The Best Private Schools in Evanston, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Evanston. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
North Shore Country Day School
Independent
Located in nearby Winnetka, North Shore Country Day School serves families throughout the North Shore region including Evanston. This highly selective independent school offers a comprehensive Junior Kindergarten through 12th grade program known for academic rigor and character education. The school features exceptional facilities including modern classrooms, science centers, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. With a focus on developing well-rounded individuals, NSCDS offers robust arts, athletics, and community service programs alongside its challenging academic curriculum. The school has a longstanding reputation for excellence and strong college matriculation.
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Roycemore School
Independent
Roycemore School is a prestigious independent school serving students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Founded in 1915, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and personalized attention. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, art studios, and athletic spaces. Roycemore emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and character development, with strong arts and athletics programs complementing its academic excellence. The school maintains a diverse community and has a strong track record of college placements at selective universities.
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Baker Demonstration School
Independent
Baker Demonstration School, located in adjacent Wilmette, serves students from Evanston and throughout the North Shore area. The school offers a progressive education from preschool through 8th grade with an emphasis on hands-on, experiential learning. Baker's curriculum integrates arts, technology, and project-based approaches across all subjects. The school features modern learning spaces, science labs, art studios, and outdoor learning environments. Known for its inclusive community and innovative teaching methods, Baker prepares students for success in high school and beyond while fostering creativity, critical thinking, and social responsibility.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Evanston, Illinois
What are the main types of private schools available in Evanston, Illinois, and how do they differ?
Evanston offers a diverse range of private schools, primarily including independent, non-sectarian institutions and a few faith-based options. The notable independent schools like Roycemore School (Pre-K-12), Baker Demonstration School (Pre-K-8), and nearby North Shore Country Day School (Pre-K-12) in Winnetka emphasize progressive, student-centered education with strong arts and inquiry-based learning. These schools often have smaller class sizes and unique philosophies, such as Baker's demonstration model rooted in the National Louis University tradition. In contrast, Evanston also has private Catholic schools like St. Athanasius School (K-8). The key difference lies in educational approach, religious affiliation (or lack thereof), and campus culture, with the independent schools being particularly renowned for their college preparatory rigor and individual attention.
How does tuition for Evanston, IL private schools compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at Evanston's top private schools is generally at or above the Illinois state average for independent schools. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $25,000 to $40,000+ for day schools, with upper grades at institutions like North Shore Country Day School at the higher end. This reflects the high cost of living in the North Shore area and the significant resources these schools provide. Importantly, these schools are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer robust need-based financial aid programs. For instance, Roycemore, Baker, and North Shore Country Day all have substantial endowment-funded aid budgets, with many families receiving grants that significantly reduce the net cost. Illinois also offers a tax-credit scholarship program (Invest in Kids Act), though its future is uncertain; it's essential to check current status with individual schools.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Evanston-area private schools offer that leverage local resources?
Evanston private schools excel at integrating the resources of a major metropolitan area and a university town. Proximity to Northwestern University allows for unique partnerships: Roycemore School offers a distinctive "E-Term" for high school students, involving intensive, off-campus study and internships, often utilizing Northwestern faculty and facilities. Baker Demonstration School emphasizes a "museum-school" model with frequent field studies in Evanston and Chicago. Furthermore, schools leverage Lake Michigan for environmental science programs and Chicago's cultural institutions for robust arts education. Many also have strong social justice and community engagement programs, reflecting Evanston's activist history, including partnerships with local nonprofits and initiatives tied to the city's reparations fund.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in Evanston, IL?
The admission process for Evanston's sought-after private schools is highly structured and begins early. The main entry points are Pre-K, Kindergarten, 5th, 6th, and 9th grades. The timeline typically starts in the summer or early fall (12-18 months before desired enrollment) with open houses and tours. Application deadlines are often in January for the following academic year, with assessments, student visits, and family interviews occurring in the winter. Notification dates are usually in mid-March, aligned with the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS) guidelines. Given the competitive nature, especially for spots in the early grades, it is strongly advised to start research and visits at least two years in advance. Sibling and legacy applicants often receive priority, but strong mission-fit and a demonstrated interest in the school's unique philosophy are critical.
For families considering both options, how do the top private schools in Evanston compare academically and culturally to the highly-rated Evanston/Skokie District 65 and ETHS District 202 public schools?
This is a key consideration for Evanston families. The public districts (D65 for K-8 and D202 for ETHS High School) are nationally recognized for their academic quality, diversity, and extensive programs. The choice often comes down to educational approach and scale. Private schools like Roycemore or Baker offer much smaller, more intimate environments (often with under 300 students total) with highly individualized learning plans and progressive pedagogies. The public schools offer a much broader scale of electives, sports, and clubs due to their size, and a deeply diverse student body reflective of the entire community. Culturally, Evanston's private schools foster tight-knit communities with a specific educational ethos, while the public system offers a comprehensive "real-world" social environment. Many families value the public schools' diversity and resources, while others seek the tailored focus and specific philosophy of the private options. It's common for families to consider both, attending open houses for each to feel the distinct cultural differences.
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