The Best Private Schools in Chicago, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Chicago. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Latin School of Chicago
Independent School
The Latin School of Chicago is one of the city's most prestigious independent schools, serving students from junior kindergarten through 12th grade. Founded in 1888, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with exceptional academic outcomes. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. Latin emphasizes critical thinking, ethical leadership, and global citizenship, with a diverse student body and extensive extracurricular opportunities including championship athletic teams, renowned arts programs, and community service initiatives.
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University of Chicago Laboratory Schools
University of Chicago
Founded by John Dewey in 1896, the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools is renowned for its progressive educational philosophy and research-based approach to learning. Serving students from nursery through high school, Lab Schools offers a challenging academic environment with small class sizes and exceptional faculty. The school benefits from its connection to the University of Chicago, providing unique academic resources and research opportunities. Programs include the International Baccalaureate diploma, extensive arts education, competitive athletics, and a strong emphasis on intellectual curiosity and independent thinking.
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Francis W. Parker School
Independent School
Francis W. Parker School, founded in 1901, is a leading progressive independent school serving students from junior kindergarten through 12th grade. The school's educational philosophy emphasizes experiential learning, democratic community values, and intellectual engagement. Parker offers a comprehensive curriculum with strong programs in humanities, sciences, arts, and athletics. The school features modern facilities including science centers, art studios, performance spaces, and athletic complexes. Known for its inclusive community and commitment to social justice, Parker prepares students for college and life with a focus on critical thinking, creativity, and ethical leadership.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Chicago, Illinois
What are the main types of private schools available in Chicago, IL, and how do they differ?
Chicago offers a diverse range of private schools, primarily categorized as independent, parochial, and specialized. Top-tier independent schools like The Latin School of Chicago, University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, and Francis W. Parker School emphasize rigorous college-prep curricula, innovative teaching, and extensive resources. Parochial schools, predominantly Catholic (e.g., schools under the Archdiocese of Chicago), offer faith-based education at a generally lower tuition. Chicago also has specialized schools focusing on Montessori, Waldorf, or specific learning approaches. A key differentiator in Chicago is the urban context, with many schools leveraging the city's museums, universities, and cultural institutions as extensions of the classroom.
How does the competitive admissions process work for top Chicago private schools like Latin, Lab, and Parker, and what are key deadlines?
The process for Chicago's most selective private schools is highly competitive and typically begins over a year in advance. For kindergarten entry, parents often start tours and inquiries in the spring or summer before the application fall deadline (usually October to January). The process includes a written application, school visits, parent interviews, and age-appropriate assessments for the child. Many schools also require the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE). Key organizations like the Chicago Independent School Fair (usually held in October) are essential starting points. It's crucial to check each school's website, as deadlines can vary, but adhering to a timeline starting 18 months before desired enrollment is standard advice for Chicago parents.
What is the average tuition for private schools in Chicago, IL, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition in Chicago varies widely. For elite independent K-12 schools, annual tuition can range from approximately $40,000 to over $50,000. Parochial and other private schools may range from $5,000 to $20,000. Importantly, most top Chicago private schools are committed to need-based financial aid. For example, the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools and Francis W. Parker School have substantial endowments dedicated to making education accessible. The state of Illinois also offers the Invest in Kids Act tax credit scholarship program, which provides scholarships for lower-income families to attend private schools, though funding is limited and application-based. Parents should always apply for financial aid simultaneously with admissions.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Chicago private schools offer that leverage the city's resources?
Chicago private schools uniquely integrate the city into their curricula. Many have established partnerships with world-class institutions like the Art Institute of Chicago, Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, and the University of Chicago. Programs may include specialized STEM research opportunities at local universities, city-based urban studies and social justice courses, intensive arts training with professional organizations, and unique athletics like sailing on Lake Michigan or crew on the Chicago River. Schools like The Latin School often have interim or "J-Term" programs where students engage in city-wide projects. This urban immersion is a defining characteristic of a Chicago private education.
For families considering both options, what are the key differences between Chicago Public Schools (CPS) selective enrollment programs and top private schools?
The choice often hinges on educational philosophy, cost, and logistics. CPS selective enrollment high schools (e.g., Northside College Prep, Walter Payton) are academically excellent and tuition-free but are accessed via a competitive test and point system. They offer less individual flexibility in curriculum compared to private schools. Private schools typically have smaller class sizes, more individualized attention, and often more extensive facilities and extracurricular offerings. However, they come with significant tuition. A major practical difference is location and commute; CPS selective schools may require longer bus rides across the city, while private schools often have more centralized, though not always neighborhood-based, campuses. Many Chicago families apply to both systems as part of their strategy.
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