The Best Private Schools in Wilmington, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Wilmington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Providence Catholic High School
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
Providence Catholic High School is a highly-regarded co-educational Catholic institution serving the Wilmington area and surrounding communities. Founded by the Order of St. Augustine, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with 18 Advanced Placement courses and numerous honors classes. The 75-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, a performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. Students benefit from a 14:1 student-teacher ratio and a robust extracurricular program with over 40 clubs and 26 athletic teams. The school emphasizes character development through campus ministry programs and service opportunities.
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Lincoln-Way Area Catholic School
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
Lincoln-Way Area Catholic School serves students from preschool through 8th grade, drawing families from Wilmington and surrounding communities. The school offers a balanced curriculum that integrates faith formation with academic excellence, featuring specialized STEM programs, Spanish language instruction, and comprehensive fine arts education. The campus includes modern classrooms, science labs, a library media center, and athletic facilities. With small class sizes and individualized attention, students receive strong foundational preparation for high school. The school community is known for its family atmosphere and strong parent involvement.
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Joliet Catholic Academy
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools
Joliet Catholic Academy is a comprehensive co-educational Catholic high school formed through the merger of two historic institutions. Serving the Wilmington area and greater Will County, JCA offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with 16 Advanced Placement courses and extensive honors offerings. The school is particularly recognized for its outstanding athletic programs and championship traditions. Campus facilities include modern academic buildings, STEM labs, a fine arts wing, and extensive athletic complexes. With a focus on developing the whole person, JCA provides numerous service opportunities, retreat programs, and over 40 student clubs and organizations.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Wilmington, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Wilmington, Illinois?
Wilmington itself is a smaller community, so many families look to nearby towns for private education. The most prominent options include Providence Catholic High School in New Lenox (a co-ed diocesan high school), Joliet Catholic Academy in Joliet (a co-ed college preparatory high school), and Lincoln-Way Area Catholic School in Frankfort (serving grades Pre-K through 8). For Wilmington residents, these schools typically involve a commute. There are also smaller parochial elementary schools in surrounding communities. It's important to note that Wilmington does not host a major private K-12 campus within its immediate city limits, so transportation planning is a key consideration.
How does the tuition for private high schools like Providence Catholic or Joliet Catholic Academy compare, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid options?
Tuition for these top-tier Catholic high schools in the Wilmington area typically ranges from approximately $11,000 to $14,000 per year. Joliet Catholic Academy and Providence Catholic High School have similar tuition structures. For Illinois residents, a significant financial aid resource is the **Invest in Kids Act Tax Credit Scholarship Program**. This state program provides need-based scholarships funded by donations from Illinois taxpayers who receive a tax credit. Additionally, all these schools offer their own need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. Many also have parish subsidy programs for active members of supporting Catholic churches, which can substantially reduce the cost.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are notable at the private schools accessible from Wilmington, IL?
Schools serving the Wilmington area are known for strong college preparatory academics and distinctive programs. Joliet Catholic Academy has a renowned **Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)** program and a nationally recognized athletics program. Providence Catholic High School offers a robust **Engineering and Computer Science** track, along with a comprehensive **Fine Arts** department. For younger students, Lincoln-Way Area Catholic School emphasizes foundational STEM and faith-based learning. A unique aspect for Wilmington-area families is that these schools often provide transportation networks or "pool" stops for commuter students from more rural areas, facilitating access to these specialized programs.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools like Lincoln-Way Area Catholic or the Catholic high schools near Wilmington?
The process generally begins a full year before the desired start date. For elementary schools like Lincoln-Way Area Catholic, open houses and applications often open in the fall (October-November) for the following academic year. For the high schools (Providence Catholic, Joliet Catholic Academy), the process is similar, with 8th-grade students taking high school placement tests (HSPT) in the fall or winter. Key steps include: attending an open house, submitting an application (usually by January/February), providing records and teacher recommendations, and taking any required entrance exams. Admissions decisions for the high schools are typically communicated in February. Early inquiry is crucial, especially for families coming from public school districts like Wilmington CUSD 209U.
For a family in Wilmington, what are the major considerations when comparing the local public school district to private school options in the area?
Wilmington families should consider several key factors. **Wilmington CUSD 209U** offers a well-regarded public education with the convenience of no tuition and proximity. Choosing a private school like those in New Lenox or Joliet involves a commitment to a faith-based education, often smaller class sizes, and a specific college-prep focus. The major trade-offs are **tuition cost** and **commute time** (15-30+ minutes each way). However, the private schools provide a broader regional peer network, which can be beneficial for students in a smaller town. Additionally, the athletic and extracurricular competitions for these private schools are at the state level, offering different opportunities than the local public school conference. Ultimately, the decision hinges on educational philosophy, budget, and the value placed on the specific programs and community offered by the private institutions.
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