The Best Private Schools in Philadelphia, Missouri
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Philadelphia. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Quincy Notre Dame High School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Illinois
Quincy Notre Dame is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory high school located approximately 30 miles from Philadelphia, MO. The school serves students from multiple counties in Missouri and Illinois, offering a rigorous academic program with 95% of graduates attending college. QND features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complexes. The school emphasizes faith formation alongside academic excellence with small class sizes and dedicated faculty holding advanced degrees. Extracurricular offerings include championship athletic teams, robotics club, drama productions, and numerous service opportunities.
Programs:
St. Peter School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Illinois
St. Peter School is one of the oldest and most respected private elementary schools in the region, serving students from preschool through 8th grade. Located in nearby Quincy, IL, the school draws students from Missouri communities including Philadelphia. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum with strong emphasis on core academics, faith formation, and character development. Facilities include modern classrooms, computer lab, library, and gymnasium. The school maintains small class sizes with certified teachers and offers enrichment programs in music, art, and physical education alongside strong parent involvement and community spirit.
Programs:
Blessed Sacrament School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Illinois
Blessed Sacrament School provides Catholic education for students from preschool through 8th grade, serving families from both Illinois and Missouri communities. The school features a strong academic foundation with integrated technology, including 1:1 device program in upper grades. Curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, and faith development with specialized instruction in music, art, and physical education. The school community is known for its welcoming atmosphere and active parent-teacher organization. Facilities include recently updated classrooms, computer lab, library, and playground areas. The school offers extended care options and numerous extracurricular activities.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Philadelphia, Missouri
What are the primary private school options available for families in Philadelphia, Missouri, and what grade levels do they serve?
In Philadelphia, Missouri, private education is primarily offered through faith-based institutions. The top schools include Quincy Notre Dame High School (grades 9-12), St. Peter School (typically Pre-K through 8th grade), and Blessed Sacrament School (also typically elementary and middle school levels). It's important to note that Philadelphia is a small rural community, so these schools serve not only Philadelphia but also surrounding towns in Marion and Ralls counties. For high school, Quincy Notre Dame, located in Quincy, Illinois, is a common choice for many families in the region, representing a cross-state commute.
How does tuition at private schools in the Philadelphia, MO, area compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Missouri families?
Tuition for Philadelphia-area private schools varies. Parish-supported schools like St. Peter and Blessed Sacrament often have lower tuition rates for active parish members, while rates for non-members are higher. Quincy Notre Dame, as a diocesan high school, sets its own tuition. Annual tuition can range from approximately $3,000 to $8,000+ depending on the school and affiliation. Missouri offers specific financial aid options, most notably the "MOScholars" program, which provides Education Scholarship Accounts for eligible students (including those with IEPs or from low-income households) to attend private schools. Additionally, many schools offer parish subsidies, sibling discounts, and need-based financial aid.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Philadelphia, MO, region offer that leverage the local community?
Private schools in the Philadelphia area emphasize strong core academics with a values-based education. Given the agricultural and close-knit nature of the community, programs often integrate local heritage. Quincy Notre Dame offers robust agriculture science and FFA programs relevant to the region's students. Smaller schools like St. Peter and Blessed Sacrament often feature multi-grade classrooms, which can foster leadership and mentorship opportunities. Extracurriculars frequently emphasize community service projects within Philadelphia and neighboring towns, and athletics often involve cooperation with other small schools in the Tri-State area (Missouri, Illinois, Iowa).
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools serving Philadelphia, Missouri?
The enrollment process for Philadelphia's private schools usually begins in early winter (January-February) for the following academic year. For parish schools, priority is typically given to registered parishioners and currently enrolled families. The process involves submitting an application, often accompanied by baptismal records for Catholic schools, academic records, and a registration fee. Many schools host open houses or shadow days for prospective students. For Quincy Notre Dame, which draws from a wider region, the application deadline is often in the fall, with placement tests scheduled shortly after. It's crucial to contact the schools directly, as timelines can vary and spaces, especially in the smaller elementary schools, may be limited.
For a family in Philadelphia, Missouri, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school and the available private options?
The key considerations include educational philosophy, class size, cost, and convenience. Philadelphia's public school is part of a small, rural district (typically Philadelphia R-VI), which offers the benefit of no tuition and strong community ties. Private options provide a religious education (Catholic) and often have significantly smaller class sizes, allowing for more individualized attention. However, they require tuition and, for Quincy Notre Dame, a daily commute to Quincy, IL (approximately 20-25 minutes). Families must weigh the value of a faith-based curriculum against the financial and logistical commitments. Additionally, for high school, some may compare the academic and extracurricular offerings of a larger, specialized private high school (QND) against those of a very small public high school.