For the 2026 school year, there are 2 private schools serving 519 students in Waterloo, IL (there are 5 public schools, serving 2,767 public students). 16% of all K-12 students in Waterloo, IL are educated in private schools (compared to the IL state average of 12%).
The top-ranked private school in Waterloo, IL is SS Peter & Paul Catholic School.
100% of private schools in Waterloo, IL are religiously affiliated (most commonly Catholic).
Top-Ranked Waterloo Private Schools (2026)
School
Location
Quick Facts
SS Peter & Paul Catholic School
(Catholic)
217 W 3rd St
Waterloo, IL 62298
(618) 939-7217
Waterloo, IL 62298
(618) 939-7217
Gr: PK-8 | 340 students Tuition listed
Gibault Catholic
(Catholic)
501 Columbia Ave
Waterloo, IL 62298
(618) 922-9751
Waterloo, IL 62298
(618) 922-9751
Gr: 9-12 | 179 students Avg. class size: 8 students Tuition listed
Overview
This Town (Waterloo)
This State (IL)
# Schools
2 Schools
Student Body:
# Students
519 Students
251,460 Students
% Average Students of Color
6%
34%
Academics and Faculty:
# Teachers
47 Teachers
18,861 Teachers
Average Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
13:1
Average Class Size
8 students
17 students
Tuition and Acceptance Rate:
Average Yearly Tuition Cost
$11,350
$12,508
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.35
0.66
# American Indian Students
4 Students
605 Students
% American Indian Students
1%
n/a
# Asian Students
10 Students
10,490 Students
% Asian Students
2%
4%
# Hispanic Students
11 Students
25,056 Students
% Hispanic Students
2%
10%
# Black Students
7 Students
21,056 Students
% Black Students
1%
9%
# White Students
412 Students
129,065 Students
% White Students
79%
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
75 Students
65,224 Students
% of Others Students
15%
26%
All Ethnic Groups
Extracurriculars and Sports:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked private schools in Waterloo, IL?
The top-ranked private schools in Waterloo, IL is SS Peter & Paul Catholic School.
How many private schools are located in Waterloo?
2 private schools are located in Waterloo.
What percentage of students in Waterloo go to private school?
16% of all K-12 students in Waterloo are educated in private schools (compared to the IL state average of 12%).
What percentage of private schools are religiously affiliated in Waterloo?
100% of private schools in Waterloo 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.