Following is a guide to Christian boarding schools in Illinois. If you need a residential program for your child, adolescent or young adult, consider one of these Biblical schools.
What is a Christian Boarding School?
Christian Boarding Schools (CBSs) are residential schools that enable your young boy, girl, high school or college prep student, or even young adult to live and learn away from home (5 days or 7 days per week). Several listings (especially Teen Challenge) are for adults requiring Christian residential treatment.
Most commonly, parents self-pay for their child’s tuition, plus room and board, because most Christian boarding schools are private schools and are not state-funded. However, there are several schools listed here that are non-profit, and fees are either free or greatly reduced because of donations and fundraising.
While not all the fees at a private school will be covered, some CBSs work with you so that your insurance covers some of the cost of medical or mental health care.
Many CBSs are considered a type of therapeutic boarding school that helps children, adolescents, and young adults with mental health or behavioral issues.
However, not all CBSs are, so check out our guide on therapeutic boarding schools and how to choose the best one for your youth to make sure you know what to look for when examining each of these schools to see if they are the right fit for your child.
For options specifically for Therapeutic Boarding Schools, click here for a list of therapeutic boarding schools listed by state.
The schools listed below are Christian because they teach or were founded on Biblical principles. Students are not required to be Christian or practice any specific church denomination for them to be accepted at the majority of these schools.
There is a lot to think about when searching for a Christian Boarding School. Consider one of these schools if you are looking for a residential program where your child, adolescent or young adult can be successful.
Listings are for information purposes and do not imply a recommendation.
Illinois Christian Boarding Schools Listing
Below you will find a listing of the faith-based boarding schools in Illinois, along with a brief description of each and contact information.
Listings are for information purposes and do not imply a recommendation.
Mercy Home for Boys & Girls in Chicago
Mercy Home for Boys & Girls is a Catholic, privately funded residential home for abused, homeless, and neglected children, or children struggling with family issues. They accept children ages 11 to 21 years old.
Mercy Home offers kids in the Chicago area a place where they can grow into successful men and women who will one day create loving homes for their own families.
Children come to Mercy Home with a variety of challenges including:
- low self-esteem and depression
- academic issues, such as failing grades, poor attendance, or disciplinary problems
- pressure from gangs or neighborhood violence
- relational difficulties with adults or siblings,
- abuse, abandonment or neglect
- family members who are in jail or on drugs
The school asks that families of children commit to a one-year stay and be motivated and committed to following the program.
Because of generous donors, Mercy Home is able to provide care for children and families on a sliding fee scale so that all families can benefit from the programs. Cost never prevents someone from receiving services at Mercy Home.
For more information, contact (877) 24-START or check out their website.
Salem 4-Youth Ranch in Flanagan
Salem4Youth Ranch provides a Christ-centered environment where young men between the ages of 12-17 years old can learn life skills that will better prepare them to function successfully in society.
The school focuses on each young man by teaching them on a physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual level, with emphasis on the spiritual. Because they are a Christian boarding school, their therapy is Biblically based.
Many challenges students may face can include:
- emotional and behavioral problems
- learning difficulties
- lack of motivation
- issues that are the result of self-harming behaviors
- drug and alcohol experimentation/addiction
- other mental health problems
Their educational program is designed to provide both academic and hands-on vocational instruction. Through the varied experiences at Salem4Youth, students are exposed to potential future career opportunities.
It is important to note that Salem is not a residential treatment center. Therefore, Salem4Youth’s fees for room and board and the program will not be reimbursed by your insurance.
For more information, contact (815) 796-4561 or check out their website.
Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart in Lake Forest
Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart is a private, Roman Catholic boarding school for girls in grades 9-12 that offers a unique high school experience where students can learn and grow into the best version of themselves.
The benefit of a girls’ school is the ability for students to learn every day to focus entirely on their education and development, as well as their value, potential, and power.
The school requires freshmen to do 10 hours of ministry service during their first year. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors are required to do 20 hours of ministry service per year. Once a year, students must complete a written reflection for each of their service sites.
Tuition for 5-Day Boarding + Tuition is $54,520, while tuition for 7-Day Boarding + Tuition is $63,700, plus additional fees for Grades 9-11 of $2,000 and Grade 12 of $2,250.
Woodlands Academy is committed to making school affordable to all accepted students. They provide opportunities for financial aid support for families who require it.
For more information, contact (847) 234-4300 or check out their website.
Teen Challenge of Illinois
Adult & Teen Challenge Midwest (Illinois) offers a number of low-cost residential programs for both men and women. Their 12-month men’s and women’s residential programs focus on character development, building a daily regiment, and teaching disciplined living.
They provide a Christian faith-based solution to life-controlling behavior disorders including, but not limited to, drugs, alcohol, pornography, and gambling. The program treats the whole person so they can become a productive member of their community.
Tuition is a $1,200 (non-refundable) intake fee, and Teen Challenge offers scholarships for those unable to pay the intake fee.
For contact information see the men’s & women’s program listings below.
Teen Challenge Men’s Residential Program in Pekin, IL
For more information, contact 309-673-3716 or on their website.
Teen Challenge Women’s Residential Program in Carlinville, IL
For more information, contact 217-930-2134 or on their website.
Click here for a free PDF printable checklist of the 7 steps to take when your child needs residential treatment.
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