Carbondale New School

Carbondale New School has small classes, where children learn at their own pace.
Time for reading, math, science, the arts, and music are part of the curriculum.
Hands on learning and field trips make lessons come alive.
The playground includes a small pine and hard wood forest and a big grassy field, and yes, CNS students get dirty! Fresh air, learning about nature, good animal husbandry and becoming good stewards of the land are some of the things CNS students gain from the school.
Carbondale New School has always been a leader in implementing innovative teaching methods and concepts that several years later are reported in the media as "progressive" or "cutting edge." For instance, our teachers have many years of experience with "hands on" approaches to teaching mathematics and science.
Language arts are integrated into the instruction and learning of all subjects.
The school's theme-based curriculum encourages students to make important connections among subjects and to pursue and develop their own intellectual interests.
The curriculum also permits classes to share knowledge. These relationships among the classes are an important feature of the school.
Younger students gain confidence as they demonstrate their accomplishments while older students have the opportunity to realize their potential as mentors.

Quick Stats (2025)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-4
  • Enrollment: 32 students
  • Average class size: 12 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-4
Year Founded
1974
School Calendar

Student Body

Total Students
32 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
5%
State avg.: 34%
Students by Grade
Carbondale New School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
5 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
12 students

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Application URL

School Notes

  • School Motto: The mind is a fire to be kindled, not a vessel to be filled
  • Carbondale New School has small classes, where children learn at their own pace. Time for reading, math, science, the arts, and music are part of the curriculum. Hands on learning and field trips make lessons come alive. The playground includes a small pine and hard wood forest and a big grassy field, and yes, CNS students get dirty! Fresh air, learning about nature, good animal husbandry and becoming good stewards of the land are some of the things CNS students gain from the school. Carbondale New School has always been a leader in implementing innovative teaching methods and concepts that several years later are reported in the media as "progressive" or "cutting edge." For instance, our teachers have many years of experience with "hands on" approaches to teaching mathematics and science. Language arts are integrated into the instruction and learning of all subjects. The school's theme-based curriculum encourages students to make important connections among subjects and to pursue and develop their own intellectual interests. The curriculum also permits classes to share knowledge. These relationships among the classes are an important feature of the school. Younger students gain confidence as they demonstrate their accomplishments while older students have the opportunity to realize their potential as mentors.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the application deadline for Carbondale New School?
The application deadline for Carbondale New School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

School Reviews

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Amazing school. Responsive staff. Happy, smart kids.
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Quick Stats (2025)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-4
  • Enrollment: 32 students
  • Average class size: 12 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Illinois is $11,182 for elementary schools and $15,719 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Illinois is 84% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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