As college admissions become even more competitive and the demands for a global education grow, many parents in the Chicago area are turning to private schools.
Private schools offer more options for parents looking for specific styles of education.
For children with an interest in learning multiple languages or those who thrive in a regimented, college prep environment, private schools might be the answer.
Although many of the private schools on the list have tuition prices, many also offer scholarships for students who have financial need.
Reaching out to schools to inquire about their admissions policies and scholarship opportunities might be the first step toward your child receiving a top-tier education.
Read on for our list of the best private schools in Chicagoland, as determined by rankings on Niche.
1. Lake Forest Academy, Lake Forest (A+)
Address: 1500 W. Kennedy Road, Lake Forest
Why it stands out: A rigorous academic program coupled with a true commitment to creating a class of global learners puts this picturesque boarding school at the top of the list.
This private high school holds the top ranking for the best private school in the Chicago area.
The picturesque boarding school is renowned for its commitment to creating globally minded graduates.
Every year, about 25 percent of students travel to expand their horizons.
In 2024, student travel included trips to New York City and Costa Rica.
Lake Forest Academy is also a member of School Year Abroad, offering its students the opportunity to spend time studying on a campus in France, Italy or Spain.
The Academy offers rigorous academic options including AP classes, an independent study program and intensive arts courses.
As for campus life, students enjoy a well-funded athletics program with excellent facilities plus fun activities like competing for the house cup.
2. British International School of Chicago, South Loop (A+)
Address: 161 W. 9th St., Chicago
Why it stands out: This private school is part of the Nord Anglia education system, a world-renowned approach to learning.
The British International School of Chicago located in South Loop is regarded as an elite school preparing learners to become successful global citizens.
The British International School of Chicago located in South Loop offers a rigorous approach to academics.
The private school serves grades PreK-12, and provides a comprehensive education plan throughout a student’s time at the school.
Students are prepared to enter into the International Baccalaureate (IB) system in their last two years of high school following extensive teaching in core subjects like English, mathematics and history.
Extracurriculars and clubs are a large part of student life.
Students can choose from many elective options like a dance program designed by Juilliard or an engineering and design course.
3. Roycemore School (A+)
Address: 1200 Davis St., Evanston
Why it stands out: With gifted programs, stellar extracurriculars and a college prep environment, parents can be sure their students are prepared for the future.
Roycemore School offers a holistic approach to education which centers students.
The private school is committed to providing a deeply personal education for each learner.
One of the school’s signatures is the potential for a student to complete in-depth passion projects over the course of their learning.
These projects allow students to go deeper into areas that truly interest them.
Preparing students for their future by providing them with opportunities to build self-confidence and community is Roycemore’s promise.
4. North Shore Country Day (A+)
Address: 310 Green Bay Road, Winnetka
Why it stands out: A challenging, liberal arts based educational system is what students can expect at North Shore Country Day.
The private school focuses on individual student interest and success.
North Shore Country Day was formed during the Country Day School movement.
The co-ed PreK-12 private school seeks to create model citizens who embody the school’s motto “live and serve.”
High school education looks different at this private school–students are encouraged to design a class based on their own special interests.
There are also no “honors” courses, since each course is already taught at the highest level, which would often be considered “honors level” at other schools.
Students of North Shore Country Day can expect to receive a rigorous education that allows exploration into their individual interests.
5. Francis W. Parker School (A+)
Address: 330 W. Webster Ave., Chicago
Why it stands out: This progressive private school is known for its commitment to community and citizenship.
This co-ed, PreK-12 private school is founded on the principle that “the needs of society should determine the work of the school.”
That guiding principle is still in place today, with courses focused on modern day learning.
Students are prepared to enter society as thoughtful, capable and ethical citizens.
Francis W. Parker School is located in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood.
The school is undergoing campus expansion and improvements intended to enhance student learning.
6. Lycée Français de Chicago, (A+)
Address: 1929 W. Wilson Ave., Chicago
Why it stands out: An emphasis on global mindedness and fluency in multiple languages is a standout aspect of the Lycée Français de Chicago school.
Students graduate as globally-minded citizens prepared to participate in a global economy.
Lycée Français de Chicago is known for its commitment to creating globally minded graduates.
The school is a French immersion environment, with students leaving upon graduation fluent in (at least) a second language.
Language is taught in a unique system.
Students are immersed in both French and English from the beginning of their primary education, followed by a choice to include more language as they mature.
By the end of a student’s education, she may be fluent in four languages.
To further the global education of its students, the school offers the International Baccalaureate and French Baccalaureate track.
Both systems are rigorous academic programs with an emphasis on ethics, philosophy and global mindedness.
7. Latin School of Chicago, (A+)
Address: 59 W. North Blvd., Chicago
Why it stands out: The Latin School of Chicago offers a highly individualized education course with AP options at the higher levels.
Students are encouraged to become well-rounded citizens through an emphasis on extracurriculars.
A holistic approach to education is the hallmark of a Latin School education.
Students of this PreK-12 co-ed private school receive an education centered on whole-child learning.
Students begin receiving homework in the fourth grade, and are not assessed via letter grades while in the lower school.
Kids can begin after-school sports starting in the third grade.
At the high school level, students have one 90-minute class block and five 50-minute class blocks on an eight-day rotation.
Each student’s schedule is highly individualized.
8. The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, (A+)
Address: 1362 E. 59th Street, Chicago
Why it stands out: Housed on the University of Chicago campus, this private school is known for its progressive approach to education coupled with a close tie to the university.
The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools was founded more than 125 years ago with a guiding philosophy of a progressive education.
The school campus is located at the University of Chicago, allowing close collaboration between the esteemed university and Lab.
Lab creates civic-minded students engaged with the world.
Students are encouraged to inquire and experiment throughout their education, from the nursery to graduation.
The school is committed to creating a sense of belonging for all students.
Students have the choice to engage with their peers in extracurriculars like debate club, fencing and swimming.
9. Beacon Academy, (A+)
Address: 1574 Sherman Ave., Evanston
Why it stands out: A college prep environment paired with a strong sense of community sets Beacon Academy apart.
This private school is known for its high level of academics and close-knit student body.
Based on Montessori principles, Beacon Academy celebrates the whole-child while challenging students to rise to their potential.
The private school serves students in grades 9-12 from across the Chicago area.
In the higher levels, students are offered the International Baccalaureate (IB) courses and may also follow the Experiential Learning (XP) track, a program unique to the academy.
XP is a two-year social science and English program that brings real-world learning into the classroom.
Many XP students also choose to take IB classes as well.
10. St. Ignatius College Prep, (A+)
Address: 1076 Roosevelt Road, Chicago
Why it stands out: This Catholic co-ed private school offers a holistic approach to education.
Students are encouraged to become part of the St. Ignatius community and leave with a larger sense of purpose.
Saint Ignatius College Prep is a Jesuit Catholic school serving boys and girls in grades 9-12.
The private catholic school is located in the heart of Chicago and is committed to educating young people for “lives of faith, love, service and leadership.”
The school’s focus on academics includes many AP class offerings, courses on theology and more.
Students may join competitive clubs like chess club, robotics or scholastic bowl as well as fine arts and service organizations.
75 percent of students participate in one or more of the 35 sports options.
At St. Ignatius, students are formed into well-rounded graduates with an emphasis on living a life of integrity.
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