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2020 Best Private K-12 Schools in IllinoisAbout this List

The 2020 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.

1 – 25 of 1,187
Best Schools
1,187 results

  1. University of Chicago Laboratory Schools

    • Private School
    • Chicago, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 120 reviews
    #1 Best Private K-12 Schools in Illinois

    Senior: The teachers and extracurricular activities at the Lab School are top-notch. All of the faculty and staff truly care about their field of study, as well as the wellbeing of their students. Unfortunately, there is a large disconnect between the students and the school administration. Most students and teachers feel that they cannot trust the administration because it is evident that the administration will do anything in its power to reduce costs, even at the expense of the students' education and mental health.
    Read 120 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,051 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. North Shore Country Day School

    • Private School
    • Winnetka, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 60 reviews
    #2 Best Private K-12 Schools in Illinois

    Parent: Our family has two children in the Upper School at North Shore and we could not be happier. We have been particularly impressed with quality of instruction and the level of engagement our kids have with their teachers. The administration is committed to recruiting the highest level of instructors, who seem to truly care about each student. The school also emphasizes inclusion and encourages each child to pursue his or her interests, while stretching themselves to try new things. The size of the school allows students to pursue any interest, while feeling a part of a close-knit community. Students at North Shore achieve at the highest level academically, but a healthy balance of other activities are also a part of of the experience.
    Read 60 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 540 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. Latin School of Chicago

    • Private School
    • Chicago, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 107 reviews
    #3 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 107 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,155 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. Francis W. Parker School

    • Private School
    • Chicago, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 56 reviews
    #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 56 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 935 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Roycemore School

    • Private School
    • Evanston, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 99 reviews
    #5 Best Private K-12 Schools in Illinois

    Parent: I would give more than 5 stars if I could!
    I have been a parent for 7 years now with kids in lower,Middle and High School.
    The student teacher ratio is perfect . Well trained and experienced teachers. Personally, I am very impressed with the humanities subject in middle school. (The topic in social studies and Eng reading go hand in hand) V a strong maths science curriculum.Students are not placed in grades according to their age as others schools rather than their level of intellect.which makes it challenging for the student.The faculty helps in an overall development of a child. Rigorous curriculum, Northwestern university advance placement courses opportunity at no extra charge.
    I am impressed with the parent involvement opportunities.
    Short term project opportunity helps design a great application for college. amazing college counseling. parent involvement is appreciated.
    Roycemore Students are accepted and placed at their first choice university.
    Read 99 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 218 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. British International School of Chicago, South Loop

    • Private School
    • Chicago, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 24 reviews
    #6 Best Private K-12 Schools in Illinois

    Parent: We are very happy with our experience at the British School Chicago South Loop thus far. Our children attend the primary (elementary) school. They are enjoying their academic studies, love the arts/music/physical education curriculum, and are amazed by all the after-school opportunities. They truly enjoy their teachers and classmates. The school appears to tackle difficult topics forthright and the communication is very good. When re-enrollement time came, the kids themselves declared that they wanted to be at this school!
    Read 24 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 664 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  9. Lycée Français de Chicago

    • Private School
    • Chicago, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 13 reviews
    #7 Best Private K-12 Schools in Illinois

    Alum: I attended the Lycée from pre-K through twelfth grade. Now, with a year of college under my belt, I am overall very grateful for my time there. The teachers were like family, as were your peers, since it was a small and tight-knit community. Be assured, it's a very heavy and at time grueling workload, especially for an American student who didn't speak French at home. But the feeling at graduation, exams done, celebrating with your best friends, teachers, mentors, and family, is irreplaceable!
    Read 13 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 790 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Morgan Park Academy

    • Private School
    • Chicago, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 94 reviews
    #8 Best Private K-12 Schools in Illinois

    Senior: The Morgan Park Academy community is one that any student would feel more than comfortable being in. I began my journey at MPA my freshman year and my biggest concern was "fitting in" as I thought that I would be at a disadvantage since some of my classmates would have already known each other from middle school. I couldn't have been more wrong. Not only was the faculty inviting but the students were so welcoming and made my transition into a new environment seamless. It didn't take long at all to call the school a second home as I immediately made friendships and built connections with my teachers. If I were to choose one thing that I love about MPA the most, it would probably be the classes. Class sizes are small and teachers make an effort to make their classrooms and curriculum appealing to the students. Comfortable seating, essential oil diffusers, candy jars, Smartboards...the lengths that the faculty goes for the students to actually want to be in a classroom is remarkable!
    Read 94 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 421 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Elgin Academy

    • Private School
    • Elgin, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 40 reviews
    #9 Best Private K-12 Schools in Illinois

    Parent: We are in our 7th year at Elgin Academy and continue to highly recommend this great school to all our family and friends! My daughter really loves all the specialty classes, but especially the outstanding Music, Art and theater programs. The relatively smaller class sizes and great diversity provides just the right balance for her, always stressing tolerance and compassion. Every teacher is an all-star and always gets to know everything about our daughter. The involved parent community is always generous and supportive. It feels great to know we have found the right place that will help her develop and be the best version of herself all the way through high school!
    Read 40 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 300 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. Christian Heritage Academy

    • Private School
    • Northfield, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 70 reviews
    #10 Best Private K-12 Schools in Illinois

    Parent: The 2019-20 year was our children’s first at Christian Heritage Academy (K, 1st, 4th & 6th) and we were warmly welcomed and embraced by families and teachers! CHA embodies Christian education that is excellent, robust, and vibrant.

    From a leadership standpoint, those who serve in administration are exceptionally strong listeners and extraordinary examples of what it means to live by high standards of integrity.

    The teachers and staff are truly enthusiastic about teaching, and consider their positions as high callings. They encourage students to discover and apply truth, knowledge, and godly wisdom to life. The teachers train students "how to be” (character development, community service, and compassion) as well as "how to work” and "how to achieve."

    The most rewarding aspect of CHA is the partnership between the families, school, and churches. We love its strong spirit of camaraderie and the familial sense of love, care, and encouragement!
    Read 70 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 405 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  13. The Einstein Academy

    • Private School
    • Elgin, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 15 reviews
    #11 Best Private K-12 Schools in Illinois

    Alum: I thoroughly enjoyed my time at The Einstein Academy. It was a great experience, and the community was always very welcoming and fun. I highly recommend this school to any family looking for a safe environment where their children will have all their needs met, whether social or academic. The teachers are very friendly and seem more like family. Whenever I or my peers had difficulty with a subject, the staff would always take time after school and give extra in-depth explanations. Also, classes are more than just taking notes, they are hands-on activities filled with laughter and excitement.
    Read 15 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 89 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. Keith Country Day School

    • Private School
    • Rockford, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 47 reviews
    #12 Best Private K-12 Schools in Illinois

    Alum: Every teacher is really friendly and they have high skill of teaching. Keith school values art a lot, we have a lot of art activities and we always have so many amazing dramas that students perform. I always enjoyed having the artistic environment. The food could have an improvement but school tries what they could and they try to have a balanced meal. I always love the ceramics class. Keith is the only school in the region has a ceramics lab and most of the students enjoy to make ceramics.
    Read 47 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 286 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. Chicago Waldorf School

    • Private School
    • Chicago, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 31 reviews
    #13 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 31 Reviews

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

    • Private School
    • Villa Park, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 40 reviews
    #14 Best Private K-12 Schools in Illinois

    Senior: Coming to Islamic Foundation School really allowed me to bond with people that share the same religious upbringings and struggles. It also gave me an opportunity to make friends with people that understood me and my religion and culture. Since it is a private school, it brought teachers and students to have a closer relationship with one another. I felt very included with peers and staff. Although the opportunities compared to a public school was completely different, there were multiple times where I had extremely fun. Although I spent only two years at this school, it had became a part of me and I will always remember the people that got me through highschool.
    Read 40 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 636 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  17. College Preparatory School of America

    • Private School
    • Lombard, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 58 reviews
    #15 Best Private K-12 Schools in Illinois

    Alum: CPSA is great for high-achieving, self-motivated students. It has a good Islamic curriculum supplemented by teaching Arabic. The secular education is advanced for every grade and subject (with honors/AP courses), and challenges students. There are a good amount of extracurriculars. But most of the teachers and staff focus on the cream of the crop students and leave behind the average/below average students. Also, the school has a very competitive atmosphere, rewarding high achievers and inadvertently putting the other students down, not giving them enough time and importance. Not every student is a straight-A individual who easily scores well on standardized tests. But those who can are put on display, and the rest are not able to reach that level of success, at least not with the school. CPSA isn't for everyone-just for those who can succeed on their own and need limited guidance. The rest should probably go somewhere they can benefit from resources catered to all types of students.
    Read 58 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 413 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  18. Timothy Christian Schools

    • Private School
    • Elmhurst, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 123 reviews
    #16 Best Private K-12 Schools in Illinois

    Alum: Overall Timothy is a great school. Having gone there starting in middle school and graduating a year ago, it was a great experience and awesome school with amazing teachers! I was extremely prepared for college and the classes were filled with work and tough enough to make the students ready. Administration and teachers are awesome and are great people.
    Read 123 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,093 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. Governor French Academy

    • Private School
    • Belleville, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 67 reviews
    #17 Best Private K-12 Schools in Illinois

    Parent: I have 2 daughters at Governor French Academy (ages 8 & 5). Both girls were enrolled at age 4, so we've been a part of the school for several years now. I can honestly say that we absolutely love & appreciate the faculty & curriculum at GFA! The teachers are focused on providing the best education possible & I can see the progress in my children's learning & progress. I highly recommend this school!
    Read 67 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 137 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. Hinsdale Adventist Academy

    • Private School
    • Hinsdale, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 19 reviews
    #18 Best Private K-12 Schools in Illinois

    Niche User: HAA has an amazing sports program! The students are kind and they have a great administration. Supportive community and the teachers are very caring! All the students are close like a family, It's a great christian environment. I recommend sending your kid to HAA!
    Read 19 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 218 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. Schaumburg Christian School

    • Private School
    • Schaumburg, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 42 reviews
    #19 Best Private K-12 Schools in Illinois

    Parent: I currently have 4 children attending SCS in various age groups and they have all been there since kindergarten. We are very pleased with the school and my children have received a well-rounded wonderful Christian education! Many of the teachers are very caring and teach with a Biblical perspective that I expect to see in a Christian school. Although some may feel that the school doesn't have as many clubs and activities that many public schools and larger Christian schools have, I feel that SCS uses the resources that they have to engage the students in as many different aspects of school life as they can. The tuition costs are much lower than many of the other Christian schools in the area and so I feel that for what we are paying for tuition, the school gives us everything we need. My children will leave SCS equipped with everything they need to go to college and most importantly, will have gained an education that is based on God's word.
    Read 42 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 858 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  24. Naperville Christian Academy

    • Private School
    • Naperville, IL
    • K-12
    • 9 reviews
    #20 Best Private K-12 Schools in Illinois

    Parent: We have three children at Naperville Christian Academy and we are extremely satisfied with the holistic education they are receiving. With small class sizes, a Christ-centered focus, and teachers that instruct students using a classical curriculum that allows them to flourish and grow, NCA is an amazing school. Your children will love going to school!
    Read 9 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 92 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  25. Harvest Christian Academy

    • Private School
    • Elgin, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 80 reviews
    #21 Best Private K-12 Schools in Illinois

    Parent: Our daughter was at HCA for two years of preschool and is now in Kindergarten at HCA. My husband and I could not be more thrilled to send our daughter at HCA. All of her teachers have been very kind, knowledgeable and have taught our daughter so much. She was reading within her first 10-12 weeks of Kindergarten! Our daughter has also made some great friends along the way. We are super impressed with the school and look forward to having our daughter continue at HCA in first grade.
    Read 80 Reviews

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

    • Private School
    • Bridgeview, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 71 reviews
    #22 Best Private K-12 Schools in Illinois

    Senior: I’ve been at Universal School for 14 years and it has been a second home. Teachers have always been willing to help when it comes to all aspects of life. I have learned how to work on multiple teams with many different people and you learn something new everyday. Graduating from Universal I’m leaving with people that I will be connected with for life.If anyone asks me if Universal is a place that they should attend I always say yes because in no other school can you walk through the doors and feel at home.
    Read 71 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 665 Students
    • 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. Judah Christian School

    • Private School
    • Champaign, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 38 reviews
    #23 Best Private K-12 Schools in Illinois

    Senior: I absolutely love my school. It has given me so many opportunities and helped me grow in my faith. The teachers are so loving and truly care about each and every student. From an academic standpoint, i personally think is the best education in Champaign. Our curriculum is well taught and very challenging, yet the teachers are amazing at explaining the lessons and love it when we come to them for help and explanations! Overall, I love this school and its passionate Christ- centered education and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I am proud to say that I will be graduating with a diploma from Judah Christian High School in the year 2020.
    Read 38 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 550 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. Cornerstone Christian Academy of McLean County

    • Private School
    • Downs, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 23 reviews
    #24 Best Private K-12 Schools in Illinois

    Alum: I was very grateful for Cornerstone's high caliber education, the unique opportunities and hands-on learning experiences. I believe that the knowledge and skill sets I gained at Cornerstone will benefit my future in college and beyond. My only disappointment was the lack of art and music classes. I would have appreciated a wider variety of classes relating to the fine arts, in order to broaden my skills and allow me a more well rounded high school career. Otherwise, my education at Cornerstone exceeded my wishes above and beyond.
    Read 23 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 427 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. Peoria Christian School

    • Private School
    • Peoria, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 70 reviews
    #25 Best Private K-12 Schools in Illinois

    Senior: I have attended PCS my entire life. While I have learned a lot outside of PCS, the school has helped me find my career path, prepare me for college, and help me develop in my character. I am enrolled in online college classes now, and I feel more than prepared for them because of the academic level at PCS. I have made lifelong friends there, as well as developing my own spiritual life. If I had not gone to PCS, I would be a very different person.
    Read 70 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 578 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  30. Sponsored

    St. Mary of the Angels School

    • Private School
    • Chicago, IL
    • PK, K-8
    • 11 reviews

    Parent: “Our daughters have attended St. Mary of the Angels School for nine years now and we are so thrilled to see them grow and flourish along with this amazing school! The SMA teachers & staff work very closely with their students to best prepare them for acceptance into a competitive high school. Our daughter earned above average scores in all areas of the High School Placement Test thanks to them and their dedication.

    If you are looking for your child to be challenged academically through a rigorous curriculum and taught the skills required to make good choices, act responsibly and value kindness & acceptance, SMA is the school for your family.”
    Read 11 Reviews

    • 240 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  35. Sponsored

    Perspectives High School of Technology

    • Public School
    • Chicago, IL
    • 9-12
    • 333 Students
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    GEMS World Academy Chicago

    • Private School
    • Chicago, IL
    • PK, K-11
    • 16 reviews

    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

    • 440 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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