As someone who works closely with families making education decisions, I’ve seen how important it is to find the right private school early. Whether you’re comparing private kindergarten options or evaluating Catholic schools in Dunlap, Kickapoo, or greater Peoria, you want a place that supports growth in every area—academic, social, and spiritual. I spent time reviewing several schools and based my recommendations on curriculum quality, teacher-to-student ratios, moral education, and how well they support both kids and parents. One school clearly stood out from the rest.
A Strong Start Begins with the Right Environment
If you’re looking for a private school that offers a complete approach to learning, St. Mary’s School near Peoria is a serious option to consider. They don’t just offer a strong curriculum. They’ve built a system where small class sizes, faith-based guidance, and hands-on learning come together to give your child the best shot at early success.
Their preschool program focuses on structured learning while still giving room for exploration and creativity. What makes it stand out is how they’ve blended traditional subjects with modern skills like STEM and coding, even from a young age. That’s not something you find everywhere, especially with such a grounded moral foundation behind it.
What Makes St. Mary’s Different from Other Private Options
You’ll find plenty of private schools and Catholic grade schools in and around Peoria and Dunlap. What sets St. Mary’s apart is how intentional they are with both academics and character development. With a 12:1 student-to-teacher ratio, your child won’t get lost in the crowd. That kind of attention makes a difference when you’re trying to catch learning gaps early or help gifted students push further.
Their CONNECTed curriculum is another major reason I suggest this school. It’s built by their own educators and integrates topics like agriculture, cooking, and technology. These aren’t just filler subjects—they teach real-world skills that your child will use later in life. At the same time, Catholic values are present in day-to-day learning, not just isolated to religious classes.
Catholic Education Rooted in Community and Service
For families who value faith, St. Mary’s gives your child daily exposure to Catholic traditions. Mass participation, sacramental preparation, and service learning aren’t optional—they’re part of the core experience. I’ve seen how this shapes students into thoughtful, respectful individuals who don’t just memorize facts but grow up with a sense of responsibility to others.
Second graders prepare for First Communion and Reconciliation with guidance from both teachers and parents. That kind of partnership between school and home creates stronger outcomes, both academically and spiritually. By eighth grade, students are ready for Confirmation, having been given consistent support throughout.
Supporting Both Academic and Personal Growth
St. Mary’s doesn’t treat academics as the only priority. They provide full support for the arts, athletics, and leadership programs. I’ve looked at many private kindergarten and Catholic pre-K programs where extracurriculars are an afterthought. Here, you’ll find students participating in band, Spanish, music, and even theater, alongside athletics and clubs like student council and chess.
This kind of balance matters. It helps kids build confidence, develop social skills, and stay engaged in school life. You’re not just preparing your child for good grades—you’re preparing them for high school, college, and beyond.
Admissions and Accessibility
The enrollment process at St. Mary’s is clear and organized. I appreciate how they’ve streamlined it to help new families. You’ll need to provide standard records and documents, but they make it easy to schedule a campus visit and meet with staff. They also offer tuition assistance for families who need it. That opens the door for many who thought a Catholic education might be out of reach.
For families in Dunlap, Kickapoo, and the wider Peoria area, St. Mary’s location is convenient and well-suited for daily commutes. I’ve spoken to parents in similar situations who didn’t realize how accessible a school like this could be.
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Right School
If you’re weighing your options for private kindergarten or Catholic grade school in Peoria or Dunlap, I suggest putting St. Mary’s School at the top of your list. Their commitment to small class sizes, strong academic and arts programs, and values-based education makes them a standout choice. I don’t say that lightly.
You want a school that doesn’t force you to pick between discipline and creativity, or faith and academics. St. Mary’s offers all of it in one place, with a staff that understands what your child needs to succeed. If you’re serious about setting the right foundation for your child’s future, take the time to visit their campus and ask your questions directly. I think you’ll come to the same conclusion I did.