The Best Private Schools in Woodridge, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Woodridge. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Benet Academy
Independent Catholic College Preparatory School
Benet Academy is a highly-regarded independent Catholic college preparatory school serving the western suburbs of Chicago. Located just minutes from Woodridge in Lisle, Benet offers a rigorous academic program with 24 Advanced Placement courses and consistently ranks among the top high schools in Illinois. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. With a 13:1 student-teacher ratio and 100% college acceptance rate, Benet provides a comprehensive education emphasizing academic excellence, spiritual formation, and extracurricular engagement through over 60 clubs and athletic teams.
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Montini Catholic High School
Private Catholic High School
Montini Catholic High School is a comprehensive college preparatory school located in nearby Lombard, serving students from Woodridge and surrounding communities. The school offers a robust academic program with honors and Advanced Placement courses, plus dual credit opportunities with local colleges. Montini features specialized academies in STEM and fine arts, modern technology integration across all classrooms, and competitive athletic programs. The school maintains a strong focus on character development and community service while providing personalized college counseling. Facilities include recently renovated science labs, performing arts spaces, and extensive athletic complexes.
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St. Joan of Arc Catholic School
Catholic Elementary and Middle School
St. Joan of Arc Catholic School provides comprehensive education from preschool through 8th grade, serving families in Woodridge and the surrounding Lisle area. The school offers a strong academic foundation with integrated technology, specialized STEM programs, and enrichment opportunities in music, art, and physical education. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, St. Joan of Arc emphasizes individualized attention and character development within a faith-based community. The school features modern classrooms, science lab, computer lab, and gymnasium facilities. Graduates consistently excel at area high schools, particularly at institutions like Benet Academy and Montini Catholic.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Woodridge, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Woodridge, Illinois, and what grade levels do they serve?
Woodridge itself is home to several well-regarded private schools, primarily with a Catholic affiliation. Key options include St. Joan of Arc Catholic School, which serves students from preschool through 8th grade. For high school, families commonly look to nearby institutions such as Benet Academy in Lisle (co-ed, grades 9-12) and Montini Catholic High School in Lombard (co-ed, grades 9-12). While not within Woodridge's village limits, these high schools are integral to the local private education landscape and draw a significant number of students from the Woodridge community. There are also non-parochial private options in the broader DuPage County area.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Woodridge, IL area typically compare, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. Joan of Arc's elementary/middle school tuition is approximately $6,000-$7,000, while high school tuition at Benet Academy or Montini Catholic is typically between $15,000 and $18,000 annually. A critical Illinois-specific financial consideration is the Invest in Kids Act Tax Credit Scholarship Program. This state program provides scholarships for eligible families to attend private schools, and all the mentioned schools participate. Additionally, each school offers its own need-based financial aid and parish subsidies for active members of supporting churches, making private education more accessible for many Woodridge families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by the private high schools serving Woodridge students, like Benet Academy and Montini Catholic?
Schools serving Woodridge offer distinct programs. Benet Academy is renowned for its rigorous college-preparatory curriculum, consistently high ACT scores, and strong programs in STEM, humanities, and a wide array of Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Montini Catholic emphasizes a personalized learning environment with a strong focus on technology integration, a renowned wrestling and athletics program, and specialized tracks in business and leadership through its Corporate Work Study program. Both schools offer robust fine arts, clubs, and service opportunities, but Benet is known for its academic intensity, while Montini often highlights its community atmosphere and specialized student support.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like St. Joan of Arc, and are there priorities for Woodridge residents?
The enrollment process for Woodridge-area private schools often begins a full year in advance. For St. Joan of Arc, open houses typically occur in the fall, with application deadlines for the following school year in January or February. Priority is usually given to: 1) Siblings of currently enrolled students, 2) Active members of the parish, and 3) Catholic families from other parishes. For the high schools, Benet and Montini host entrance exams (the HSPT) in the fall of a student's 8th-grade year, with applications due shortly thereafter. While residency isn't a formal priority, strong feeder relationships exist with local Catholic elementary schools. It's crucial to contact the school's admissions office directly for the most current deadlines and requirements.
For a family moving to Woodridge, what are the key factors in choosing between the local public school district (District 68/99) and the area's private school options?
The choice hinges on several factors specific to Woodridge. **Public Schools (Woodridge School District 68 and Community High School District 99):** Offer a tuition-free, diverse education with extensive resources, including special education programs, a wide range of electives, and large-scale extracurriculars. **Private Schools (e.g., St. Joan of Arc, Benet, Montini):** Provide a faith-based education (if desired), often smaller class sizes, a specific college-prep focus, and a consistent community from K-12. A unique Woodridge consideration is that while the public elementary schools are highly rated, some families prefer the continuity of a K-8 Catholic school before transitioning to a private high school. The decision often comes down to educational philosophy, religious values, budget (weighing tuition against potential tax savings), and the desired learning environment for the child.
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