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10 Best Private Schools in Peoria, IL | (2026 Rankings)

10 Best Private Schools in Peoria, IL for Elementary Students (2026 Guide)

Choosing a private school is one of the most significant investments you will make in your child’s future. It is a decision that extends far beyond textbooks and test scores; it is about selecting the community that will shape your child’s character, safety, and worldview during their most formative years.

For families in Central Illinois, the Peoria Advantage lies in a diverse landscape of private education. However, the search often comes down to a vital balance: academic rigor that opens doors to elite high schools and a supportive community that feels like family.

In this 2026 guide, we explore the 10 Best Private Schools in Peoria, IL for Elementary Students , with a deep dive into the school that has set the gold standard since 1959: Concordia Lutheran School.

10 Best Private Schools in Peoria, IL for Elementary Students (2026 Guide)

1. Concordia Lutheran School (The Top Pick)

Academic Excellence Rooted in a 65-Year Legacy

Concordia Lutheran School isn’t just another private school; it is a Peoria institution. Founded in 1959, it has navigated over six decades of educational changes while remaining steadfast in its mission.

Why It’s the Best Choice:

  • Accreditation: Fully accredited by the National Lutheran School Accreditation (NLSA) and the State of Illinois.
    • The Family Feel: 25-year parent testimonials emphasize a sense of belonging that lasts long after graduation.
    • Specialized Staff: Instructors like Eric Hipple (Music/Band) are regional experts who lead professional development for other educators.
  • Small Class Sizes: Enrollment is strategically managed at 13–22 students per class, supported by teacher aides to ensure individualized attention.
  • Proven High School Placement: Concordia is renowned for its academically rigorous curriculum. A primary proof point of their expertise is the high number of 8th graders accepted into the International Baccalaureate (IB) program at Richwoods High School.
  • Holistic Growth: Beyond the core subjects, students receive instruction in Spanish, Technology, and a premier Band/Orchestra program (which even serves the local homeschool community).
  • The Shaun Livingston Legacy: NBA champion Shaun Livingston is a proud alumnus (Class of 1999). His commitment to the school is tangible: he funded the Shaun Livingston Gym and established the Livingston Scholarship, personally visiting every fall to meet the recipients.
  • Address: 2000 W Glen Ave, Peoria, IL 61614
  • Website: concordiapeoria.com

2. Peoria Christian School

A three-time National Blue Ribbon school. Serving PK–12, they are one of the most established schools in Peoria (75 years). They are known for a strong Positive Spiritual Atmosphere and a massive 100,000+ sq. ft. campus.

3. Peoria Academy

The only independent school in Central Illinois certified for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years & Middle Years Program. It is secular and focuses on “project-based” global-mindedness.

4. St. Philomena Catholic School

Founded in 1946, this school is deeply rooted in the Sacred Heart goals. It offers a Kids Club extended-day program and a strong emphasis on social awareness and community service.

5. St. Jude Catholic School

Founded in 2009, it is one of the newer Catholic options but has high credentials through its Lab Learner science program, which uses a dedicated hands-on science lab for elementary students.

6. Daarul Uloom Islamic School

Ranked Number 1 Best Private High School in Peoria (Niche 2026), it also offers a premier PK–8 program. It focuses on a dual-curriculum of Arabic/Quranic studies and high-level STEM.

7. St. Thomas the Apostle School

Located in Peoria Heights, this school serves 300+ students. It is highly regarded for its IESA-affiliated athletics (the Comets) and high percentage of teachers with advanced degrees.

8. St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School

A strong academic pillar since 1962. They use MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) testing to track student growth and consistently score well above national standards.

9. Montessori School of Peoria

The only accredited Montessori school in the area. It focuses on child-led learning and mixed-age classrooms for children ages 3 through 6th grade.

10. Holy Family Parish School

One of the most intimate settings in Peoria with only 126 students. It offers an incredible 9:1 student-teacher ratio and 1:1 technology with Smart Boards in every room.


Comparison Table – 10 Best Private Schools in Peoria, IL (2026 Guide)

School NameReligious AffiliationRatioFounding YearTop Differentiator
Concordia Lutheran SchoolLutheran (LCMS)13:1195965-Year Legacy of IB Prep & Shaun Livingston Alumni Impact
Peoria Christian SchoolChristian12:119503-Time Blue Ribbon School
Peoria AcademySecular9:12000IB Primary/Middle Years World School
St. Philomena Catholic SchoolCatholic15:11963“Sacred Heart” Spiritual Development
St. Jude Catholic SchoolCatholic12:12009Lab Learner™ Hands-on Science Program
Daarul Uloom Islamic SchoolIslamic7:11990s#1 Ranked High SAT/ACT scores in Peoria
St. Thomas the Apostle SchoolCatholic14:11924Longest-standing in Peoria Heights
St. Vincent de Paul Catholic SchoolCatholic15:11962Advanced MAP Testing & Performing Arts
Montessori School of PeoriaSecularVaries1970sChild-led/Mixed-age learning
Holy Family Parish SchoolCatholic9:11956Smallest community & high 1:1 focus

Why Your Child Needs a Private School in Peoria, IL

Peoria parents are increasingly choosing private education to secure:

  • Targeted High School Prep: Schools like Concordia specifically track success into elite local programs like the International Baccalaureate (IB) at Richwoods High School.
  • Moral & Spiritual Foundation: The ability to pray daily and integrate faith into every subject.
  • Safety & Personalized Attention: Small class sizes where everyone knows your name.
  • Institutional Stability: Choosing schools with decades of proven results rather than newer, unproven programs.

Step-by-Step: Choosing the Right Private School in Peoria

  1. Check the Founding Reputation: Choose schools like Concordia (65 years) that have seen generations of students succeed.
  2. Verify High School Outcomes: Ask “Where do your 8th graders go?” Look for pathways to IB or AP programs.
  3. Audit the Family Feel: Look for community events (like Concordia’s Santa Parade floats or blood drives) that show the school’s heart.
  4. Confirm Accreditation: Only consider Accredited Private Schools in Peoria (NLSA, ISBE, etc.).
  5. Tour and Meet the Principal: Your relationship with leadership (like Principal Emily Craine) is vital for long-term success. 

In Conclusion

The Peoria private school market is competitive, but Concordia Lutheran School remains the top choice for parents who refuse to choose between academic rigor and faith. With its specialized IB preparation, NBA-caliber facilities, and 65-year legacy of trust, it is the premier destination for a Private school and Christian education in Central Illinois.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best private Christian school in Peoria?

Concordia Lutheran is often ranked #1 for K–8 due to its high IB program placement and long-standing community reputation.

Are these schools accredited?

Yes. For example, Concordia holds NLSA (National Lutheran School Accreditation) and is recognized by the State of Illinois.

Who is Shaun Livingston?

He is a former NBA star and Concordia alumnus who donated the school’s gym and provides the Livingston Scholarship for local students.

What is the benefit of a K–8 school over a K–12 school?

K–8 schools like Concordia focus specifically on the critical developmental years of middle school, ensuring students are confident and capable before they transition to a larger high school environment.