The Best Private Schools in Cicero, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Cicero. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Joseph School
Archdiocese of Chicago
St. Joseph School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving the Cicero community for over six decades. The school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education with a strong emphasis on faith-based learning combined with rigorous academics. Features include modern STEM labs, competitive athletic programs, and extensive fine arts offerings. The school maintains small class sizes and has consistently high parent satisfaction ratings for its dedicated faculty and strong community environment.
Programs:
The British School of Chicago
Nord Anglia Education
Located in nearby Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood, The British School of Chicago serves families throughout the metropolitan area including Cicero. As part of the prestigious Nord Anglia Education network, the school offers both the International Baccalaureate and English National Curriculum for students aged 3-18. The school features state-of-the-art facilities, world-class STEAM programs with MIT collaboration, and exceptional performing arts opportunities through Juilliard partnerships. With a diverse international student body and highly qualified faculty, it provides a globally-focused education.
Programs:
Near North Montessori School
American Montessori Society
Near North Montessori School is one of Chicago's oldest and most respected Montessori institutions, serving students from infancy through 8th grade. Located in Chicago's Near North Side, the school attracts families from Cicero and surrounding suburbs seeking child-centered, individualized education. The school features comprehensive Montessori programs, Spanish bilingual options, extensive outdoor education facilities, and strong arts integration. With multiple campuses and a long history of educational excellence, NNMS emphasizes developing independent, creative thinkers through hands-on learning experiences.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Cicero, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Cicero, Illinois?
While Cicero itself has a limited number of private schools, families commonly look to neighboring Chicago and nearby suburbs. A prominent option within Cicero is St. Joseph School, a Catholic K-8 institution. For broader choices, parents often consider schools in adjacent areas, such as The British School of Chicago (located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood) and Near North Montessori School (in Chicago's Old Town). Many Cicero families also explore private academies in surrounding suburbs like Oak Park, Berwyn, and Riverside, which are a short commute away. It's important to research each school's specific enrollment policies regarding residency.
How does tuition for private schools in the Cicero, Illinois area typically compare to the state average, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition in the Cicero area varies widely based on the school type and location. A parish-based school like St. Joseph School often has lower tuition, potentially ranging from $5,000 to $8,000 annually, which is below the Illinois private school average. In contrast, premier Chicago schools like The British School of Chicago or Near North Montessori can exceed $30,000 per year, aligning with or exceeding the high-end state average. Illinois offers the Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which provides financial aid to eligible families, and many schools have their own need-based scholarships. Cicero parents should directly inquire about aid and any potential parish subsidies for local Catholic schools.
What unique academic or specialized programs are offered by private schools accessible to Cicero, IL residents?
Schools accessible to Cicero families offer distinct programs. St. Joseph School provides a faith-based curriculum with traditional academics and sacramental preparation. The British School of Chicago offers the English National Curriculum, leading to IGCSEs and A-Levels, which is unique in the region and ideal for families with international aspirations. Near North Montessori provides authentic Montessori education from infancy through 8th grade, emphasizing child-led, hands-on learning. Some private schools in nearby suburbs may offer STEM labs, language immersion, or robust arts programs. The key advantage for Cicero parents is the ability to choose a specific pedagogical approach not typically found in local public schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in and around Cicero, Illinois?
Timelines are critical and vary. For a Cicero-based school like St. Joseph, enrollment for existing families and parish members often begins in January, with open enrollment for new families in the spring. For the competitive Chicago and suburban schools, the process starts much earlier—often with applications due between December and February for the following fall. These schools typically require entrance exams (like the ISEE), interviews, and school visits. Given the demand, we strongly advise Cicero parents to begin research 12-18 months in advance, especially for schools outside the district, and to attend open houses in the fall.
How do private schools in the Cicero area address transportation and the commute for students?
Transportation is a key logistical consideration. St. Joseph School may offer parish-based carpool networks but typically does not provide district busing. Chicago private schools like The British School or Near North Montessori do not provide transportation from Cicero, so families must arrange for private means, which can include paid bus services organized by parent groups, public transit (using the CTA or Metra), or personal commuting. Some suburban private schools may have bus routes that extend into neighboring towns, but this is rare. When evaluating schools, Cicero parents should factor commute time and cost into their decision-making process.
Private Education Insights
Top Private Schools for Autism Support in Cicero, IL | A Parent's Guide
For parents in Cicero, Illinois, searching for "private schools for autism near me" can feel both urgent and overwhelming. You are looking for an educational environment that understands your child’s unique learning profile, celebrates their strengths, and provides the structured support they need to thrive. While Cicero itself is a close-knit community with several respected private schools, the specific search for autism-focused programs often leads families to explore the broader Chicagoland area, where specialized resources are more readily available. Understanding this local landscape is the first step in finding the right fit.
It’s important to distinguish between traditional private schools and those designed specifically for neurodiverse learners. Local Cicero institutions like St. Joseph School offer a valued faith-based education with smaller class sizes, which can be beneficial. However, they may not have the on-staff specialists, sensory-friendly environments, or applied behavior analysis (ABA) integration that many children on the spectrum require. Your journey likely involves looking at schools with dedicated autism programs, which are primarily found in neighboring suburbs and Chicago proper. This means considering commute times along the I-290 corridor or near the CTA lines, making logistics a key part of your decision.
When researching "private schools for autism near me" from Cicero, you’ll encounter a spectrum of options. Some are standalone therapeutic day schools, while others are inclusive private schools with robust learning support departments. The latter can be ideal for students who are academically capable but need social-pragmatic coaching and executive function support. Many of these specialized schools employ speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and social workers as integral parts of their teaching teams. As you evaluate, ask detailed questions about student-to-staff ratios, the curriculum’s flexibility, and how they develop individualized education plans (IEPs or similar service plans). A visit is non-negotiable; observe the classroom atmosphere, the communication style of the teachers, and the overall sense of calm and order.
Financially, this path requires careful planning. Tuition at specialized autism schools is significant, and while the state of Illinois offers scholarships like the Invest in Kids tax credit program for some private schools, accessing public funding through an Individualized Education Program (IEP) placement at a private therapeutic day school is a different, often complex process. Connecting with local advocacy groups, such as The Arc of Illinois or Chicagoland autism parent networks, can provide invaluable guidance on both school recommendations and funding navigation. Remember, your search for "private schools for autism near me" is ultimately about finding a community where your child is understood. It’s about partnering with educators who see the potential behind the challenges. From your home in Cicero, you have access to a major metropolitan area rich with specialized options. With patience and targeted research, you can find a school that doesn’t just educate your child, but empowers them to build confidence and essential life skills for the future.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities