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2019 Best Private K-12 Schools in IllinoisAbout this List

The 2019 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 1,117
Best Schools
1,117 results

  1. University of Chicago Laboratory Schools

    • Private School
    • Chicago, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 107
    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 107 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
    • 50
    2 Best Private K-12 Schools in Illinois

    Senior: North Shore is a fantastic school that has outstanding academics and an excellent environment for learning because of it's bright colors and collaborative spaces that provides an open feel. North Shore is predominately white and is not diverse, but it is something that we continue to work every year. One thing this school excels in is college readiness. Throughout my years I have spoken with many alumni and every person I have talked to has always spoken about how prepared they are and were for college. North Shore forces you to do things outside of your comfort zone which I found to be extremely helpful because I would have never been in a play and I would not have played volleyball. The administration and faculty are willing to learn how to make North Shore a better place and so are the students. It is a school where you have the flexibility to do anything you set your mind to. If I had the chance to re-do high school over I would choose North Shore Country Day School every time.
    Read 50 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
    • 98
    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 98 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,155 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. Sponsored

    Walnut Hill School for the Arts

    • Private School
    • Natick, MA
    • 9-12
    • 61

    Senior: Walnut Hill has been a great experience. I am a four year senior in the music department and have been lucky enough to work with great, motivational faculty and wonderful, inspiring students. I have loved getting to know people from different countries and live on such a diverse campus. The connections I have made will be lifelong. Walnut Hill sets you up perfectly for college; especially in the arts but also in the academics, in giving you a worldly perspective, providing a change for independence whilst keeping structure and safety, and in incredible college counseling support. I love Walnut Hill.
    Read 61 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 285 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Francis W. Parker School

    • Private School
    • Chicago, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 49
    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 49 Reviews

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

    • Private School
    • Evanston, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 62
    5 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 62 Reviews

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

    • Private School
    • Chicago, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 71
    6 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
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Elgin Academy

    • Private School
    • Elgin, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 28
    7 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 28 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 300 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Lycée Français de Chicago

    • Private School
    • Chicago, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 13
    8 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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  12. Christian Heritage Academy

    • Private School
    • Northfield, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 32
    9 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 32 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 351 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. Keith Country Day School

    • Private School
    • Rockford, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 42
    10 Best Private K-12 Schools in Illinois

    Sophomore: Keith Country Day School has a very high educational achievement. It's the best school to go in Rockford, Illinois if you are thinking of going to college after graduation. It offers a nice hot lunch between the 2-7th period and the teachers are doing their best to teach their students and make their life "successful".
    Read 42 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 286 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. Governor French Academy

    • Private School
    • Belleville, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 61
    11 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 61 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 137 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. British International School of Chicago

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

    Senior: The education here is amazing! They really prepare you for college with implementing a lot of critical thinking in the course as well as a lot of essay writing. I also think that the teachers are the USP for the school. The teachers are very hands on and because they are very young it creates and a better student teacher relationship. The teachers genuinely care about our education and do everything possible to provide us with the best experience and education possible. Although, the social aspect of the school is quite poor but I think now that the school is growing the social aspect will be better, especially because the school is now trying to implement a more high school feel for the students. Overall I think British school is one of the best schools in Chicago!
    Read 7 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 700 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. Chicago Waldorf School

    • Private School
    • Chicago, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 23
    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 23 Reviews

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

    • Private School
    • Villa Park, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 32
    14 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 32 Reviews

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

    • Private School
    • Lombard, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 41
    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 41 Reviews

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

    • Private School
    • Elmhurst, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 101
    16 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 101 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,093 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. Hinsdale Adventist Academy

    • Private School
    • Hinsdale, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 16
    17 Best Private K-12 Schools in Illinois

    Senior: Hinsdale Adventist Academy is a very loving and safe environment where students easily feel accepted and validated. It is a tight knit community where everyone knows everyone. Because of this, it is easy to get additional help after school from faculty members and even friends. The school also focuses on serving others which helps mold students into better people. Hinsdale Adventist Academy is also an extremely diverse environment where many different cultures and ethnicities are represented. This allows for students to interact with different cultures rather than being sheltered and uneducated. Overall HAA has a positive environment and is a school where each students knows they can turn to their teachers or peers in their times of need both academically and emotionally.
    Read 16 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 218 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. Marquette Manor Baptist Academy

    • Private School
    • Downers Grove, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 7
    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 7 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 147 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. Schaumburg Christian School

    • Private School
    • Schaumburg, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 27
    19 Best Private K-12 Schools in Illinois

    Parent: My children attend SCS. I have found the academics to be comprehensive without being overwhelming. The teachers love my children. Other parents at the school have reached out to me and shown kindness.

    I absolutely love the cultural diversity found in the classroom. My young children remained "color blind" for a long time, seeing only beauty in the people around them, sweetly oblivious to any differences that divide so many across our nation. What a beautiful multicultural environment for my children to mature in!

    I am also an alumna of the school. I attended in the 80s and 90s. So very much has changed here for the good since that very strict time. I appreciate it when an institution can recognize its weaknesses and work to correct them. I appreciate 2nd chances and am so glad that I gave one to SCS.

    I plan to continue sending my children here as well as enroll my others as they become school age.
    Read 27 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 987 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  28. Westminster Christian School

    • Private School
    • Elgin, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 53
    20 Best Private K-12 Schools in Illinois

    Parent: Our son has been attending Westminster for both middle and high school, and has thrived in the welcoming, Christian learning environment. WCS is a true gem in the Fox Valley area, helping to ensure all students can succeed academically, interpersonally, and spiritually. Small class sizes, dedicated faculty/administration, and varied opportunities for students inside and outside of the classroom help to make this school such a great value. There is a right balance struck between technology and traditional educational strategies for students of all ages at WCS. We have been so grateful for how this school and the wonderful people therein have helped to engage our son's learning journey and further build into his spiritual journey as well. Kudos to the Westminster Warriors!
    Read 53 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 377 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. Rockford Christian Schools

    • Private School
    • Rockford, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 121
    21 Best Private K-12 Schools in Illinois

    Alum: I loved my experience at Rockford Christian. I went their from 5th grade through 12th grade. The staff truly care about their students, not only in their academic learning but also they genuinely care about the students lives outside of the classroom. I would highly recommend this school to anyone!
    Read 121 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,234 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  30. Universal School

    • Private School
    • Bridgeview, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 59
    22 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 59 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 665 Students
    • 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  32. Harvest Christian Academy

    • Private School
    • Elgin, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 77
    23 Best Private K-12 Schools in Illinois

    Senior: I began attending Harvest Christian Academy in the sixth grade. I was hesitant at first, as I was starting there second semester, but now I look back and am so glad that I attended the school. The community at HCA is one of a kind: the teachers genuinely care for you, the students are accepting and loving, and each week chapel is held and continually convicts students in their walks with Christ. Additionally, the food from the cafeteria is absolutely amazing, and the facilities (including the main gym) are beautiful and quite well-kept. One thing that I would improve about HCA would be the dress code. Kids in elementary school through middle school are required to wear a uniform, but over the years these rules have become less enforced. I would vote to remove them completely from the middle school at the very least. Overall, this school is absolutely wonderful and I highly recommend attending. Go Lions!
    Read 77 Reviews

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

    • Private School
    • DOWNS, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 19
    24 Best Private K-12 Schools in Illinois

    Alum: I attended Cornerstone from preschool to senior year. While like all other schools it has its ups and downs, I believe what makes it unique is the amount of hard work the teachers put in to help students thrive. The amount of time teachers are willing to put in to make sure students are understanding content and are doing well physically and mentally is something you don’t see from many other schools.
    Read 19 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 427 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  34. Southwest Chicago Christian Schools

    • Private School
    • Palos Heights, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 109
    25 Best Private K-12 Schools in Illinois

    Senior: Southwest Chicago Christian has provide me with a warm,studious, Christian environment. Through their PLTW Biomedical Program, I have been equipped with the tools necessary to enter my major in Biomedical Sciences.The reason I decided to choose this program is because I want to be an OB/GYN that specializes in In Vitro Fertilization. I believe that joining a Pre-Med program would help me get a really good experience for what the actual medical field is like. I have been a part of the Project Lead The Way Biomedical Program for four years now. I have been able to see over three cadavers, study how to identify a crime scene, study the skeletal system, and even practice different types of suturing techniques. That is also why I decided to major in biology since becoming an OB/GYN would require me to be very knowledgeable in both biology and anatomy.
    Read 109 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 926 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  35. Sponsored

    Elgin Academy

    • Private School
    • Elgin, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 28

    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 28 Reviews

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

    British International School of Chicago, Lincoln Park

    • Private School
    • Chicago, IL
    • PK, K-6
    • 1

    Parent: This school has a straight forward academic approach that works. We transferred from a school that was considered a top ranking school in Chicago because the curriculum was more a focus on social causes than academic learning. Some of the top ranked schools are surviving on reputation only. When a student from British would transfer into our old school they were years ahead of all the other students. That should tell you something. Do your research.
    Read 1 Review

    • NG
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 506 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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