The Best Private Schools in Xenia, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Xenia. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Mt. Carmel Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Mt. Carmel Christian Academy is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving the Xenia region from nearby Fairfield. The school offers comprehensive K-12 education with a strong emphasis on college preparation and character development. Known for small class sizes and individualized attention, the academy features modern STEM laboratories, competitive athletic programs, and extensive fine arts opportunities. The curriculum integrates biblical principles with rigorous academics, preparing students for university success while maintaining strong moral foundations.
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Summersville Grade School
Summersville School District
Serving students from Xenia and surrounding communities, Summersville Grade School provides exceptional private education with a focus on academic excellence and whole-child development. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes advanced placement opportunities, robust technology integration, and specialized agricultural education programs reflecting the region's heritage. With dedicated faculty and modern facilities, the school maintains strong parent satisfaction through its commitment to individualized learning paths and extensive extracurricular offerings including competitive sports and performing arts.
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St. Mary's School
Catholic Diocese of Belleville
St. Mary's School is a long-established Catholic private school serving Xenia families from its Centralia location. The school provides faith-based education from preschool through 8th grade with a proven track record of academic excellence. The curriculum emphasizes strong foundational skills in mathematics and language arts while incorporating technology and community service. With experienced faculty and a supportive learning environment, St. Mary's focuses on developing well-rounded students through religious education, academic rigor, and character formation. The school maintains strong community ties and high parent satisfaction ratings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Xenia, Illinois
What are the specific private school options available for families in Xenia, Illinois, and what grade levels do they serve?
In Xenia, Illinois, families have a few distinct private school options, each with its own focus. **Mt. Carmel Christian Academy** is a private Christian school. **Summersville Grade School** is a public school, not a private institution, and is part of the local district. The primary dedicated private option in the immediate area is **St. Mary's School**, a Catholic school typically serving grades Pre-K through 8. For high school, families in Xenia often look at private options in larger nearby communities like Flora, Effingham, or Olney. It's important to verify current grade offerings and religious affiliations directly with the schools, as these can change.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Xenia, IL, area compare, and are there any Illinois-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition at private schools like St. Mary's in the Xenia area is generally modest compared to urban private schools, often ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 annually for parishioners, with slightly higher rates for non-members. A key Illinois-specific financial aid resource is the **Invest in Kids Act Tax Credit Scholarship Program**. This state program provides scholarships for eligible students to attend private schools, funded by donations from individuals and businesses who receive a state tax credit. Availability can be limited, so contacting the school's financial office early is crucial. Some local parishes also offer tuition assistance for families in their congregation.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Xenia area offer that differentiate them from the public district?
Private schools in the Xenia area, such as St. Mary's School, often emphasize a values-based education integrated with faith (Catholic or Christian), which is the core differentiator from the public **Summersville Grade School** district. Academically, they may offer smaller class sizes, allowing for more individualized attention. Specific programs can include structured religion classes, sacramental preparation, and traditions like weekly Mass. Due to their size, extracurricular offerings like sports or clubs may be more limited than in a larger public district, but they often participate in cooperative leagues or academic competitions with other small private schools in Southern Illinois.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for a private school like St. Mary's in Xenia, Illinois?
The enrollment process for St. Mary's School in Xenia typically begins in the early spring (January-March) for the following academic year. The process usually involves: 1) Submitting an application form, 2) Providing records from the previous school (if applicable), 3) A meeting or interview with the principal, and 4) For Catholic families, providing proof of parish registration. Priority is often given to active members of St. Mary's Parish and siblings of current students. It is highly advisable to contact the school office directly in the winter to get exact dates, as spaces, particularly in younger grades, can be limited in a small community school.
For families considering the choice, what are the practical considerations when comparing private schools in Xenia to the public Summersville Grade School district?
The decision involves several local considerations. **Summersville Grade School** (public) is tuition-free and provides a secular education to all district residents, with transportation typically provided. The private school option (e.g., St. Mary's) involves tuition but offers a faith-based environment with integrated religious instruction. Practically, parents must consider commute times, as private schools do not provide district busing. Academically, both will cover Illinois Learning Standards, but the private school's smaller size can mean fewer specialized staff (like reading interventionists) but potentially closer teacher-student relationships. For high school, public students feed into a specific district high school, while private school families must actively seek out and transport to a private high school, often outside Xenia.