The Best Private Schools in Arlington Heights, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Arlington Heights. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. James School
Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools
St. James School is a highly-regarded Catholic elementary school serving Pre-K through 8th grade with a strong academic reputation in Arlington Heights. The school features modern facilities including science labs, technology integration, and dedicated art/music spaces. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty, strong community atmosphere, and comprehensive curriculum that balances academic excellence with character development. The school offers extensive extracurricular activities including sports, clubs, and service opportunities.
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St. Viator High School
Clerics of St. Viator
St. Viator High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school serving the Arlington Heights area with a national reputation for academic excellence. The school offers a rigorous curriculum with 24 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and outstanding fine arts facilities. Students benefit from a 12:1 student-teacher ratio and extensive college counseling services. The campus features state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, and athletic facilities. Parent reviews consistently highlight the supportive community and exceptional college placement record.
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The British School of Chicago, Lincoln Park
Nord Anglia Education
While located in Chicago's Lincoln Park, The British School serves many families from Arlington Heights and the northwest suburbs, offering a world-class international education. The school provides both the English National Curriculum and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, with exceptional facilities including dedicated science labs, art studios, and technology centers. As part of the Nord Anglia global network, students benefit from collaborations with MIT, Juilliard, and UNICEF. The school's diverse international community and outstanding academic results make it a top choice for families seeking a global education perspective.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Arlington Heights, Illinois
What are the main types of private schools available in Arlington Heights, IL, and how do they differ?
Arlington Heights offers a diverse range of private school options catering to different educational philosophies and needs. You'll find prominent Catholic institutions like St. James School (K-8) and St. Viator High School (9-12), which provide a faith-based education with strong college preparatory programs. For families seeking an international curriculum, The British School of Chicago, located in the nearby Lincoln Park neighborhood, offers a British-style education leading to IGCSEs and A-Levels, though it requires a commute. Additionally, there are secular independent schools in the broader Northwest Suburban area. The key differences lie in curriculum, religious affiliation, school culture, and cost, making it essential to visit and understand each school's mission.
How does tuition for private schools in Arlington Heights, IL, compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in Arlington Heights varies significantly by school type and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, parish-supported Catholic elementary schools like St. James may have tuition ranging from $6,000 to $9,000 annually, while St. Viator High School's tuition is approximately $16,000. Independent schools like The British School of Chicago command a premium, often exceeding $30,000. Most private schools in Illinois offer need-based financial aid, and many Catholic schools have parish subsidy programs for active members. Illinois also has the Invest in Kids Act, a tax credit scholarship program that provides limited income-based scholarships for private schools, though availability is competitive. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school about their specific aid packages and deadlines.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Arlington Heights area?
Private schools in and around Arlington Heights distinguish themselves with specialized programs. St. Viator High School is known for its robust STEM curriculum, fine arts department, and extensive athletic programs competing in the East Suburban Catholic Conference. St. James School emphasizes its STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, Math) initiative integrated with Catholic values. While not in Arlington Heights proper, The British School of Chicago offers a unique global perspective with a curriculum that prepares students for universities worldwide. Many local private schools also leverage their proximity to Chicago for enrichment, offering field trips, cultural exchanges, and specialized partnerships not always available in public school settings.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Arlington Heights, IL?
The enrollment process for Arlington Heights private schools often begins a full year in advance. For schools like St. James and St. Viator, open houses typically occur in the fall (September-November). Application deadlines for the following academic year are usually in January or February. The process commonly includes submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and for some, an entrance exam (like the HSPT for high schools). Many schools also require a family interview or student assessment day. Sibling and parish member applicants often receive priority. It's highly recommended to start research early, as spaces, particularly in popular early childhood and kindergarten programs, can fill quickly.
For families moving to the area, how do the top-rated public schools in Arlington Heights School District 25 influence the decision to choose a private school?
This is a key consideration, as Arlington Heights is renowned for its excellent public school system (District 25 and Township High School District 214). Families often choose private schools here not due to a lack of quality in public options, but for specific reasons aligned with personal values and goals. These include desire for a religious education, smaller class sizes, a particular pedagogical approach (like Montessori or British curriculum), or a more specialized college-prep environment. The decision often comes down to "fit" rather than necessity. Many parents appreciate having both world-class public and diverse private options, allowing them to select the environment that best meets their child's social, emotional, and academic needs.
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