Compare Catholic Schools in the Chicago Area

Best Schools

341 results

St. Ignatius College Preparatory School
Private School
Chicago, IL
9-12
312
1 Best Catholic High Schools in Chicago Area
Niche User: Best school ever! They have everything you could possible want in a high school! Most schools say they have things and at the surface it may look like they do but really don't. All you need to do is spend time at SICP and know what a special place this is. SICP's 150 year history and landmark status has given it credentials no other high school can claim. It has top notch academics, religion, financial aid, counseling, parent involvement, diversity, innovation...you name it they have it.
Read 312 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,404 Students
16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Benet Academy
Private School
Lisle, IL
9-12
220
2 Best Catholic High Schools in Chicago Area
Junior: “College preparatory” doesn’t even begin to describe Benet. Over the past three years, I have grown so much as a student. The way I view school has changed completely- I actually want to understand everything I’m learning and not just memorize the pages, scribble it all down on the tests, and then forget it all. This school has challenged me and accustomed me to harder work loads, which makes college seem a lot less scary than it did before I came to Benet. If someone is thinking of enrolling in this school, they are definitely not making a mistake. Just be warned- a good mindset is key. If a student decides to just blow off their homework and use their iPad for just games during class, then they definitely should go here! If anyone is looking for good preparation for college and building close relationships in a tight-knit community that feels like family, consider becoming a Redwing!
Read 220 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,357 Students
20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart
Private School
Lake Forest, IL
9-12
43
3 Best Catholic High Schools in Chicago Area
Parent: Woodlands is deeply committed to the young ladies and families it serves offering very strong academics, opportunities for both personal and spiritual development, and excellent college counseling! The staff are amazing, too. We loved the former principal, Mrs. Edmunds, and also equally love the current principal, Christine Schmidt (who is doing a fantastic job)! Everyone here -- including a knowledgeable registrar -- is doing an outstanding job educating these spirited, very smart, caring young women. My only complaint would be the choices made by the board of trustees. I hope people know that the trustees don't speak for all parents. I still disagree with their decision to let valuable staff go in order to save funds & I also think they would benefit from new, fresher perspectives/members. No place is ever perfect, of course, but this private all-girl's Catholic high school on the northshore comes pretty darn close! A++
Read 43 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
145 Students
6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Sponsored
Roanoke Catholic School
Private School
Roanoke, VA
PK, K-12
57
Alum: I attended RCS since 5th grade, and absolutely loved it. This school provides an excellent college prep education while being centered on Catholic teaching. The teachers deeply care for their students, and definitely push them to be better students, but also better people. Theology classes certainly teach the beliefs of the Church but also allow for questions and discussion about the Catholic faith, which gives students the opportunity to own their faith rather than know about their faith. I would highly recommend this school to any family interested in a high quality, holistically minded, education.
Read 57 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
516 Students
12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Northridge Preparatory School
Private School
Niles, IL
6-12
47
4 Best Catholic High Schools in Chicago Area
Alum: Every teacher is more than qualified to teach in their respective fields. Each class provides its own unique challenges, but huge opportunities for personal and academic growth. Teachers will address any problem a student may have to ensure their success. Classes instill valuable skills that are necessary for college classes and provide enough opportunities through the required AP courses to further a student's preparedness. Outside of classes, there are plenty of opportunities for self discovery through the many clubs and activities. When a certain activity may not be available, the administration is happy to try and work out an alternative or even start something new. Northridge Prep's size plays to its advantage in that each student receives personal attention, succeeds in extracurriculars, and forms meaningful relationships in ways that may not otherwise have happened at larger institutions.
Read 47 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
261 Students
14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Fenwick High School
Private School
Oak Park, IL
9-12
145
5 Best Catholic High Schools in Chicago Area
Senior: Fenwick is an outstanding place to go to school. The teachers and faculty work hard to make Fenwick the place that it is. Both the academics and the athletics give Fenwick the reputation that it has. Fenwick ensures that everyone is represented in the way that they want to. There are constantly new clubs being formed by students. Everyone has a chance to express themselves in any way possible, whether it be in different clubs, sports, academics, drama, or even speech teams. There is also racial, economic, and religious diversity within Fenwick, which allows the student to grow closer and be exposed to different walks of life than they may be used to.
Read 145 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,197 Students
14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Loyola Academy
Private School
Wilmette, IL
9-12
244
6 Best Catholic High Schools in Chicago Area
Junior: This school is just fantastic! It has all the clubs and activities in the world for anyone to be involved with. Most sports, such as basketball, football, volleyball, are a viable to all students to tryout for and play. The school is completely ingrained into the sports culture because we ar so great at them. We have recently won a football state championship and many lacrosse state championships. Overall, it is a sport-oriented school that prepares every student to succeed in college and life the moral way.
Read 244 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
2,052 Students
14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Marmion Academy
Private School
Aurora, IL
9-12
98
7 Best Catholic High Schools in Chicago Area
Alum: Teachers and administrators really care about you going to a good school after graduation. The school was very well maintained and the school spirit was great!
Read 98 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
527 Students
15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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The Willows Academy
Private School
Des Plaines, IL
6-12
24
8 Best Catholic High Schools in Chicago Area
Senior: My experience at the Willows Academy was amazing! I have close relationships with my teachers who I see as role models and mentors. The teachers truly care about each individual and the small environment really allows for a bond of all of the girls in each class. At the end of my four years, I can say these girls are my sisters and family.
Read 24 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
205 Students
8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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St. Francis High School
Private School
Wheaton, IL
9-12
106
9 Best Catholic High Schools in Chicago Area
Alum: Making the decision to come to Saint Francis was easily one of the best I have ever made in my life. I attended public school K-8th and I noticed a drastic change in the level of education I received between public and private. The smaller classes allowed my teachers to engage with us and form closer relationships. My favorite thing about Francis is the tight-knit community. I experienced the loss of my father while I attended Francis and I have never felt so supported in my life. Everybody came together--even people I didn't know--to make sure I was doing fine. Yes, just like any other high school Francis has its bumps in the road (hence the 4-star rating, not 5). But, it's well worth the cost and stuff you have to go through while you're there!
Read 106 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
782 Students
15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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- 2019 Best Boarding High Schools
- 2019 Best All-Girls Schools
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Carmel Catholic High School
Private School
Mundelein, IL
9-12
322
10 Best Catholic High Schools in Chicago Area
Alum: While I was attending, I'm not sure I appreciated the education I received. I blame it on being a teen! Now, years later I'm grateful for the rigorous academic and behavior standards, and the community provided by Carmel. I was active in the arts during my time there and since I've been pleased to see an investment from the school in this area. When I attended my university, I felt I was a step up from my peers even while attending a high-ranking school. Overall, some of my best educational and professional habits were formed here- read: to-the-point one-page papers with strict margins and strictly graded speeches. These types of things are what made it easy for me to write lengthy research papers, go on interviews, etc. Also, the intro to freshman year and not knowing everyone when walking in the first day was an amazing social tool in my first year of college. I would highly recommend sending a student here if it's a potential option for a parent.
Read 322 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,200 Students
15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Montini Catholic High School
Private School
Lombard, IL
9-12
83
11 Best Catholic High Schools in Chicago Area
Parent: We attended multiply private school open houses since 6th grade. We also visited our public high school. Our child did summer camps at the various high schools (both public and private) to get a feel of each school, their student body, faculty, etc. We attended "Jr High" sport nights to see the teams in action as well as their fans! From the moment we set foot in Montini my husband felt welcome and we knew this was going to be an amazing place for our child to continue her academic career! We ultimately let her make the decision on the school to attend, but we are all having a fantastic experience. While we are only a few weeks in to our decision for our daughter to attend Montini, we are all extremely pleased with the teachers and her experience.
Read 83 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
645 Students
11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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St. Viator High School
Private School
Arlington Heights, IL
9-12
154
12 Best Catholic High Schools in Chicago Area
Alum: Loved my experience! The teachers and faculty truly prepared me for my college experience. Every day I felt comfortable in the classroom which was very important for me. I made friends that I will have until the day I die. The small, close-knit community is something that I will always hold close to my heart. I know I am always welcome back and always am excited to see old faculty and staff. The extra-curricular activities I was involved in shaped my entire experience. My coaches were respectable and highly trained athletes who pushed us to constantly do our best in order to succeed.
Read 154 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
928 Students
12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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IC Catholic Prep
Private School
Elmhurst, IL
9-12
72
13 Best Catholic High Schools in Chicago Area
Parent: It is a wonderful smaller, character building high school where everyone knows your name, you are nurtured/encouraged to participate, engage and be the Best that you can Be! You can explore and learn where your talents and interests lie, develop and grow your skills to have a successful college experience and then career. Once a Knight....Always a Knight theme encourages a family atmosphere that lasts a lifetime! (Need to relinquish the Bigger is better philosophy. ICCP is smaller yet the fit can be just Right!)
Read 72 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
300 Students
13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Nazareth Academy
Private School
La Grange Park, IL
9-12
153
14 Best Catholic High Schools in Chicago Area
Senior: Nazareth is a great family where students really support each other. My classes were challenging, but more importantly, I was surrounded by mentors including coaches, teachers and other students. My biggest complaint is that the administration does not take the opportunity to really get to know the students beyond those that they label as the outstanding athletes or from families is that have donated to the school. They do not take the time to support students who may have amazing potential but may be quieter just need a push.
Read 153 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
763 Students
17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Regina Dominican High School
Private School
Wilmette, IL
9-12
164
15 Best Catholic High Schools in Chicago Area
Parent: Regina Girls are Awesome! The teachers really encouraged my daughter to maximize her potential. She was able to participate in orchestra, chorus, and theater and pursued those passions through college.
Read 164 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
300 Students
10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Marian Catholic High School
Private School
Chicago Heights, IL
9-12
485
16 Best Catholic High Schools in Chicago Area
Alum: My experience with the school was fine overall. The teachers are pleasant and willing to help you should you need it. The students are generally nice and sociable, so it would not be too hard to make friends. The classes are informative and definitely help prepare students for the college world. The only things that were annoying was, for one, their strict dress code; if you were missing one part of the required attire, you would be given a detention automatically. Also, they will sometimes make the families spend extra money on rather superfluous things. For example, they decided mid-year to change how the pants were made, since they were having difficulties deciding what type of pants were appropriate. To end this issue they made us buy the same pants, with the only difference being the school logo on the side pocket. Those things cost $50 a pop! The school is great overall, however it can be very expensive; if you are considering going there, be prepared to pay and pay quite often.
Read 485 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
1,025 Students
13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Mount Carmel High School
Private School
Chicago, IL
9-12
130
17 Best Catholic High Schools in Chicago Area
Senior: Mount Carmel has done tremendous things for me. Mount Carmel has surrounded me with people that do not look like me, come from different backgrounds, have had different experiences than me, but all strive to be successful in everything they do. Through my four years at Mount Carmel, I have been pushed to the limit academically. Here at Mount Carmel, we do not settle for the average standard, because the average standard is not what successful people settle for. Successful people want to be great, and that is what we preach and what we strive for. Mount Carmel exploits your weaknesses but emphasizes your strengths to help you turn your weaknesses into strengths. I came into Carmel with a lack of understanding of how much work I have to put into the classroom, but with trial and error, along with perseverance, have learned how to prepare and be successful. As the saying goes...

"You come to Carmel as a boy, if you care to struggle, and to work at it, you will leave as a man".
Read 130 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
650 Students
13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Joliet Catholic Academy
Private School
Joliet, IL
9-12
69
18 Best Catholic High Schools in Chicago Area
Senior: I enjoy attending Joliet Catholic Academy. This school has offered me many different opportunities in my life, physical, educational, cultural, and spiritual. Because it is a Catholic school, the education focuses around the Catholic faith. I am not Catholic, but not being so has not impacted my education. JCA has phenomenal academics, and truly does prepare every student for college with optional extra classes after school, and once-a-week mandatory college informational meetings in homeroom. Because of the rigorous academics, it takes a steady mind and a healthy body to balance school work and sports and extra curriculars. It is possible, and it is extremely worth it to get the most out of JCA. The faculty and students are all very friendly and helpful, and the student body is sometimes referred to as a "family," correctly so because we all help each other. To conclude, JCA is a wonderful high school, it has amazing faculty, and a family-like community.
Read 69 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
629 Students
11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Rosary High School
Private School
Aurora, IL
9-12
212
19 Best Catholic High Schools in Chicago Area
Senior: Rosary High School is an all girls college preparatory institution. Rosary has excelled high level classes that prepare young women for college and their future. The difficult curriculum teaches time management, hard work, and academic excellence. Besides its academics, Rosary also provides great athletic programs. The swim team is renound and has won the Illinois State Championship title the past three! Such triumphs contribute to Rosary’s tight-knit Community. Being a single gender school, classes are not divided into groups nor experience daily drama co-ed and other institutions may have. As a four year Rosary student and soon to be graduate, i can honestly state that Rosary has given me 73 inspiring new sisters. As graduation day approaches and we experience all the bittersweet “lasts” of high school, there is no doubt in my mind that all 73 of us will succeed and change the world!
Read 212 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
313 Students
12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Trinity High School
Private School
River Forest, IL
9-12
258
20 Best Catholic High Schools in Chicago Area
Senior: From starting out as a shy freshman to becoming a senior who is involved in numerous leadership roles and activities, the past four years at Trinity have certainly helped me grow as a person, as a leader,and as a passionate young woman. Trinity allows young women to have a voice of their own, and the amount of confidence that seems to grow in each student is truly beautiful. Trinity has shaped the person I am today, and I could not be more grateful. The academics are rigorous which truly helps each student prepare for college, and the teachers are always willing to help a student in need. There are numerous activities and clubs each student has the ability to take part in, and I know from experience that getting involved is the best thing to do at Trinity! Overall, the students, teachers, and staff all come together to create a wonderful environment to enrich our Trinity community, and luckily, I have the honor of calling Trinity High School my home.
Read 258 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
500 Students
10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Mother McAuley High School
Private School
Chicago, IL
9-12
352
21 Best Catholic High Schools in Chicago Area
Junior: I believe that being at Mother McAuley for two full years has already inspired me for the near future, careers, and my life. This school is truly amazing, but we are restricted with our bus service/transportation (I have to walk over to Brother Rice everyday in all weather conditions), and freedom (we don’t have many late start schedules and mental breaks). The tuition increases every year, and it’s a sacrifice for many families like mine, but Mother McAuley surely gives us a quality education! 100% of senior graduates have successfully chosen colleges and universities across the nation, so kudos to that!
Read 352 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
887 Students
11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Notre Dame High School College Prep
Private School
Niles, IL
9-12
70
22 Best Catholic High Schools in Chicago Area
Works Here: Over 60 years of proud tradition, Notre Dame College Prep is one of the top high schools in Illinois. Sponsored by the Brothers of Holy Cross, ND is a Catholic, All-Male, Inclusive school. 4 distinct Academic programs - Hesburgh Scholars, College Prep Core, St. Andre Scholars, & Burke Scholars. Average ACT in the Hesburgh Program has been 32. ND has a 28-acre campus and on-campus facilities in a safe neighborhood, very accessible location by public transportation. 16 sports, 35 clubs, 3 bands, Theater & Arts programs offered.

98% of graduates go on to colleges and universities each year. Last year's senior class earned over $15 million in college scholarship money for college. Morning Bus Transportation is available. A ND Don is a man of Faith, Scholarship, and Service! Great faculty/staff/coaches make ND special! Over 14,000 alumni around the world support ND. ND has it all!
Read 70 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
780 Students
13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Marist High School
Private School
Chicago, IL
9-12
385
23 Best Catholic High Schools in Chicago Area
Parent: Excellent school. I remember when my senior was searching for high schools and we were on the fence whether or not it would be worth the money to attend a private school. Four years later, I am happy to attest that not only yes it was worth the investment but Marist was the best choice!
Read 385 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
1,750 Students
16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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St. Patrick High School
Private School
Chicago, IL
9-12
93
24 Best Catholic High Schools in Chicago Area
Alum: In today's world knowing you have a safe place to learn is key. St Pat's has parents and security staff there at all times. Knowing we have off duty police working there in their off hours is great. The school allows you to find your passion and grow, athletics, academics, art,music, drama, science, or even fishing. You have so many choices to find something you like and excel. No wonder this is the oldest catholic HS in Chicago. Its has an amazing tradition of excellence. I'm so proud to have been a shamrock.
Read 93 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
697 Students
15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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St. Rita of Cascia High School
Private School
Chicago, IL
9-12
112
25 Best Catholic High Schools in Chicago Area
Senior: I absolutely love my experience at St. Rita. I transferred from a public school in the neighborhood because of academics and safety. I didn't feel as if my neighborhood school was preparing me for college. I also didn't feel safe at the school. There were fights everyday and school lock downs on occasions. How can one learn and be productive in that type of environment.

Transitioning from a coed public school to a private all male catholic school took some adjusting but I love it. My mom calls St. Rita "a day care for boys" because "we" can be ourselves. We do not have to change who we are to impress anyone especially the girls. Academically, St. Rita has challenged me by getting better grades, thinking "out of the box", creating better study habits and developing long lasting friendships.
Read 112 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
711 Students
16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Sponsored
Nysmith School for the Gifted
Private School
Herndon, VA
PK, K-8
4
Alum: Our 3 kids attended Nysmith from pre-K to 8th grade and it was the best decision of our lives! They never wanted to miss a day of school, because Nysmith knows how to make learning fun. Our kids went on to a great high school (TJ), that was perfect for their math/science/technology interests, and attended their #1 college choices. They were not only ready academically after Nysmith, but they were also happy and confident. The teachers, who are experts and passionate about the subjects they teach, treated the kids with kindness and respect, welcomed their questions, nurtured their curiosity, and helped my kids discover their gifts and abilities - sometimes before they even knew what they were. I highly recommend Nysmith. Or, better yet, don't listen to me...look at their website, see how their alums are doing, schedule a tour and a couple of student visit days for your child. See for yourselves what Nysmith is all about!
Read 4 Reviews
NG
Overall Niche Grade
580 Students
8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Sponsored
GEMS World Academy Chicago
Private School
Chicago, IL
PK, K-11
16
Parent: We love GEMS! They use the IB curriculum, which develops well-rounded students. GEMS emphasizes the integration of "academic" skills with problem solving, social justice, art, and more. Additionally, emphasis is placed on inquiry-allowing students to actively guide their learning. GEMS stands out because, where other schools might have reputations as the "rigorous" school, the "inquiry" school, or the "arts" school, GEMS encapsulates all of them! The teachers are responsive to individual families. Virtual portfolio updates keep us informed of what's happening with our child. The administration hard working. They're available to meet with individual families. They've also shown commitments to positive growth with areas of need such as staff diversity and coordination with third-party vendors. The student body is diverse. Being inside a classroom at GEMS is a constant reminder to our son that he lives in a world with people of many different ethnicities, perspectives, religions, etc.
Read 16 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
440 Students
8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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1 of 14

St. Ignatius College Preparatory School

Benet Academy

Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart

Roanoke Catholic School

Northridge Preparatory School

Fenwick High School

Loyola Academy

Marmion Academy

The Willows Academy

St. Francis High School

Carmel Catholic High School

Montini Catholic High School

St. Viator High School

IC Catholic Prep

Nazareth Academy

Regina Dominican High School

Marian Catholic High School

Mount Carmel High School

Joliet Catholic Academy

Rosary High School

Trinity High School

Mother McAuley High School

Notre Dame High School College Prep

Marist High School

St. Patrick High School

St. Rita of Cascia High School

Nysmith School for the Gifted

GEMS World Academy Chicago