The Best Private Schools in Wood Dale, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Wood Dale. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Benet Academy
Benedictine Order of St. Scholastica
Benet Academy is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory high school serving students from Wood Dale and surrounding communities. Known for its rigorous academic curriculum with 24 Advanced Placement courses, the school consistently achieves exceptional college placement results. The 57-acre campus features modern science labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities. With a student-teacher ratio of 14:1 and a strong emphasis on character development, Benet maintains a 99% college acceptance rate. The school offers comprehensive extracurricular programs including championship athletic teams, award-winning fine arts programs, and numerous student clubs and organizations.
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St. Francis High School
Diocese of Joliet
St. Francis High School is a distinguished Catholic college preparatory school serving Wood Dale students and families throughout DuPage County. The school offers a comprehensive academic program including International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement, and honors courses across all disciplines. Notable for its strong STEM programs and competitive athletic teams, St. Francis provides a well-rounded education with emphasis on spiritual growth and community service. The campus features recently renovated science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic facilities. With a commitment to developing the whole person, the school offers over 50 clubs and activities alongside a robust college counseling program that achieves excellent college placement results.
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Montini Catholic High School
Diocese of Joliet
Montini Catholic High School provides a comprehensive Catholic education to students from Wood Dale and the western suburbs. The school offers a challenging college preparatory curriculum with innovative programs including a dedicated STEM Academy, dual credit courses with local colleges, and extensive Advanced Placement options. The campus features state-of-the-art science and technology labs, modern athletic facilities, and dedicated arts spaces. Montini emphasizes faith formation alongside academic excellence, with strong community service requirements and spiritual development programs. The school boasts competitive athletic teams in the Chicago Catholic League and numerous award-winning extracurricular activities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Wood Dale, Illinois
What are the primary private high school options available to families residing in Wood Dale, Illinois?
While Wood Dale itself is primarily served by public District 7, families seeking private, faith-based high schools have several highly-regarded options in the surrounding DuPage County area. The most prominent are Benet Academy in Lisle (co-ed, Benedictine), Montini Catholic High School in Lombard (co-ed, Lasallian), and St. Francis High School in Wheaton (co-ed, Catholic). These schools typically require a commute but are common choices for Wood Dale residents. For younger grades, there are local Catholic elementary schools like St. Charles Borromeo in Bensenville, which feed into these high schools.
How does the tuition for private high schools near Wood Dale, IL, compare, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition for the top-tier private high schools in the Chicago suburbs like Benet, Montini, and St. Francis typically ranges from approximately $13,000 to $18,000 per year. Illinois has two key financial aid programs that benefit Wood Dale families: the Invest in Kids Act Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which provides need-based scholarships funded by private donations, and the Illinois State Scholarship Program, which offers direct grants. Additionally, each school offers its own need-based financial aid and merit scholarship opportunities. It's crucial to apply for financial aid simultaneously with admissions, as deadlines are often early in the calendar year.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs distinguish the private schools accessible from Wood Dale, Illinois?
The leading private schools near Wood Dale offer robust programs that may influence a family's choice. Benet Academy is renowned for its strong STEM curriculum and consistently top-ranked academic performance. Montini Catholic emphasizes its Corporate Work Study Program, allowing students to gain professional experience. St. Francis High School features a distinctive House System for student mentorship and a comprehensive campus ministry program. All three schools have competitive athletic conferences (East Suburban Catholic Conference) and extensive arts programs. For STEM-interested students, proximity to research and tech hubs in DuPage County can also be a factor.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools serving Wood Dale, Illinois residents?
The process is highly structured and begins much earlier than public school registration. For 9th-grade entry, the timeline typically starts in the summer before 8th grade with open houses. Entrance exams (like the HSPT) are administered in December or January. Application deadlines are usually in early January, with financial aid applications due around the same time. Admissions decisions and financial aid offers are released in February. This means Wood Dale parents need to be actively researching and visiting schools during their child's 7th-grade year to ensure they meet all critical deadlines for the following fall.
As a Wood Dale resident, how should I weigh the choice between the award-winning public schools in District 7 and a private high school in the area?
This is a significant consideration. Wood Dale School District 7, particularly Fenton High School, receives high marks and offers a quality, tuition-free education with diverse programs. The choice often hinges on specific family values and goals. Private schools like Benet, Montini, or St. Francis offer a faith-based education, often smaller class sizes, and a defined community culture. They may also provide a different competitive or academic environment. Key factors for Wood Dale families include: the desire for a religious foundation, willingness to commute (15-30 minutes), the financial investment versus public school taxes, and the specific academic or extracurricular focus of the child. Visiting both your local public school and the private options is essential.
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