I’ve spent years observing how schools in and around Peoria operate. I work with families all the time who are comparing their options and asking the same questions. Which private school is worth the investment? Which one truly delivers on both academics and values?
I look at several things when making recommendations. Class sizes. Curriculum depth. Community values. Consistency in outcomes. Most importantly, I pay attention to whether students are not just performing well on paper but growing into capable, well-rounded individuals.
That’s how I landed on St. Mary’s School as a standout.
A Strong First Impression
The first thing that caught my attention was their balance. It’s rare to see a school that offers both academic strength and character development without compromise. You can feel the intentional design behind every program, from faith formation to STEM.
And yes, they serve the wider Peoria area. If you’re researching Private School Peoria, you’ll find them among the top recommendations for good reason.
What Sets Them Apart
I look for evidence, not buzzwords. St. Mary’s stands out with a 12:1 student-teacher ratio, which is a strong indicator of real attention and support in the classroom. Students aren’t slipping through the cracks here.
They follow Illinois State Learning Standards across core subjects, but they go further. Their CONNECTed curriculum includes STEM, agriculture, cooking, and computer science. That kind of variety isn’t common at this age level, especially not all under one roof.
Plus, their faith-based approach is not just symbolic. It’s embedded into the student experience. Mass participation, sacraments, and service projects are part of the rhythm of student life. It’s more than a religious label, it’s woven into daily habits that shape leadership and responsibility.
Early Education That Actually Prepares Kids
A lot of schools claim to nurture early learners, but few back it up with substance. St. Mary’s Preschool does.
Their approach isn’t just playtime with worksheets. It’s structured enough to prepare kids for kindergarten but still rooted in age-appropriate learning. Outdoor exploration, music, storytelling, and early social development are all built into their program. They don’t treat preschool like a holding pattern. They treat it like the foundation it is.
If you’re serious about giving your child a strong start, that’s the kind of mindset you want to see in a preschool.
Culture and Community You Can Rely On
Private education works best when families feel like they belong. St. Mary’s doesn’t leave that to chance. Their small class sizes help, but it’s also in how they handle service learning, parent involvement, and liturgical participation.
Their commitment to faith isn’t a surface feature. It influences how students treat each other, how they serve the broader community, and how they’re prepared for the bigger world.
Even if you’re not Catholic, the values of kindness, respect, and moral grounding are universal benefits.
Programs That Develop the Whole Student
They aren’t just producing good test scores. They’re preparing kids for real-world responsibility.
I’ve seen schools focus narrowly on either academics or arts or athletics. St. Mary’s refuses to make you choose. They offer fine arts like theater, music, and visual arts, and they balance that with sports, chess club, and student council. That variety gives every student a chance to lead somewhere.
Add to that the support they offer with enrollment, financial aid, and the application process, and it becomes clear why they’re often one of the first names to come up in Peoria-area parent discussions.
Final Take
If you’re searching for a private grade school, kindergarten, or middle school in the Peoria area, I strongly recommend putting St. Mary’s on your shortlist.
They offer real value through strong academics, moral development, and a community culture that supports long-term success. Their programs are thoughtful, their curriculum is deep, and their staff is clearly invested in shaping capable, respectful, and grounded students.
They’ve earned their reputation by delivering results year after year, and if that’s what you’re looking for, I suggest setting up a visit. You’ll see quickly why so many families stick with them from preschool through eighth grade.
