The Best Private Schools in Barrington, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Barrington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Willows Academy
Independent Catholic School
Willows Academy is an independent Catholic school for girls serving the Barrington area and northwest suburbs. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and personalized attention. The educational approach integrates intellectual, spiritual, and character formation with strong emphasis on STEM education, humanities, and fine arts. The school features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic facilities. Graduates consistently gain acceptance to top-tier colleges and universities with a strong foundation in leadership and critical thinking.
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Lake Forest Academy
Independent
Lake Forest Academy is a prestigious co-educational boarding and day school serving the Barrington area and greater Chicago region. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with 18 Advanced Placement courses, extensive arts programs including theater and visual arts, and competitive athletics. With a student-teacher ratio of 7:1, the school provides personalized attention and has a 100% college acceptance rate to selective institutions. The 150-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including modern academic buildings, athletic complexes, and arts centers.
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The British School of Chicago, North Shore Campus
Nord Anglia Education
The British School of Chicago's North Shore Campus provides an international education blending British and American curricula with the International Baccalaureate Programme. The school serves students from Barrington and surrounding communities with a global perspective and emphasis on academic excellence. Facilities include modern science labs, dedicated art studios, performance spaces, and athletic facilities. The school offers extensive extracurricular activities and maintains partnerships with world-leading institutions including MIT and The Juilliard School.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Barrington, Illinois
What are the primary private school options serving families in Barrington, Illinois, and what are their key characteristics?
Barrington, IL, is served by several prestigious private schools, though it's important to note that some are located in nearby communities. Top options include Lake Forest Academy in Lake Forest (a co-ed, college-prep boarding/day school), The British School of Chicago, North Shore Campus in nearby Lincoln Park (offering an international curriculum), and Willows Academy in Des Plaines (an all-girls Catholic college preparatory school). Within Barrington itself, families also consider local Catholic schools like St. Anne's. The defining characteristics of these schools include rigorous academics, small class sizes, and specialized curricula, from International Baccalaureate to faith-based education, drawing students from across the Northwest Chicago suburbs.
How does tuition for private schools in the Barrington, IL, area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Barrington area varies significantly based on the school type. Day school tuition for the listed institutions typically ranges from approximately $15,000 to over $40,000 per year, with boarding costs at Lake Forest Academy higher. Illinois has a robust tax-credit scholarship program, the Invest in Kids Act, which provides financial assistance to eligible families through Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs). Most private schools in the area offer need-based financial aid and have dedicated offices to help families navigate applications. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school about their specific aid packages, deadlines, and eligibility for Illinois state programs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Barrington, Illinois, region?
Private schools near Barrington distinguish themselves with specialized programs. Lake Forest Academy offers extensive advanced placement (AP) courses, competitive athletics, and a global boarding community. The British School provides the English National Curriculum and International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, appealing to expatriate and globally-minded families. Willows Academy emphasizes a classical education model integrated with Catholic teachings. Many schools leverage their proximity to Chicago for unique internships, cultural field trips, and STEM partnerships. Additionally, schools in this affluent, suburban area often have exceptional arts, robotics, and equestrian programs not always available in public districts.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Barrington, IL, area?
The enrollment process for top private schools near Barrington is highly structured and often begins 12-18 months before the desired entry date. Key steps generally include: attending open houses (typically in the fall), submitting an application by January deadlines for the following academic year, student testing/interviews (like the ISEE or school-specific assessments), and shadow days. Financial aid applications usually have concurrent deadlines. Due to competitive admissions, especially for entry points like kindergarten, 6th, and 9th grades, early planning is essential. Many families in Barrington start researching and visiting schools two years in advance.
For families in Barrington, what are the main considerations when choosing between the highly-rated Barrington 220 public school district and a private school?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, individual student needs, and specific offerings. Barrington Community Unit School District 220 is consistently top-ranked in Illinois, offering extensive AP courses, sports, and facilities. Families may choose private schools for reasons such as a desire for a specific religious foundation (Catholic, etc.), a more intimate classroom setting, a distinct curricular approach (like classical, IB, or British), or a boarding option. The private schools provide an alternative to the very large public high school environment. The choice is deeply personal, weighing the cost of private tuition against the free, high-quality public option, with many families valuing the tailored mission and community of a private institution.
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