The Best Private Schools in Worth, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Worth. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Alexander Catholic School
Archdiocese of Chicago
St. Alexander Catholic School serves the Worth community and surrounding suburbs with a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education. The school emphasizes faith formation alongside rigorous academics, featuring small class sizes and dedicated faculty. Their STEM program integrates technology across all grade levels, while their fine arts and athletic programs provide well-rounded development. The school maintains strong parent involvement and community partnerships, with many graduates attending top Catholic high schools in the Chicago area.
Programs:
St. Gerald School
Archdiocese of Chicago
St. Gerald School provides a faith-based education serving the Worth and Oak Lawn communities from Pre-K through 8th grade. The school focuses on academic excellence within a nurturing environment, with strong emphasis on literacy, mathematics, and religious education. Their STEM enrichment program includes robotics and coding, while Spanish language instruction begins in elementary grades. The school features modern technology integration, a well-stocked library, and extensive extracurricular offerings including sports, music, and drama programs. Parent satisfaction is consistently high with strong community involvement and alumni support.
Programs:
Victor J Andrew High School
Consolidated High School District 230
As part of Consolidated High School District 230, Victor J Andrew High School serves students from Worth and surrounding communities with exceptional college preparatory programs. The school offers both International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement courses, providing rigorous academic challenges. Their Career and Technical Education programs include business, technology, and health sciences pathways. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic complexes. The school consistently achieves high college acceptance rates and student success outcomes.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Worth, Illinois
What are the primary types of private schools available to families in Worth, Illinois, and how do they differ?
Worth, Illinois, offers a few distinct types of private schools, primarily Catholic parochial schools. St. Alexander Catholic School and St. Gerald School are elementary/middle schools offering a faith-based education integrated with a standard academic curriculum. Victor J. Andrew High School is a private Catholic high school serving the broader area. These schools differ from potential independent private schools in nearby Chicago suburbs by being parish-affiliated, which often influences community feel, tuition structure for parishioners, and mandatory religious education. For broader independent or specialized private options, families in Worth typically look to neighboring suburbs like Orland Park or Palos Heights.
How does tuition for private schools in Worth, IL, typically work, and are there financial aid options specific to Illinois?
Tuition for Worth's Catholic schools like St. Alexander and St. Gerald is typically set by the parish and often offers a discounted rate for registered, contributing parishioners. Annual tuition can range from approximately $4,000 to $8,000 for elementary grades, with higher rates for non-parishioners and high school. A key Illinois-specific financial consideration is the Invest in Kids Act, which offers tax credit scholarships for lower-income families to attend private schools. While funding is limited and application is competitive, it's a vital resource for Illinois residents. Additionally, many schools offer parish-based assistance, multi-child discounts, and payment plans.
What are the typical enrollment timelines and key requirements for private schools in Worth, Illinois?
Enrollment for Worth's private schools generally begins in January or February for the following academic year, with priority often given to siblings of current students and registered parishioners. Key requirements usually include a completed application, birth and baptismal certificates (for Catholic schools), sacramental records, previous school records, and an entrance assessment or screening. Many schools also require a family interview. It's crucial to contact the school office directly in the fall prior to your desired enrollment year, as some grades, particularly kindergarten, may have waiting lists. Open houses are commonly held in the winter.
How do the academic and extracurricular programs at Worth's private schools compare to the local public school district (Worth School District 127)?
Worth's private Catholic schools offer a core academic curriculum aligned with Illinois and Archdiocesan standards, with the distinct addition of daily religion classes and sacramental preparation. Class sizes are often smaller than in the public district. For extracurriculars, public schools like those in District 127 may have more extensive offerings due to larger student populations and public funding. Worth's private schools typically focus on core sports, academic clubs, and service activities, often relying on strong parent volunteerism. A major differentiator is the faith-based environment and community, which some families prioritize over the potentially wider program selection in public schools.
For families not of the Catholic faith, is attending a school like St. Alexander or St. Gerald in Worth a feasible option, and what should they consider?
Yes, non-Catholic families are often welcome at Worth's parish schools, though there are important considerations. These schools are legally permitted to admit students of any religion. However, all students are required to participate in religion classes, weekly Mass, and prayer services as part of the core curriculum. The culture and community are deeply rooted in the Catholic faith. Families should thoughtfully consider if this environment aligns with their values. Tuition rates are usually higher for non-parishioners. An open conversation with the school principal about expectations and your family's perspective is highly recommended before applying.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities