2023 Best Schools in Northfield

• Lake Forest, IL•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.68 out of 5  72 reviews

Parent: During this pandemic, we are very grateful that Lake Forest Academy has provided a safe learning environment for our son and other boarders. The impact is minimized with the best efforts.... Read 72 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 436

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Winnetka, IL•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.37 out of 5  71 reviews

Senior: North Shore is by no doubt an amazing school. While it is small and a bit sheltered, the school culture promotes independence and hard work in their students through rigorous courses and workloads. The school also requires its students to participate in the performing arts and athletics, which allows many students to be forced to develop their leadership skills and personality. MANY of the teachers are of high quality, compassionate, and care about developing relationships with their students. The humanities department is significantly more developed and better than that of STEM. STEM classes only prove to be worth it if it is an AP or required course. I wish North Shore would do better at is encouraging their students to take higher-level courses. The administration will usually discourage their students from taking AP classes based on their previous courses, and make it seem like the students aren't capable of taking all AP classes if they want to, nor do they even allow them to.... Read 71 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 547

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Evanston, IL•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.58 out of 5  155 reviews

Parent: Our family came to Roycemore in 8th grade from another independent school in the Chicagoland area. We chose Roycemore because of the small, individual attention each student receives. When my daughter started Roycemore she was quiet and lacked confidence and it made it difficult for her to connect with both her peers and teachers. Once she started at Roycemore she was making friends and building relationships with teachers. My daughter is now an upper school student at Roycemore. She is involved in the yearbook, student government, plays a sport and is involved in numerous other clubs and activities. She has blossomed into a confident, intelligent young person with a bright future and I credit this confidence and growth to the nurturing environment Roycemore offers. She has found her voice and a love for learning. We are so grateful to be a part of the Roycemore community!... Read 155 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 244

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Glenbrook High School District 225, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.25 out of 5  542 reviews

Alum: Great School! A lot of resources available to students to guarantee success, but it all depends on the student's intent. Advising could definitely be better in terms of a more thorough pipeline after graduating instead of just classes. The school facilities are unmatched thought. It is incredible how big the campus is and how many resources the school has. Many schools in the state can only dream of such facilities as 2 pools, the sports fields, and the state of the art technology. My experience at GBS had some issues because at times the school ran itself in a very totalitarian way. The school administrators rarely advocated for the growth among students belonging to lower class families. This also translated to inability to motivate social mobility, by having more disadvantaged students not be tempted to take advanced placement courses. Regardless the school prepared me well for college.... Read 542 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 3,139

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Glenbrook High School District 225, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  451 reviews

Sophomore: In general, Glenbrook North High school offers one of the best education program and curriculum in Illinois! Our school provides many educational opportunities and challenges for each and every student currently attending this specific high school! In other words, GBN provides high-level sport activities, clubs, as well as projects! As a current sophomore, I've been able to obtain leadership and social skills as a community member of GBN! As a regular participant of Key Club and Medical Club, I've been able to achieve long-term goals I've set for my overall high school experience through interacting with other students and assisting their needs. I am proud to say every single teacher at our school is fair and equal to each and every student of Glenbrook North High school.... Read 451 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,025

• Student-teacher ratio —

• New Trier Township High School District No. 203, IL•

• 10-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  578 reviews

Senior: Overall my experience at New Trier High School has been a positive one. Majority of teachers recognize the individual student and treat students accordingly. Most of my teachers have shown me compassion that has fueled my academic success. My experience in athletics and academic clubs has provided me with invaluable skills, preparing me for a successful career. Athletics and academic clubs provide unique opportunities for all students, regardless of past experience, leading to confident students willing to take athletic and academic risks. Despite the large student population, accessibility of various communities provides students with intimate relationships and meaningful connections. Unfortunately, this same praise cannot be applied towards the diversity of New Trier’s student population. The lack of diversity within the student and teacher population is worrisome and in order to have a program that produces truly well-educated and accepting students, this issue must be addressed.... Read 578 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 3,040

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Lake Forest, IL•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.38 out of 5  71 reviews

Parent: I am not going to sugar coat this. I was skeptical of Woodlands at first. It is small, tucked away in Lake Forest, and single gender. Maybe this was an environment that was too protected, sheltered, and "hand holding" for a young woman in high school? And while it is small, the experience has been anything but "too reserved or safe". The school is diverse and composed of students from the City, the burbs, and international locations that span the socio-economic spectrum. The academics are great and exceed expectation. If a student seeks challenge, the answer is always yes! If a student tries to back away from their potential, a teacher is on it. Students appreciate that WA will not let potential go unfulfilled. Girls learn to advocate & take pride in their accomplishments. Upon graduation they leave WA self-sufficient & confident women. They are ready to define their unique place in society. Despite school size, college placement is amazing! Deserves all the accolades!... Read 71 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 127

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Deerfield, IL•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.31 out of 5  51 reviews

Niche User: Amazing school! Both of my siblings attended this high school and received great well rounded educations. There is a strong sense of community! Leadership is encouraged throughout many school aspects, which helps students build their resumes early and be prepared for college!... Read 51 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 185

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Evanston, IL•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.42 out of 5  24 reviews

Parent: I wasn't sure what to expect when I heard there was a Montessori inspired high school. The more I learn, I realize that Montessori goes hand-in-hand with International Baccalaureate and Real-life Experiential Learning. The students have a lot of choice in their course selection, and within courses the students who have a burning desire to dive deeper are given that runway. My teen happens to be fairly aggressive in her academic pursuits, and she's thriving at Beacon. What I love, though, is that every student is invited to express the best version of themselves. Honestly the students are thriving because their teachers are amazing - they bring creativity, joy, authenticity AND rigor to the classroom. Thank you Beacon for recruiting, hiring, and retaining excellent teachers. I haven't seen anything like Beacon and wholeheartedly I support this model of educating students.... Read 24 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 213

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Niles, IL•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.42 out of 5  69 reviews

Alum: Northridge was a once in a lifetime experience for me. I walked in the halls as a young boy not knowing what to expect and came out as a man. That includes knowing my goals in life, learning my faith, as well as having opportunities set up for a well rounded future. The basketball program was something that will always have a spot in my heart. The brotherhood between past, former, and future players isn’t even describable. Coach Rey helped me in so many ways on and off the court. I’m now a basketball manager at the University of Louisville, a Division 1 school! I often find myself reminiscing about walking the halls, catching up with my classmates, and talking as well as getting mentored my the excellent faculty and staff. Northridge is something that is truly special, I would go back in a heartbeat. -Jack Figliuolo... Read 69 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 336

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Northfield, IL•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.65 out of 5  104 reviews

Parent: CHA’s Christ-centered culture, and its heart for Christ and for His Kingdom uniquely permeate all aspects of the community! The staff, faculty, administrators are earnestly seeking God and serving Him faithfully – they regard their work at CHA as a ministry that God have called them into, rather than just a daily job. They intentionally model Christ for the students in everything and in various ways. It’s so incredible and a tremendous blessing to have such kind of life-to-life discipleship taking place every day inside and outside of classrooms. Their Christ-like love, kindness, and care have touched and impacted many students and families, ourselves included.... Read 104 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 421

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Wilmette, IL•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  310 reviews

Senior: Loyola Academy is a great school as long as you can foot the bill and desire Jesuit values in education. Loyola’s strengths are its athletics and college readiness. Athletics are a huge part of the culture at Loyola. Most students participate in at least one sport during their time here. There is a wide variety of sports to choose from and most a “no cut” freshman year which allows all to participate. Students also get a helping hand through their college process during all the steps. No matter the student, Loyola will find a college for them. Loyola does have some drawbacks. While it is getting better, because of the steep tuition and location, diversity is low. The music and arts are also neglected in favor in sports. They are underfunded and not many kids participate. A new theater is being built, so in the future, the program might have more life in it. Overall though, Loyola is a great school as long as you can pay the steep tuition. Go Ramblers!... Read 310 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,000

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Northbrook-Glenview School District No. 30, IL•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  5 reviews

Middle School Student: I love this school! The teachers are AMAZING, and you feel like you really bond with them. Maple is focused on academics, and all the kids preform really well there. At Maple I feel like it’s my home away from home. Kids here do stress out over grades, but they always have people to help them with it.... Read 5 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 415

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Northbrook-Glenview School District No. 30, IL•

• 1-5

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  2 reviews

Parent: I have 2 kids at Wescott and they both love the school. The teachers and staff are amazing and always willing to work with the parents on any issues regarding the kids. Wescott feels more like a family and we couldn't be happier especially now that the school has 8 new classrooms, a new gym, and music and art spaces.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 410

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Skokie, IL•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  61 reviews

Alum: As an Ida Crown Jewish Academy alum I can attest to how amazing this school is. Ida Crown did not only prepare me academically but it also helped me grow in my connection to Judaism as well. Beyond that, ICJA provided me with a wealth of extra curricular activities including basketball, yearbook and even an in school newspaper. One of the most special aspects of this school is the community that it created for me and that I still feel extremely connected to 13 years after graduating. I would highly recommend this school!... Read 61 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 220

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Avoca School District No. 37, IL•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  4 reviews

Parent: Avoca West is a welcoming community for both students and parents. Its dedicated and caring teachers and staff go above and beyond to provide the best learning environment for children. In addition to their amazing music programs, academics and extracurriculars are stellar. Students are encouraged to be themselves, take risks, and embrace mistakes as a rich source of learning.... Read 4 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 417

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Wilmette, IL•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  216 reviews

Parent: We are strong supporters of Regina. We have a junior now and an incoming freshman. It's a strong school with an outstanding student-teacher ratio. Our daughter is a very high academic achiever and she is challenged and thriving. We have found the administration and teachers to be very supportive. Regina places a very high premium on leadership development for the girls. That was a strong selling point for us. They have helped our daughter come out of her shell and she has had terrific leadership opportunities. Finally, the school has a major capital campaign that has refreshed and improved the facilities. Phase I will be open this Spring. Everyone is very excited about it!... Read 216 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 258

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Arlington Heights, IL•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  181 reviews

Senior: I love SVHS! The teachers are all amazing, and super willing to help students individually. The faculty and administration are all really helpful and really friendly, and the counselors do a great job checking in on students. The classes are challenging without being overwhelming and enough electives are offered that students have choices.... Read 181 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 875

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Northbrook-Glenview School District No. 30, IL•

• PK, K-5

• grade A

• Students 407

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Sunset Ridge School District No. 29, IL•

• 4-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

High School Junior: The teachers were superb and had the resources to create a great experience. The Gifted/Enrichment program was unbelievably wonderful with passionate teachers who had the highest level degrees and published authors on the subject. The Special Education program gave one-on-one attention to the students who needed help.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A

• Students 262

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Des Plaines, IL•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  39 reviews

Junior: There isn't a school quite like the Willows Academy. Since my first day there, I have been surrounded by a friendly and familial atmosphere. The small class sizes allow for quick bonding and one is able to immediately form long-lasting friendships. The teachers are incredibly understanding and patient; they make time for each individual student. To be surrounded by so many hard-working and faithful women is truly a blessing, and many of them treat their students as friends. In an all-female environment, a girl is able to learn and develop into a woman with ease and pursue virtually and career path she can dream of. However, because of its close-knit community, TWA doesn't offer as many outside opportunities as other schools, but it continues to expand throughout the years and develop its curriculum in the interest of the students. Going to the Willows was the best decision I have made!... Read 39 reviews

• grade A

• Students 205

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Sunset Ridge School District No. 29, IL•

• PK, K-3

• grade A

• Students 219

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Avoca School District No. 37, IL•

• PK, 6-8

• •
  Rating 3.18 out of 5  11 reviews

Middle School Student: The teachers are great. They push you to do your best, and have very reasonable boundaries that have repercussions if you make them cross that line. The students are very diverse, and the students work really well together, no matter who it is. The teachers prepare you a lot for high school, even exceeding the expeditions for what the students need to know in order to get a passing grade. Especially the science they teach. They prepare you for everything that comes your way at high school, New Trier especially. Except they pile on homework and projects pretty excessively. Although it has been pretty manageable so far, it’s definitely going to get more difficult as the year goes on. Overall, a very good school that i wouldn’t want to transfer out of. It’s my last year at Marie Murphy, and I have to say that I will miss the staff and comfort at Marie Murphy. -A.M., Eighth Grader at Marie Murphy... Read 11 reviews

• grade A

• Students 287

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Skokie, IL•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  5 reviews

Parent: Experience was fine. I would like to see more guidance counselor/teachers who can help prepare seniors for college.... Read 5 reviews

• grade A

• Students 134

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Niles, IL•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.44 out of 5  93 reviews

Parent: Notre Dame College Prep is an outstanding college preparatory High School. They are cultivating young boys who enter their freshmen year, and by their senior year, they leave as well prepared young men with an outstanding education and high moral ground. Academics are of course key, however, athletics, clubs, and service are all rooted in their foundation. Acceptance is also another key component at NDCP. The student body works with, and learns with young men with developmental and learning disabilities. This experience has really shaped my son into the man he is today.... Read 93 reviews

• grade A

• Students 780

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1