For the 2026 school year, there are 2 private schools serving 492 students in Richland County, IL (there are 6 public schools, serving 2,182 public students). 18% of all K-12 students in Richland County, IL are educated in private schools (compared to the IL state average of 12%).
The top-ranked private schools in Richland County, IL include St. Joseph School and St. Joseph's Catholic Church.
100% of private schools in Richland County, IL are religiously affiliated (most commonly Catholic).
Top-Ranked Richland County Private Schools (2026)
School
Location
Quick Facts
St. Joseph School
(Catholic)
520 E Chestnut Street
Olney, IL 62450
(618) 395-3081
Olney, IL 62450
(618) 395-3081
Gr: PK-8 | 245 students Sports: 3 Tuition listed
St. Joseph's Catholic Church
(Catholic)
220 S Elliott St
Olney, IL 62450
(618) 395-3081
Olney, IL 62450
(618) 395-3081
Gr: PK-8 | 247 students
Richland County Private Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
East Orchard Christian Academy (Closed 2025)
(Christian)
5014 N Illinois 130
Olney, IL 62450
(618) 392-0300
Olney, IL 62450
(618) 392-0300
Gr: PK-8 | 130 students
Overview
This County (Richland County)
This State (IL)
# Schools
2 Schools
Student Body:
# Students
492 Students
251,460 Students
% Average Students of Color
2%
34%
Academics and Faculty:
# Teachers
28 Teachers
18,861 Teachers
Average Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
13:1
% Average Faculty w/Advanced Degree
38%
53%
Tuition and Acceptance Rate:
Average Yearly Tuition Cost
$2,600
$12,508
Average % on Financial Aid
15%
34%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.30
0.66
# American Indian Students
n/a
605 Students
% American Indian Students
n/a
n/a
# Asian Students
6 Students
10,490 Students
% Asian Students
1%
4%
# Hispanic Students
2 Students
25,056 Students
% Hispanic Students
1%
10%
# Black Students
n/a
21,056 Students
% Black Students
n/a
9%
# White Students
404 Students
129,065 Students
% White Students
82%
51%
# Hawaiian Students
n/a
338 Students
% Hawaiian Students
n/a
n/a
# Two or more races Students
n/a
n/a
% of Two or more races Students
n/a
n/a
# Others Students
80 Students
65,224 Students
% of Others Students
16%
26%
All Ethnic Groups
Extracurriculars and Sports:
Average Number of Sports
3 sports
6 sports
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked private schools in Richland County, IL?
The top-ranked private schools in Richland County, IL include St. Joseph School and St. Joseph's Catholic Church.
How many private schools are located in Richland County?
2 private schools are located in Richland County.
What percentage of students in Richland County go to private school?
18% of all K-12 students in Richland County are educated in private schools (compared to the IL state average of 12%).
What percentage of private schools are religiously affiliated in Richland County?
100% of private schools in Richland County are religiously affiliated (most commonly Catholic).
Recent Articles
How to Ask About Staff Screening Without Apologizing
Parents should feel comfortable asking how private schools screen employees. Learn which questions matter, what answers to expect, and why transparency about hiring and student safety is a hallmark of a well-managed school.
What Facility Safety Tells You About School Oversight
A school's facilities reveal far more than appearance. Learn how building maintenance, emergency preparedness, and campus safety practices can help parents evaluate school leadership, oversight, and long-term commitment to student well-being.
Is the School Legally a School? A Parent Verification Checklist
Before enrolling your child in a private school, learn how to verify that it is legally operating, properly accredited, and authorized to issue recognized diplomas with this practical parent checklist for making a confident school choice.