A lot of people are interested in knowing which schools are the best private high schools in Illinois. The aim of this knowledge varies based on what the information is for.
Many parents are interested in the knowledge so they can send their wards to schools, while wards are interested in knowing this information so they can apply to the area that suits them, while others are interested in getting the knowledge just for the sake of it.
If this was a subject that pricked your interest, then you are reading from the right article.
7 Best Private High Schools In Illinois
When it comes to high school education, many families in Illinois opt for private schools. These schools have a lot of advantages, such as smaller classes, personalized attention, challenging academics, and unique extracurricular activities. But with so many choices, it can be tough to figure out which one is the right fit for your child.
That’s why it’s helpful to look at the top private high schools in Illinois, taking into account factors like academic performance, college placement rates, and overall reputation. By doing this, families can make informed decisions about their child’s education and give them the best chance for success in the future.
There are a lot of better private high schools in Illinois, but for the purpose of this article, we will place our focus on the 7 best private high schools in Illinois. These include:
1. University of Chicago Laboratory Schools (Chicago)
The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, often referred to as “Lab School,” is a private co-educational school located in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. Founded in 1896 by American philosopher and educational reformer John Dewey, the school is affiliated with the University of Chicago and serves students from nursery through twelfth grade.
Lab School is known for its rigorous academic programs and commitment to progressive education, which emphasizes experiential learning and critical thinking. The school offers a diverse range of courses, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program.
In addition to academics, Lab School offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including athletics, arts, and community service programs. The school has a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and aims to foster a sense of social responsibility among its students.
Lab School has a long history of producing successful alumni, including Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and prominent figures in various fields. With its exceptional academic programs and commitment to progressive education, the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools is a top choice for families seeking a challenging and enriching educational experience for their children.
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School Ranking
The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools is consistently ranked as one of the top private high schools in Illinois and the United States. According to Niche.com, a website that rates and reviews schools, Lab School is the #1 Best Private K-12 School in Illinois and the #4 Best Private High School in America. The school also received an A+ rating from Niche for academics, diversity, and college readiness.
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Tuition Fee
In terms of tuition fees, the cost of attending Lab School varies depending on the grade level and program. For the 2022-2023 school year, the tuition for high school students (grades 9-12) is $37,045 per year. However, Lab School offers financial aid and scholarship programs to eligible families to help make the cost of attendance more affordable.
The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools is a highly respected institution with a reputation for academic excellence, progressive education, and a commitment to diversity and social responsibility. While the tuition fees may be relatively high, the school’s rigorous academic programs and strong track record of producing successful alumni make it a worthwhile investment for many families.
2. North Shore Country Day School (Winnetka)
The North Shore Country Day School is a private, co-educational school in Winnetka, Illinois, a wealthy neighborhood just north of Chicago. The school was established in 1919 and educates students in grades kindergarten through twelfth.
North Shore Country Day School boasts a solid academic reputation and a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for college and beyond. The school provides a variety of AP courses as well as honors classes in all major topics.
The school is also well known for its experiential learning programs, which send students outside the classroom and into the real world to learn through hands- on experiences.
North Shore Country Day School has a wide range of extracurricular activities, including athletics, arts, and community service programs, in addition to academics. The school is also dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and it provides a wide range of services and initiatives to help kids from all backgrounds.
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School Ranking
As of 2022, North Shore Country Day School is ranked as the #2 Best Private High School in Illinois and the #12 Best Private High School in America, according to Niche.com, a website that ranks and reviews schools based on several factors, including academics, diversity, and college readiness.
The school has also been recognized as a Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education, an honor given to the top-performing schools in the country.
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Tuition Fees
The tuition fee for North Shore Country Day School varies depending on the grade level and program. For the 2022-2023 school year, the tuition for high school students (grades 9-12) is $41,180 per year. The school also offers financial aid and scholarship programs to eligible families to help make the cost of attendance more affordable.
North Shore Country Day School is an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality education for their children. With its strong academic programs, commitment to diversity and inclusion, and extensive extracurricular offerings, the school prepares students for success in college and beyond.
While the tuition fees may be relatively high, the school’s reputation for excellence and commitment to financial aid make it a worthwhile investment for many families.
3. Francis W. Parker School (Chicago)
The Francis W. Parker School is a private, co-educational school located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. The school was founded in 1901 and serves students from junior kindergarten through twelfth grade.
Parker School is known for its progressive approach to education, which emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and social responsibility. The school offers a challenging curriculum that includes Advanced Placement (AP) courses, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program, and a wide range of electives and extracurricular activities.
In addition to academics, Parker School places a strong emphasis on community service and social justice. The school has a number of service programs and partnerships with community organizations that give students opportunities to learn about and engage with the world beyond the classroom.
Francis W. Parker School is a top-ranked private high school in Illinois that offers a unique and challenging educational experience. With its progressive approach to education, commitment to community service, and focus on social justice, the school prepares students to become engaged and responsible global citizens.
While the tuition fees may be relatively high, the school’s reputation for academic excellence and commitment to financial aid make it a worthwhile investment for many families.
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School Ranking
As of 2022, Francis W. Parker School is ranked as the #1 Best Private High School in Illinois and the #3 Best Private High School in America, according to Niche.com, a website that ranks and reviews schools based on several factors, including academics, diversity, and college readiness.
The school has also been recognized as a Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education, an honor given to the top-performing schools in the country.
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Tuition Fees
The tuition fee for Francis W. Parker School varies depending on the grade level and program. For the 2022-2023 school year, the tuition for high school students (grades 9-12) is $49,190 per year.
However, the school offers financial aid and scholarship programs to eligible families to help make the cost of attendance more affordable.
4. The Latin School of Chicago
The Latin School of Chicago is a private, co-educational school in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood. The school was founded in 1888 and currently serves students in grades kindergarten through twelfth.
Latin School is well-known for its excellent academic programs that promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork. The curriculum is rigorous, with Advanced Placement (AP) courses, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program, and a large range of optional and extracurricular activities.
Latin School emphasizes community involvement and leadership development in addition to academics. The school includes a number of service initiatives and community connections that allow students to learn about and engage with the world outside of the classroom.
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School Ranking
As of 2022, The Latin School of Chicago is ranked as the #3 Best Private High School in Illinois and the #17 Best Private High School in America, according to Niche.com, a website that ranks and reviews schools based on several factors, including academics, diversity, and college readiness.
The school has also been recognized as a Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education, an honor given to the top-performing schools in the country.
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Tuition Fee
The tuition fee for The Latin School of Chicago varies depending on the grade level and program. For the 2022-2023 school year, the tuition for high school students (grades 9-12) is $47,885 per year.
However, the school offers financial aid and scholarship programs to eligible families to help make the cost of attendance more affordable.
The Latin School of Chicago is a prestigious private high school that provides a rigorous and satisfying educational experience. The school prepares students for success in college and beyond by emphasizing critical thinking, cooperation, and community service.
While tuition is rather pricey, the school’s academic prowess and dedication to financial aid make it a rewarding investment for many families.
5. Lake Forest Academy
Lake Forest Academy is a private, co-educational school in Lake Forest, Illinois, a northern Chicago suburb. The school was founded in 1857 and currently serves students in grades 9-12, as well as a postgraduate program for students who have graduated from high school.
Lake Forest Academy is well-known for its college-preparatory curriculum, which includes AP classes, honors courses, and a wide range of electives in the arts, humanities, and sciences. The low student-to-faculty ratio at the school enables for personalized attention and support for students.
Aside from academics, Lake Forest Academy provides a variety of extracurricular activities such as athletics, performing arts, and community service. With students from over 40 nations, the school boasts a varied student body with a strong emphasis on global education and cultural understanding.
- School Ranking
As of 2022, Lake Forest Academy is ranked as the #11 Best Private High School in Illinois by Niche.com, a website that ranks and reviews schools based on several factors, including academics, diversity, and college readiness.
- Tuition Fees
The tuition fee for Lake Forest Academy varies depending on the grade level and program. For the 2022-2023 school year, the tuition for high school students (grades 9-12) is $60,400 per year, which includes tuition, room, and board. However, the school offers financial aid and scholarship programs to eligible families to help make the cost of attendance more affordable.
Lake Forest Academy is a prestigious private high school that provides a rigorous and well-rounded education. The school equips children for success in a constantly changing world by emphasizing college preparation, customized attention, and global education.
While tuition is rather high, the school’s commitment to financial aid and scholarships allows many families to cover the expense of enrollment.
6. The Lycée Français de Chicago
The Lycée Français de Chicago is a private, bilingual school located in Chicago, Illinois. The school was founded in 1995 and serves students from preschool through 12th grade. The curriculum is based on the French educational system and is taught in both French and English.
The Lycée Français de Chicago is known for its strong academic program, which emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. The school offers a wide range of courses, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and has a low student-to-teacher ratio, which allows for personalized attention and support for students.
In addition to academics, the school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, theater, and community service. The school has a diverse student body, with students from over 50 countries, and places a strong emphasis on multiculturalism and global citizenship.
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School Ranking
The Lycée Français de Chicago is ranked as the #10 Best Private High School in Illinois by Niche.com, a website that ranks and reviews schools based on several factors, including academics, diversity, and college readiness.
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Tuition Fees
The tuition fee for The Lycée Français de Chicago varies depending on the grade level and program. For the 2022-2023 school year, the tuition for high school students (grades 9-12) is $38,900 per year. However, the school offers financial aid and scholarship programs to eligible families to help make the cost of attendance more affordable.
The Lycée Français de Chicago is a highly regarded private high school that offers a unique educational experience. With its strong academic program and emphasis on bilingualism and multiculturalism, the school prepares students for success in a globalized world. While the tuition fees may be relatively high, the school’s commitment to financial aid and scholarships makes it possible for many families to afford the cost of attendance.
7. Loyola Academy
Loyola Academy is a private, Jesuit college-preparatory high school located in Wilmette, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. The school was founded in 1909 and serves students from over 80 communities in the Chicago metropolitan area.
Loyola Academy is known for its strong academic program, which includes a wide range of courses, including honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. The school also places a strong emphasis on community service and social justice, with all students required to complete a minimum of 60 hours of community service each year.
Aside from academics, the school provides a wide range of extracurricular activities, such as athletics, music, theater, and student groups. The school boasts a varied student body that includes pupils from many ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds, and it lays a significant focus on inclusivity and diversity.
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School Ranking
As of 2022, Loyola Academy is ranked as the #2 Best Catholic High School in Illinois and the #14 Best Private High School in Illinois by Niche.com, a website that ranks and reviews schools based on several factors, including academics, diversity, and college readiness.
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Tuition Fee
The tuition fee for Loyola Academy varies depending on the grade level and program. For the 2022-2023 school year, the tuition for high school students (grades 9-12) is $20,800 per year for Catholic students and $22,300 per year for non-Catholic students.
However, the school offers financial aid and scholarship programs to eligible families to help make the cost of attendance more affordable.
Conclusion
Illinois is home to many highly regarded private high schools that offer a rigorous and well-rounded education. From the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools to the Lycée Français de Chicago, each of these schools has its unique strengths and values that make them stand out from one another.
While tuition fees may be relatively high, most of these schools offer financial aid and scholarship programs to eligible families, making the cost of attendance more affordable.
Ultimately, choosing the right high school is a personal decision that depends on a variety of factors, including academic programs, extracurricular activities, location, and tuition fees. Families should carefully consider each of these factors and explore multiple options before making a final decision.
With the many excellent private high schools available in Illinois, families are sure to find a school that meets their needs and helps their children achieve their full potential.
