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2018 Best Private K-12 Schools in IllinoisAbout this List

The 2018 Best Private K-12 Schools ranking is based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents. Ranking factors include SAT/ACT scores, the quality of colleges that students consider, student-teacher ratio, private school ratings, and more. Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education, Niche users, and the schools directly. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

Best Schools
925 results

  1. University of Chicago Laboratory Schools

    • Private School
    • Chicago, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 104
    1 Best Private K-12 Schools in Illinois

    Parent: Plus:
    Extreme college prep (getting tired of other parents telling me how their child thinks MIT was easy after Lab), theme of asking "why" in addition to "what" in every pursuit, general consistency in teaching excellence, well-organized academic programs, culture of excellence among students, nifty vibe on UChicago campus, good facilities, no-cut athletic programs

    Minus:
    This school is very religious (religion of liberalism, social justice, and multiculturalism--which are all laudable, but they lay it on very thick), too many helicopter parents, too much homework, superficial diversity (does not represent the actual SouthSide--seems like most of the black/hispanic kids have rich or famous parents. In general, minimal socioeconomic diversity), virtually no school spirt in a traditional sense (sports, school sweatshirts, dances).
    Read 104 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,051 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. Latin School of Chicago

    • Private School
    • Chicago, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 93
    2 Best Private K-12 Schools in Illinois

    Freshman: I have been here for a while and the school is very intriguing. Latin's academics are great, and have helped me in many ways to learn things that I have not been able to understand in previous schools. My only problem is that the social scene is a little bit cliquey and students (including myself occasionally) feel obligated to be sad about being left out. This includes parties of about twenty to thirty kids every weekend that is streamed on social media so others can see. Some students also participate in alcohol and e-cigarette behavior, although that is a minority, it usually is the kids at the parties. But otherwise, I love Latin and I am proud to be a Roman!
    Read 93 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,155 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. North Shore Country Day School

    • Private School
    • Winnetka, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 48
    3 Best Private K-12 Schools in Illinois

    Parent: The school provides a rigorous, well-rounded education. Class sizes are small in the elementary school years so children receive a lot of individualized attention. The science and arts program are quite strong. The only areas of improvement are diversity (less diverse than private schools in Chicago due to location) and breadth of extracurriculars.
    Read 48 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 535 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Francis W. Parker School

    • Private School
    • Chicago, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 45
    4 Best Private K-12 Schools in Illinois

    Senior: I have had an awesome experience at Francis W Parker. Teachers at Parker are creative (and free to make their own curricula because of Parker's progressive philosophy) and teach students mind-blowing ideas, along with critical thinking skills.
    However, the unavoidable smallness of each class makes some students too comfortable with one another - everyone knows everything about everyone. Additionally, many reputations stick from middle school.
    Yet the education, especially in history and English classes, is great. Parker has, however, been trying to improve their STEM classes - they finally introduced higher-level math courses into middle school curricula, and now high schoolers must take computer programming/coding for at least one year.
    Recently, because the administration in the high school has been changing for around 5 years now, some students feel that they have less influence in school processes than they used to.
    Overall, though, definitely come to Parker!
    Read 45 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 935 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. Morgan Park Academy

    • Private School
    • Chicago, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 71
    5 Best Private K-12 Schools in Illinois

    Alum: Morgan Park Academy cares about it's students! You are able to get one on one assistance with your teachers if you need help. I attended this school from pre-school-3 to 12th grade, needless to say I was a super lifer at that school! Although the class size was really small (<30 graduating class) I really think that helped me learn to understand others and navigate through conflict. MPA prepared me for my college career through academics and the general care it has for students. If you (or someone you know) is considering MPA, do it, looking back I am grateful for the lessons I have learned (academically and socially) as a result of being a student at MPA.
    Read 71 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 421 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  7. Elgin Academy

    • Private School
    • Elgin, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 27
    6 Best Private K-12 Schools in Illinois

    Parent: The best private school around! The atmosphere is amazing, teachers are amazing as well as staff. My daughter has been attending since pre-school best decision we made.
    Read 27 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 300 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  8. Sponsored

    Georgetown Day School

    • Private School
    • Washington, DC
    • PK, K-12
    • 25

    Senior: The science and math classes were amazing, and teachers were great! We're working on our Computer Science program though. In terms of diversity, it is quite white despite the school's efforts.

    The administration is probably the worst thing about the school. It's very complacent and when it comes to disciplining us, they don't do a very good job.

    Besides that, GDS is a wonderful, quirky place where you can feel comfortable, relaxed and still be challenged and engaged in class.
    Read 25 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,075 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  9. Keith Country Day School

    • Private School
    • Rockford, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 40
    7 Best Private K-12 Schools in Illinois

    Alum: Good overall. Small class sizes ranging from 7-30 students, and the faculty was passionate about teaching. As always, some days were better than others since being in a small community has its pros and cons (e.g. Pro: you know everyone, Con: you know everyone).
    Read 40 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 286 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Christian Heritage Academy

    • Private School
    • Northfield, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 31
    8 Best Private K-12 Schools in Illinois

    Parent: An excellent education that is truly Christ-centered and tenderly nurturing kids and their heart for the Lord. Students are challenged academically (as seen in their awards & scores), but flourishing because they are supported spiritually and emotionally. Loving and exceptional teachers are mentors who partner with parents. Our 3 kids are thriving here! High school: AP courses available starting in freshman year, high scores, high % of National & Presidential Honors students. Many opportunities for service and leadership, including Winterim and mission trips. Graduates are attending excellent schools, prepared for college, life and beyond.
    Read 31 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 367 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Roycemore School

    • Private School
    • Evanston, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 40
    9 Best Private K-12 Schools in Illinois

    Parent: Best parenting decision ever for our seven-year old. Here is why:

    The faculty: The teachers are incredible and genuinely care for each single child. Great teacher to student ratio (1/14) and excellent leadership.

    The diversity: 48% students are non-Caucasian. The school models a sense of social responsibility by taking part into community-oriented projects.

    Differentiation: The pedagogical approach is all about differentiation. In the lower school, the kids break up into need-based groups across two grades (first and second, third and fourth) for reading and math, with support from a gifted coordinator. Academics are very strong.

    Ethics: The lower school participates in a great program that emphasize “seven habits” including collaboration, respect for others, self-motivation, organization, etc. The teachers design imaginative activities prompting the kids to apply those habits in real life.

    The space: The facilities are bright, clean, and colorful.

    WE LOVE ROYCEMORE!
    Read 40 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 215 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  13. Lycée Français de Chicago

    • Private School
    • Chicago, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 9
    10 Best Private K-12 Schools in Illinois

    Parent: We have been at the school for 13 years and have a boy and a girl. Our daughter is fully fluent and will graduate with the French Bac which is very well respected. She travelled to Montreal, France and China this year to represent our school.
    Our college counsellor is amazing and the children get into top schools. The teachers are very dedicated, staying late to help if I child needs it. We did have more teachers leave this year, but when I spoke with a lot of the teachers most were following a spouse to a new job.
     Our son struggles more with the French and may choose to do a bilingual IB program in 9th grade. Less French. but still a highly regarded program. He travelled to Montreal this year for a math contest.
     I feel the school is good value. Yes, like most private schools you are expected to give to the Annual Campaign but it is not forced- like at some schools.
    Read 9 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 730 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. Chicago Waldorf School

    • Private School
    • Chicago, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 22
    11 Best Private K-12 Schools in Illinois

    Senior: Chicago Waldorf High School has been the best choice I could have ever made. They Do not “teach to the test”. The students are met with age appropriate challenges that allow them to develop their own critical thinking skills. The friends I have made will be with me for life. I went on exchange to Colombia for 3 months and hosted the student I lived with here for 3 months. There is a constant stream of exchange students from all over the world coming in for a semester that you get to know. When you have experienced being an exchange student yourself, you know what it’s like to be that kid coming in with all of your insecurities about speaking another language and being so far away from your home and your family, so you are likely to lend a hand, be friendly and get to know the exchange students. The small class size allows for service learning experiences that you would not get anywhere else. My college application process went smoothly and I got accepted to my first choice!
    Read 22 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 366 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. Islamic Foundation School

    • Private School
    • Villa Park, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 27
    12 Best Private K-12 Schools in Illinois

    Senior: Islamic Foundation instills good moral character, and has outstanding academic standards. The small school and close community accepts all and everyone os treated like family. This is almost always a good thing, one of the only drawbacks would be the unprofessionalism you can see on occasion amongst faculty; whether that be through petty, immature, or unreasonable uses of authority.
    Read 27 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 636 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. Sponsored

    K12 International Academy

    • Online School
    • Herndon, VA
    • K-12
    • 7

    Senior: K-12 International Academy provides a challenging academic experience while offering all the extra curricular activities you could ever imagine. The class material is relevant and modern. Students can learn in class connect sessions and in study hall with one on one help from their teachers. Teachers are always helpful and professional. The whole set up is well organized and prepares all students for a bright future.
    Read 7 Reviews

    • NG
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,821 Students
    • 43:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  17. British International School of Chicago

    • Private School
    • Chicago, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 4
    13 Best Private K-12 Schools in Illinois

    Parent: Our son joined BISC for their N3 class. So far, we got nothing to say but great things about the school. They teachers and head of lower schools are awesome. They have a well balance curriculum between play and learn. Our son loves it and it super excited to go to school every day. Also, they huge roof top, basketball courts and soccer filed, makes a great place for kids to exercise and run.
    Read 4 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 506 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  18. College Preparatory School of America

    • Private School
    • Lombard, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 35
    14 Best Private K-12 Schools in Illinois

    Freshman: I liked the relationship between the teachers and the students in this school. There was a lot of one on one work that was done. In addition, the school offers challenging classes that I find enjoyable.
    Read 35 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 413 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. Governor French Academy

    • Private School
    • Belleville, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 60
    15 Best Private K-12 Schools in Illinois

    Parent: Governor French Academy students are taught the importance of intellectual skills and knowledge of self, to earn academic scholarships. Governor French Academy nurtures students on how to embrace their academics, apply self discipline plus determination to earn their full dollar value worth to successfully obtain a scholarship within 4 years.

    Administrative Staff and Educators, teach students daily how to attend college and "finish college expeditiously." Governor French Academy, has a unique yet realistic approach toward achieving a higher academic education beyond High School. Governor French Academy's approach is helping to build bridges for positive "Change Makers" not just as citizens but as humanitarians and more!
    Read 60 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 137 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  20. Universal School

    • Private School
    • Bridgeview, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 55
    16 Best Private K-12 Schools in Illinois

    Alum: Universal was an amazing experience. The teachers are wonderful, the environment is encouraging and family-like. The academics are excellent and there are so many opportunities for extra curriculars and programs presented to students. Location is also in a very nice community. I loved Universal!
    Read 55 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 665 Students
    • 24:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  21. Judah Christian School

    • Private School
    • Champaign, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 32
    17 Best Private K-12 Schools in Illinois

    Alum: Judah Christian is an amazing school that finds an excellent balance on how to incorporate faith into the modern school. I was there for 13 years for my education, and they nurtured my mind as well as my soul. I was admitted to the University of Illinois in Electrical Engineering, and I was prepare for the challenges that faced me there academically and personally.
    Read 32 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 550 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  24. Marquette Manor Baptist Academy

    • Private School
    • Downers Grove, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 6
    18 Best Private K-12 Schools in Illinois

    Middle School Student: I really liked all of the faculty. Everybody was really kind and always looking out for the student's best interests. There were limited sports but that comes with a small private school. The sports that they did offer were very well coached and the equipment was always up to date and in good condition. The fine arts department is very important and they put a lot of their focus in encouraging the kids to do their best, especially in academics. All of their classes were very well taught and the teachers were always willing to meet and help if someone was struggling.
    Read 6 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 147 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  25. Marquette Academy

    • Private School
    • Ottawa, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 25
    19 Best Private K-12 Schools in Illinois

    Works Here: I have worked here for 26 years. My only child attended, as did my husband. I attended the local public high school. If my grandson was in the area, there would be no question of where he would go, regardless of the cost. I cannot recommend the family type experience here enough, and the students are well rounded and get the best quality academic and christian education. We lived 20 miles away when my daughter came here. I NEVER had to worry about her during the day, or if she was being taken care of after school. She always had a place to go before and after activities if it was needed, and someone fed her!
    Read 25 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 450 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. Cornerstone Christian Academy of McLean County

    • Private School
    • DOWNS, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 18
    20 Best Private K-12 Schools in Illinois

    Senior: I am prepared for college because of the academics at Cornerstone. I like that everything is taught by a Biblical Worldview. I appreciate that most of the teachers care more about the students than the grades they are getting. I like the flex schedule and chapel. Something that could be improved would be the athletics. There is no football team. There is only one gym so practice is always a struggle since both elementary and high school use it. There is also room for improvement in the electives that are offered in high school.
    Read 18 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 427 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. Aurora Christian Schools

    • Private School
    • Aurora, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 75
    21 Best Private K-12 Schools in Illinois

    Senior: Aurora Christian has been such a blessing in my life. Although I have only attended for one year, I've already been positively impacted by the students and the teachers. My peers strive for academic excellence and provide healthy "competition" to better myself. The teachers are more than willing to help you succeed if you are having trouble or just have a hunger for more knowledge. Sacrificing time after school, they go above and beyond because they are living our their faith. Similarly, their example of faith has encouraged me to continue growing in mine. My bible teacher is especially invested in each one of his students. He desires to prepare us for the real world, not just inside the classroom. Most importantly he, and all the faculty, demonstrate how serving Christ can be done no matter your occupation. Everywhere is your mission field.
    Read 75 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 604 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. Westlake Christian Academy

    • Private School
    • Grayslake, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 21
    22 Best Private K-12 Schools in Illinois

    Junior: Westlake Christian Academy's mission is to provide for Christian families a Christ-centered education that disciples our students to honor Jesus Christ in thought, word and deed. With good academics it has a wonderful community and loving faculty. Most privates schools lack in academics and you might feel unprepared for college. However WCA is exactly what you need , the teachers invest their time and actually show that they care. You might think that WCA might be unaffordable since it is a private school but it's not. With numerous donors and sponsorships it is very affordable.
    Read 21 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 216 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. Review Your School

  30. Timothy Christian Schools

    • Private School
    • Elmhurst, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 95
    23 Best Private K-12 Schools in Illinois

    Senior: Real authentic Christian education that values community. I have been going to Timothy Christian for the past five years. It is such a wonderful community of people. I genuinely feel excited to go to school every day! There are so many opportunities to participate in sports, academic extra curricular, even e-sports! (And we take home lots of trophies in everything we do). My favorite thing about Timothy Christian is how much the teachers invest into their students-time, energy, and love. We have weekly chapels which prove that this is a true Christian environment that practices what they preach.
    Read 95 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,093 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  31. Southwest Chicago Christian Schools

    • Private School
    • Palos Heights, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 105
    24 Best Private K-12 Schools in Illinois

    Junior: My experience at Chicago Christian High School (within Southwest Chicago Christian Schools) has been overall good, but it could have been better. It is a Christ centered community if you surround yourself with the right people. For someone who didn't go through the SCCS system and just went to the high school, I found it relatively easy to make friends because of all the events that happen throughout the school year (homecoming, freshmen lock in, field trip and etc.). The band program is my absolute favorite thing about CCHS! There's many different bands and opportunities to show your talent! Next favorite would be the tennis team. Although it's small, it's a great place to make new friends before school starts! There are many good things about it but there are also bad. Many things happen at the school that are swept under a rug or kept on the down low, usually they don't effect large amounts of students unless you're involved.
    Read 105 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 926 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  32. Walther Christian Academy

    • Private School
    • Melrose Park, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 55
    25 Best Private K-12 Schools in Illinois

    Alum: Walther was an amazing experience for me even though I was there for 2 years. They gave me the opportunity to grow and they welcome me as another family member. All the staff members are very warming and they help you throughout everything educationally, personal, and with everything else you might have troubles with. Most important that is based on a Lutheran education they welcome every religion.
    Read 55 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 430 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
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