The Best Private Schools in Glencoe, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Glencoe. 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
North Shore Country Day School is a highly-regarded independent school serving Glencoe and the broader North Shore region. The school offers a comprehensive JK-12 education with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and character development. The curriculum includes International Baccalaureate programs, extensive arts offerings, and competitive athletics. The campus features modern classrooms, science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. With a commitment to developing well-rounded students, NSCDS maintains small class sizes and offers numerous extracurricular opportunities. The school has a strong reputation for preparing students for selective colleges and universities.
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Roycemore School
Independent
Roycemore School is a prestigious independent school serving the North Shore communities including Glencoe. With over a century of educational excellence, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum from junior kindergarten through 12th grade. The school features small class sizes with a 7:1 student-teacher ratio, advanced placement courses, and a comprehensive STEAM program. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, dedicated art studios, and modern athletic facilities. The school is known for its individualized attention and strong college placement record, with graduates attending top-tier universities nationwide.
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Lake Forest Academy
Independent
Lake Forest Academy is a premier co-educational boarding and day school that serves students from Glencoe and surrounding North Shore communities. As one of the oldest independent schools in the Midwest, LFA offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement offerings and global education programs. The 150-acre campus features state-of-the-art academic buildings, athletic facilities, arts centers, and residential halls. The school maintains a diverse student body with both day and boarding options, providing a comprehensive educational experience. LFA is renowned for its strong academic program, competitive athletics, and exceptional college counseling, with graduates consistently attending top-tier universities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Glencoe, Illinois
Are there any private schools physically located within the village of Glencoe, Illinois, or are the top options in neighboring towns?
There are no private K-12 day schools physically located within the village boundaries of Glencoe. The top-tier private schools serving Glencoe families are located in nearby communities. These include North Shore Country Day School in Winnetka (approximately 3 miles south), Roycemore School in Evanston (about 7 miles south), and Lake Forest Academy in Lake Forest (roughly 10 miles north). Many Glencoe residents choose these schools for their academic rigor, small class sizes, and strong college preparatory programs, utilizing car pools or school-provided transportation.
How does the tuition for top private schools near Glencoe, IL, compare, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid or tax credit programs available?
Tuition for the leading private schools in the North Shore area is significant, reflecting their resources and faculty. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges of approximately $40,000 to $50,000 for upper school grades. Illinois offers specific financial avenues for parents. The Invest in Kids Act provides tax credit scholarships for lower-income families, though funding is limited and application is highly competitive. More broadly, all these schools have substantial need-based financial aid programs funded through their endowments. It is crucial to apply for aid simultaneously with admission, as deadlines are strict and funds are allocated early.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools near Glencoe offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Schools like North Shore Country Day, Roycemore, and Lake Forest Academy offer distinctive programs not typically found in public districts. North Shore Country Day emphasizes a cohesive Junior Kindergarten through 12th-grade experience with a strong focus on ethical leadership and experiential learning. Roycemore is known for its flexible, project-based curriculum and its affiliation with Northwestern University, offering unique research opportunities for high school students. Lake Forest Academy, as a boarding and day school, provides a globally diverse residential community, extensive weekend programs, and a college-like campus atmosphere. All three offer highly individualized college counseling with much lower student-to-counselor ratios than public high schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the North Shore area serving Glencoe?
The process is highly structured and begins over a year in advance. For fall entry, prospective families should start researching schools in the spring prior. Key steps include: attending open houses (often in September-October), submitting preliminary applications by early December, completing student testing (ISEE or SSAT), and scheduling parent interviews and student visits/interviews in January. Admission decisions are typically released in mid-March. It is strongly advised to apply to more than one school. Given the competitive nature, especially for entry points like Junior Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and 9th grade, early planning and engagement are essential.
For a family moving to Glencoe, what are the primary considerations when choosing between the highly-rated Glencoe Public Schools (District 35) and a private school on the North Shore?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, individual student needs, and community style. Glencoe Public Schools (District 35) are consistently top-ranked in Illinois, offering an excellent, tuition-free education with strong resources in a community-centric environment. Choosing a private school like North Shore Country Day, Roycemore, or Lake Forest Academy may be driven by a desire for a specific pedagogical approach (e.g., progressive, experiential), a smaller overall student body across all grades, a particular focus on global perspective (especially at LFA), or more specialized programs for gifted learners or those needing different challenges. The private option involves a significant financial investment for what many families perceive as a more tailored, niche environment versus the comprehensive, local community school experience.
Private Education Insights
Top Prep Schools Near Glencoe, IL: A Parent's Guide to Local Excellence
When you begin searching for "prep schools near me" from your home in Glencoe, you quickly realize our North Shore community is uniquely positioned within a constellation of exceptional private institutions. This search is about more than proximity; it’s about finding the right educational environment that aligns with your family’s values and your child’s potential. Glencoe itself is home to the esteemed Roycemore School, an independent day school known for its progressive, student-centered approach and tight-knit community feel right in the heart of the village. Its location offers incredible convenience, but the broader search often leads families to explore the distinctive cultures of nearby schools just a short drive away, each offering a different interpretation of college preparatory excellence.
Looking slightly beyond our village borders, you’ll find renowned options like North Shore Country Day School in Winnetka and Lake Forest Academy in Lake Forest. Each provides a powerful college-prep curriculum but in atmospheres that differ significantly. North Shore Country Day emphasizes a cohesive, JK-12 experience on a single campus, fostering deep relationships and a strong sense of continuity. Lake Forest Academy, a boarding and day school, offers a more residential, globally-focused environment that can be ideal for students seeking independence and a diverse peer group. The process of evaluating these "prep schools near me" requires considering these subtle yet critical differences in daily life, community ethos, and educational philosophy.
For Glencoe families, the decision often involves balancing the desire for a close-to-home community school with the specific programs or environments a slightly farther school might offer. Transportation becomes a practical consideration; while Roycemore is walkable for many, the others involve coordinating carpools or utilizing school-provided bus services common in our area. The academic rigor is a given at these institutions, so your focus might shift to the ancillary benefits: the strength of a particular arts department, a legendary athletic conference, unique global travel programs, or a learning support model that matches your child’s needs. Visiting these campuses is essential. You’ll notice how the culture of a school in Lake Forest might feel different from one in Winnetka or Glencoe, reflecting the unique character of each North Shore community.
Ultimately, your search for "prep schools near me" in Glencoe is a fortunate one, surrounded by nationally recognized options. The key is to move beyond the simple search phrase and engage deeply with what each school represents. Attend open houses, talk to current parents at the Glencoe Farmers Market or community center, and have your child spend a shadow day. The right fit will be a place where your child is both challenged and known, a place that feels like an extension of the values you cherish here in Glencoe. This journey, while sometimes overwhelming, is about finding a second home for your child’s intellectual and personal growth, right here in our remarkable corner of Illinois.
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