private school like Avery Coonley, Benet, or Montini involves a significant financial investment for a more specialized environment: a gifted education, a specific religious foundation, or a particular pedagogical approach. Families should weigh the value of smaller class sizes, distinct mission-driven communities, and specialized curricula against the cost and the excellence of the free public option. The decision often hinges on whether a family seeks a specific type of community or academic focus not fully met by the public system.
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