The Best Private Schools in Des Plaines, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Des Plaines. 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 all-girls independent Catholic school serving grades 6-12 with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and character development. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes averaging 12 students, allowing for personalized attention. Facilities include modern science labs, technology-enhanced classrooms, and dedicated art studios. The school emphasizes virtue formation and leadership development through its unique advisory program. Extracurricular offerings include competitive sports teams, drama productions, and community service initiatives. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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Roycemore School
Independent School
Roycemore School is a prestigious independent school serving students from pre-K through 12th grade, drawing families from Des Plaines and the broader Chicago metropolitan area. The school offers both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs, providing exceptional academic rigor. Their state-of-the-art facilities include innovation labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. The school emphasizes project-based learning and interdisciplinary studies, with particular strengths in STEM education and creative arts. With a student-teacher ratio of 7:1, Roycemore provides highly personalized education and has a strong track record of college placements at selective institutions.
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Baker Demonstration School
Independent Progressive School
Baker Demonstration School serves students from pre-school through 8th grade with a progressive, child-centered approach to education. The school's innovative curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, critical thinking, and social-emotional development. Facilities include specialized art studios, science laboratories, and extensive outdoor learning spaces. Baker's unique approach integrates arts throughout the curriculum and emphasizes global citizenship. The school maintains small class sizes with a 8:1 student-teacher ratio and offers extensive extracurricular programs including robotics, theater, and environmental clubs. Families from Des Plaines appreciate the school's commitment to developing confident, creative learners prepared for competitive high school programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Des Plaines, Illinois
What are the main types of private schools available to families in Des Plaines, Illinois, and how do they differ?
Des Plaines offers a diverse range of private school options, primarily including independent, faith-based, and demonstration/lab schools. For example, Willows Academy is an all-girls, independent Catholic school focusing on classical education. Roycemore School, located in nearby Evanston but serving many Des Plaines families, is an independent, co-educational college preparatory school known for its project-based learning. Baker Demonstration School, also in Evanston, is affiliated with National Louis University and emphasizes experiential, hands-on learning as a demonstration school. This variety allows parents in Des Plaines to choose based on educational philosophy, religious affiliation, and pedagogical approach.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Des Plaines, IL area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Des Plaines area varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, ranges can be from approximately $15,000 to over $35,000 annually. Most schools, including Willows Academy, Roycemore, and Baker, offer robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need. Illinois also has the Invest in Kids Act, which provides tax credit scholarships for eligible families to use at participating private schools, a crucial state-specific resource. Additionally, many schools offer payment plans and may have limited merit-based scholarships. It's essential to contact each school's admissions office directly for the most current tuition figures and a detailed breakdown of financial assistance.
What are the typical enrollment timelines and key deadlines for private schools in Des Plaines, Illinois?
The private school enrollment cycle in Des Plaines and the broader North Shore area is highly structured and often begins over a year in advance. Most schools open applications in August or September for the following fall. Key deadlines for applications, financial aid forms, and entrance assessments usually fall between January and February. Many schools host open houses in the fall. For example, families interested in schools like Roycemore or Baker should plan to attend these events a full year before desired enrollment. Rolling admissions may be available for some grades if space permits, but for competitive entry points like kindergarten, 6th, and 9th grades, adhering to the winter deadline is critical.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Des Plaines area private schools offer that distinguish them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Des Plaines region often provide specialized programs that may be less common in public districts. Willows Academy emphasizes a classical curriculum with Socratic seminars and a strong focus on leadership and virtue. Roycemore School offers a distinctive "Flexible Modular Schedule," allowing for deeper dives into subjects, and has a renowned interim term for experiential learning. Baker Demonstration School leverages its university connection for innovative teaching methods and a strong emphasis on social-emotional learning integrated throughout the curriculum. Additionally, these schools typically have smaller class sizes, allowing for more individualized attention and unique electives that might not be feasible in larger public schools.
For a family living in Des Plaines, what are the transportation options for attending these top private schools, many of which are in neighboring towns?
Transportation is a key consideration, as several top schools like Roycemore and Baker are located in Evanston, while Willows Academy is in Des Plaines. Most private schools in the area do not provide district-style busing. However, many facilitate carpool networks among families. Some schools may offer private bus service for an additional fee on established routes serving areas like Des Plaines, Park Ridge, and Evanston. Public transportation (Metra and PACE bus) is also an option for older students, especially for schools near Evanston's central location. It's important to factor commute time and logistics into your decision and discuss specific transportation solutions during the school tour and admissions process.
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