Saint Bede Academy

24 W US Highway 6
Peru, IL 61354
St. Bede Academy has been providing quality Catholic education in North Central Illinois since 1890.
Tri-Level Academic Program: Academic, College-Prep and Honors Levels. We offer 7 AP, 25 Honors Courses & 4 Dual-Credit and Early2College Courses.
Our ACT scores traditionally rank #1 in the surrounding area and many of our Top Ten students graduate with a GPA above a 4.0.
97% of students participate in extra-curricular activities in our 16 sports teams or 32 Clubs & Student Organizations.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Grades: (Boarding) 9-12
  • Enrollment: 293 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $25,000
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $6,550
  • Acceptance rate: 80%
  • Average class size: 18 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Saint Bede Academy ranks among the top 20 boarding schools (out of 290 schools) for:

Category
Attribute

School Overview

Definition of Terms | 2023 School Data
Saint Bede Academy
Boarding School Avg.
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
Grades Offered (Boarding)
9-12
9-12
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
Religious Affiliation
Non-denominational
Year Founded
1890
1906
Campus Size
700 acres
130 acres

Student Body

Enrollment
293 students
310 students
% Students of Color
18%
25%
% International Students
14%
20%
% Students Boarding
15%
70%
Average SAT Score
1340
* National Avg. »View
Average ACT score
25
*National Avg. »View
Offers Post-Grad Year
No
No

Academics and Faculty

Saturday Classes
No
No
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Uniforms
Casual
Average Class Size
18 students
12
* National Avg. »18
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
7:1
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
7
17
ESL Courses Offered
Yes
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
68%
71%
Summer Program Offered
No
Yes

Tuition Cost

Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
$25,000
(Diversity and merit scholarships available)
$64,460
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
$6,550
(Please contact mwagner@st-bede.com for day student information.)
$35,900
Tuition international students
$35,000
$57,260
% Students on Financial Aid
29%
40%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$3,000
$24,575
Merit Scholarships Offered
No

Acceptance Rate

Application Deadline
None / Rolling
Jan. 15
Acceptance Rate
80%
60%
Director of Admissions
Marcia Wagner

AP / Advanced Courses

# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
7
17
Courses
AP Calculus, AP Chemistry, AP Computer Science, AP European History, AP Physics, AP Statistics, AP US History, Dual Credit Advanced Art, Dual Credit English IV

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total Extracurricular Organizations
31
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Abbey Mass Servers, Ambassadors, Car Club, E-Sports, Eucharistic Ministers, Heritage Club, Last Supper Club, Lectio Devina, Lectors, Model United Nations, Peer Tutors, Ping Pong Club, Prom Committee, Retreat Leaders, Scholastic Bowl, Science Club, Student Government, Tea Club, Technology Club, Yearbook Staff

Arts and Music Programs:
Band, Chorus, Genesis Project, Homecoming Variety Show, Interact Club, Musical, Pep Club, Photography, Stage Rats

Recreational Athletic Programs:
Bass Fishing, Wrestling

School Notes

  • St. Bede Academy has been providing quality Catholic education in North Central Illinois since 1890. While we pride ourselves in our rich history and tradition, we understand the ever-changing needs of students today. Our goal is to provide students with an education that will not only develop their minds, but also strengthen their character while preparing them for life's challenges. The academic environment at St. Bede encourages students to excel, both in and outside of the classroom. We commit to having graduates leave the Academy ready, both spiritually and academically, for life in the real world. Upon graduation, Saint Bede students will have begun to develop a lifelong commitment to learning.
  • Saint Bede Academy accreditations: NCA CASI, AdvanceED, Illinois State Board of Education
  • Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
    • Ross Kenseth, '11 - Professional NASCAR Driver
    • JA Happ, '01 - MLB Pitcher
    • Kathleen McCullough, '99 - Producer at MSNBC
    • John Levisay, '85 - Founder and Co: Craftsy
    • Jennifer Narog Sucher, '81 - Executive Counsel, GE Corporation
    • Angelo Perino, '80 - Vice President, IBM North America Enterprise
    • Dr. Michael Stuart, '75 - Director Sports Medicine, Mayo Clinic Men's Olympic Team Chief Medical Officer, USA Hockey
    • Dr. Lyle Micheli, '58 - Clinical Professor of Orthopedic Surgery, Harvard Medical School
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Saint Bede Academy cost?
Saint Bede Academy's tuition is approximately $25,000 for boarding students and $6,550 for day students.
What is the acceptance rate of Saint Bede Academy?
The acceptance rate of Saint Bede Academy is 80%, which is higher than the boarding school average of 60%.
Who are famous alumni from Saint Bede Academy?
Saint Bede Academy famous alumni include: Ross Kenseth, '11, JA Happ, '01, Kathleen McCullough, '99, John Levisay, '85, Jennifer Narog Sucher, '81, Angelo Perino, '80, Dr. Michael Stuart, '75 and Dr. Lyle Micheli, '58.
What sports does Saint Bede Academy offer?
Saint Bede Academy offers 14 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Bowling, Cheering, Cross Country, Cross Country Running, Football, Golf, Softball, Tennis, Track, Track and Field, Volleyball and Wrestling.
What is Saint Bede Academy's ranking?
Saint Bede Academy ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for Least expensive tuition.
When is the application deadline for Saint Bede Academy?
The application deadline for Saint Bede Academy is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
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Quick Stats (2024)

  • Grades: (Boarding) 9-12
  • Enrollment: 293 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $25,000
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $6,550
  • Acceptance rate: 80%
  • Average class size: 18 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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