2023 Best NCEA Schools in the Chicago Area

• 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

• Chicago, IL•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  386 reviews

Alum: St. Ignatius is a school that really felt like a family. The teachers are very welcoming and do their best to help you succeed. The famous is also gorgeous, which is important to me. The downside is that it is a bit of a bubble, which doesn’t quite prepare you for the real world. Overall, I really enjoyed my four years at Ignatius and would make the same decision again.... Read 386 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,512

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• 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

• Lisle, IL•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  279 reviews

Senior: I love Benet! It is a place that is focused on academics and athletics, but it is also a place full of awesome people and teachers who genuinely care about the students. While the work load can be overwhelming and sometimes very stressful, it is honestly a place that follows the rule "work hard play hard". For every hard or challenging part that Benet has to offer, there is 5 more extracurricular activities or clubs to enjoy yourself in. I honestly have really loved having such a tight knit community of hard working and fun-loving people. Go Redwings baby :D... Read 279 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,357

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Wheaton, IL•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.33 out of 5  132 reviews

Alum: Could not have asked for a better high school experience! I graduated from SFHS in 2019 and it was the best four years. There was countless ways to get involved on campus and the teachers truly cared about the students. I would recommend St. Francis to anyone who wants a smaller high school experience where you'll feel valued and earn lifelong memories.... Read 132 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 698

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• 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

• Lombard, IL•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.3 out of 5  115 reviews

Senior: The school is very good in their education. I really feel as though I learn topics, in classes I’m interested in, anyways. The best parts were being able to communicate with my teachers about confusing topics and them being understanding about requests for extra time during assignments due to various personal reasons. However, there were things I didn’t like: how strict the school was about the way we dress in our uniforms, the fact that every school event (homecoming/prom) was just as regulated, and how our personalities couldn’t always be expressed (specifically boys with their hair, earrings, etc).... Read 115 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 525

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Mundelein, IL•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.09 out of 5  402 reviews

Sophomore: Carmel Catholic High School is a beautiful school that has its roots in the Catholic faith and spreads the values of enthusiasm throughout its community. Highly recommended for a meaningful experience!... Read 402 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,150

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Aurora, IL•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.07 out of 5  119 reviews

Niche User: Marmion Academy is a great college prep christian high school. Our three sons have had wonderful christian experiences at Marmion Academy. The religious aspect of their education was outstanding, and still plays a, all three, day to day part of their everyday lives. They were quite ready for college, and all three did very well. They have done very well in their professional lives, are raising beautiful families, and have become valuable members of society. We are very proud of them, and extremely happy with their Marmion Academy experiences.... Read 119 reviews

• grade A

• Students 510

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• River Forest, IL•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  291 reviews

Freshman: I really love the sense of community at Trinity! Everyone is like a family! I also really like the academics. The international baccalaureate program is amazing in preparing everyone for college and the professional world. The arts at trinity are also amazing! From dance to choir it is all spectacular! Trinity has a fabulous art room complete with pottery and painting stations. Trinity also has a brand new gym with a dance studio inside. Overall trinity tries very hard to make everyone’s time at trinity very enjoyable.... Read 291 reviews

• grade A

• Students 460

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Chicago, IL•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.03 out of 5  152 reviews

Alum: Greatest high school in the world! All my family went there from my father, brother and nephew. I couldn't have been happier and it prepared me for everything in life! Mount Carmel isn't a school, it's a family and if you go there, you'll understand that the family is there for you ALWAYS! Any other Catholic school is a school and that will be proven when Mount Carmel, a 100 year old family succeeds for another 100 years and more while other Catholic schools like Br Rice disappear.... Read 152 reviews

• grade A

• Students 603

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Elmhurst, IL•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.38 out of 5  81 reviews

Senior: IC Catholic Prep is an amazing school. At IC, we offer honors and AP classes, allowing students to test their knowledge. These classes may be rigorous, but it only pushes us to work harder. The teachers at IC are extremely friendly, always having open doors, they are ready to assist any student. Additionally, at IC we are not only active in the classroom, but we are also active outside of the classroom. Whether you are on the field or the stage, there are many ways to get involved. There are many sports where you can develop friendships with your teammates. Furthermore, we have a musical where everyone is involved. Lastly, IC offers many clubs ranging from leadership to service. Many of these clubs are fun ways for students to be involved in the school. In all, IC is a fantastic school which not only fosters students’ education but also helps students be involved in everything the school has to offer.... Read 81 reviews

• grade A

• Students 350

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• La Grange Park, IL•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  178 reviews

Senior: I was lucky enough to have parents who allowed me to choose where I wanted to go to high school, and after shadowing at Nazareth in seventh grade, I knew it was the school for me. The small, tight knit, family feel impression I received on my shadow day hasn’t changed throughout these past 4 years, and I couldn’t be happier with my high school decision. The education I have received has been exceptional. I feel extremely prepared for college, thanks to my amazing teachers that have guided me to be both the student and person I am today. Whether it’s in the classroom with my teachers and classmates, or on the softball field with my teammates and coaches, everyone is always so supportive. Nazareth isn’t just a school, it is truly a family and I will forever be grateful for my 4 years at Nazareth.... Read 178 reviews

• grade A

• Students 763

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Chicago Heights, IL•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  581 reviews

Senior: Couldn't ask for a better high school experience. Every single teacher I had was extremely patient, enthusiastic, and overall just willing to work with the class. I know I can't speak for everyone, but this was at least my experience. Faith life is also very good, especially having the experience to go on Kairos and to school masses. The introduction to community period really helped me to stay a little more on top of my work, definitely helping with stress levels. Honestly, campus is extremely easy to navigate after a few days and although it isn't top tier facilities, everything gets the job done. I've been able to notice subtle improvements across the whole school throughout the time I've been there, so I know there are always going to be small improvements here and there to keep everything rolling smooth.... Read 581 reviews

• grade A

• Students 837

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Joliet, IL•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.47 out of 5  90 reviews

Senior: It has been a great experience for me. I grew as a person and a student as the years go by. I have made friends that i can consider close brothers to me. The lacrosse team at JCA was a brotherhood to me because we were always there for each other no matter win or lose. The band and drama club were the best thing to happen to me because I became close to everyone there. The Kairos experience is once and a lifetime opportunity and i grew more as a person over there. The education here is great because the teachers make the lessons easy to learn and are helpful if you ask questions. it is a great community to be a part of, so i highly reccomend attending.... Read 90 reviews

• grade A

• Students 624

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Chicago, IL•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.66 out of 5  176 reviews

Parent: School is a vibrant learning environment in both scholastic and social arenas. The course curriculum is challenging and offers the opportunity to learn based not only on personal abilities but how much time the student wishes to invest in his own success. There are ample opportunities for personal instruction and teachers are more than willing to give help when solicited. The spiritual development is the cornerstone to learning right from wrong and how to deal with those trying issues facing the youth of today. The athletic programs try to develop the student to maximize his potential - whatever that may be. The Rita experience is a launching pad that truly prepares the kids for the challenges of life after High School. Of all the choices in the area, St. Rita is, by far, the best developmental opportunity for boys on the south side of Chicago. Both of my sons went here and both are Rita success stories!... Read 176 reviews

• grade A

• Students 570

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Chicago, IL•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.15 out of 5  398 reviews

Alum: I really loved how McAuley created a community whose outreach had no bounds. Alum and current students are easily identifiable not just by the uniforms, but rather by the confidence and skills developed at this school. I credit McAuley to my faith in myself and my overall thirst for knowledge and equality. McAuley teaches you that you will never be alone no matter when or where you are as someone will always be there to find and guide you when you’re lost. Besides all of the community based accords, this school has some of the most dedicated and connected teachers who promote learning and fairness in and out of classrooms. Obviously as a liberal arts school they do very well in theater, musical, and art departments with several students and alum receiving awards and acclaim, but many sports programs are up to par as well. Overall this school leaves a lasting legacy that any who are connected to hold forever.... Read 398 reviews

• grade A

• Students 887

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Merrillville, IN•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  148 reviews

Senior: My whole life I knew I was going to attend Andrean. I have had countless cousins that have gone through Andrean and are now Alumnis. Honestly, I anticipated Andrean to be like any other school. The only thing I expected to get from Andrean was a diploma at the end of my four years. However, I quickly learned this school had so much to offer me. I am a senior now, and I am a completely different person than I was 4 years ago. I find myself to be more charitable. Andrean has monthly service projects that allow students to give back to their communities. These opportunities have taught me the power of helping those in need. I am also more organized. Andrean is tough, but gives you resources to be successful! Overall, Andrean is an very good and welcoming school that feels like family.... Read 148 reviews

• grade A

• Students 550

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Burbank, IL•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.62 out of 5  379 reviews

Junior: Overall, St. Laurence has been the best choice I have ever made. The teachers and faculty are so welcoming and friendly. Extracurriculars and special events are always fun, bringing in that school cheer! Everyone is very supportive and there is never a worry that comes to mind when preparing for college or other exams. St. Laurence not only challenges students, but also incorporates team work and the ability to expand on new ideas. I enjoy working with my fellow classmates and creating new memories at St. Laurence. Accessing help and other resources has never been an issue. St. Laurence is the perfect example of “becoming a leader.”... Read 379 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,008

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• 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

• Chicago, IL•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  173 reviews

Parent: We came from a top rated Chicago suburb as our daughter wanted something different. We could not be more pleased. This year at Christmas our daughter said she wanted to get her teachers gifts as she said, "at this school I really like my teachers." Our daughter is excelling - she enjoys learning and the teachers give her the tools and teaching needed to be successful. She is motivated and happy. The coaches are great and work with students who are strong players and also those who are new to the sport. There are plenty of activities to address all interests. Everyone seems to care about making all feel welcomed and also about teaching the students to be good Christian people. It is amazing as those of different races and also different socioeconomic levels all get along so nicely! Solid education, diverse, balanced and welcoming!... Read 173 reviews

• grade A

• Students 929

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• New Lenox, IL•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.27 out of 5  184 reviews

Parent: Providence Catholic High School has excellent academics; their students significantly exceed the state averages in all of the standardized test scores. Their student to teacher ratio is 14:1, so every child receives an abundance of guidance and care. But it is the wonderful, loving atmosphere of this school that makes it truly amazing! There are no cliques; the students are so kind and supportive of each other. It seems too good to be true, until you meet the President of the school, Father John Merkelis. That's when you realize how lucky your child will be to attend Providence Catholic. Father "Merk" is a genuine disciple of Christ. The entire culture of his school is a reflection of this humble, exceptional servant of God.... Read 184 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 803

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Aurora, IL•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  247 reviews

Senior: From attending four years at Rosary high school, I have grown in my character, academics, and relationship with my peers and God. I have had the opportunity to become a better version of myself, by becoming involved in a variety of student led clubs and extracurricular activities. All of these experiences have made me realize who I am and how I can make my impact in the real world.... Read 247 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 313

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Woodstock, IL•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  187 reviews

Senior: Marian Central is a very small Catholic high school in a rural/suburban type area. However, this fact should not deter future students, parents, and teachers from visiting or even enrolling/working here. This high school is home to one of the best academic systems in Woodstock. The teachers and guidance counselors are stellar at getting students ready for college, and their clubs are not too bad as well. Unfortunately, Marian's one downside is that its sports programs need some major touching up to occur, especially in the coaching area. Other than that, Marian Central Catholic High School is an excellent choice for anyone with some kind of religious affliction, preferably Catholic obviously, looking to learn more about the faith.... Read 187 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 524

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1