Saint Bede Academy (2026 Profile)

24 W US Highway 6
Peru, IL 61354

Tel: (815) 250-0285

www.st-bede.com

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Saint Bede Academy Photo #1 - With an average student population of 300, our small class sizes offer students one-on-one interaction with their instructors.

Saint Bede Academy Photo #2 - The Perino Science Center, built in 2018, offers students university-level science labs, collaborative learning rooms, and commons area to make the transition to college life easier.

Saint Bede Academy Photo #3 - Saint Bede Academy's faith-based learning curriculum with no restrictions on religious background gives students the freedom to share faith and beliefs in an accepting environment.

Saint Bede Academy Photo #5 - Our campus sits on 700-acres and offers student's a park-like setting to learn and enjoy nature.

Saint Bede Academy Photo #6 - Our highly-competitive but small-rostered athletic teams enable students to participate in all desired sports while enjoying beneficial competition.

Saint Bede Academy Photo #7 - 100% placement for those advancing to university. 60% of students have already earned college credits by the time they graduate.

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 Facts (2026)

Grades: 9-12
Enrollment: 293 students
Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $25,000
Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $7,000
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 307 schools) for:

School Overview

| 2025 School Data

Saint Bede Academy

Boarding School Avg.

School Focus

College Preparatory

Grades Offered

9-12

School Type

Co-ed

Religious Affiliation

Catholic

Non-denominational

Year Founded

1890

1909

Campus Size

700 acres

125 acres

School Calendar

View School Calendar

School Motto

It’s GREAT to be a Bruin!

Student Body

Enrollment

293 students

300 students

% Students of Color

18%

25%

% International Students

14%

20%

% Students Boarding

15%

70%

Average SAT Score

1340
(Out of 1600)

* National Avg. »View

Average ACT score

25
(Out of 36)

*National Avg. »View

Offers Post-Grad Year

Academic Profile

Saturday Classes

Classroom Dress Code

Casual
Uniforms

Casual

Average Class Size

18 students

* National Avg. »18

Student-Teacher Ratio

12:1

7:1

# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered

ESL Courses Offered

Yes

% Faculty with Advanced Degree

68%

70%

Summer Program Offered

Yes

# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered

Courses

AP CalculusAP Chemistry

AP Computer ScienceAP European History

AP PhysicsAP Statistics

AP US HistoryDual Credit Advanced Art

Dual Credit English IV

Tuition & Financial Aid

Endowment Size

$50 million

$25 million

Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)

$25,000
(Diversity and merit scholarships available)

$59,900

Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)

$7,000
(Please contact mwagner@st-bede.com for day student information.)

$33,500

Tuition international students

$35,000

$53,975

% Students on Financial Aid

29%

40%

Avg. Financial Aid Grant

$3,000

$25,000

Merit Scholarships Offered

Yes

Admissions

Application Deadline

None / Rolling

Jan. 15

Accepts Standardized Application (SAO and/or Gateway)

Yes

Acceptance Rate

80%

58%

Director of Admissions

Marcia Wagner

Application URL

Online Application

Sports

Colors

Green and Gold

School Mascot

Bruin

Extracurriculars

Total Extracurricular Organizations

Extracurriculars

Club or Organization:

Abbey Mass ServersAmbassadors

Car ClubE-Sports

Eucharistic MinistersHeritage Club

Last Supper ClubLectio Devina

LectorsMagic Card Club

Peer TutorsPing Pong Club

Prom CommitteeRetreat Leaders

Rocket ClubScholastic Bowl

Science ClubStudent Government

Tea ClubTechnology Club

Ultimate Frisbee ClubYearbook Staff

Show More (6)Hide

Arts and Music Programs:

BandCaedmom Literary Magazine

ChorusGenesis Project

Homecoming Variety ShowInteract Club

MusicalPep Club

PhotographyStage Rats

Recreational Athletic Programs:

Bass FishingWrestling

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.
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

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Saint Bede Academy cost?

Saint Bede Academy's tuition is approximately $25,000 for boarding students and $7,000 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 58%.

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 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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