The Best Private Schools in Glenview, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Glenview. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Cove School
Specialized Private School
The Cove School is a highly specialized private school serving students with learning disabilities from Glenview and surrounding North Shore communities. Founded in 1947, the school provides individualized educational programs for students in grades 1-12 who learn differently. The school features small class sizes with a 4:1 student-teacher ratio, specialized instructional methodologies, and comprehensive therapeutic support services. The curriculum is tailored to each student's needs while maintaining high academic standards. The school's state-of-the-art facility includes specialized classrooms, therapy rooms, and adaptive learning spaces. Cove School is renowned for its exceptional faculty and transformative impact on students with learning challenges.
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North Shore Country Day School
Independent School
North Shore Country Day School is a highly regarded independent school serving Glenview and the broader North Shore region. Established in 1919, the school offers a comprehensive educational program from junior kindergarten through 12th grade. Known for academic excellence, the school features a challenging curriculum with advanced courses, extensive arts programs, and competitive athletics. The campus includes modern classrooms, science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic facilities. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes both academic achievement and character development, with a strong focus on community engagement and global citizenship.
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Roycemore School
Independent School
Roycemore School is a prestigious independent school serving the North Shore communities including Glenview. Founded in 1915, it 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 comprehensive STEAM programs. Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. The school emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and character development, with graduates consistently gaining admission to top-tier universities. Extracurricular programs include competitive athletics, performing arts, and community service initiatives.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Glenview, Illinois
What are the primary private school options serving families in Glenview, Illinois, and what are their key educational models?
Glenview, IL, is served by several prestigious private schools, though it's important to note that some are located in neighboring communities while drawing a significant Glenview student population. Within the immediate area, **Roycemore School** (Evanston) is known for its progressive, project-based learning and includes a high school. **North Shore Country Day School** (Winnetka) is a highly-regarded independent JK-12 school with a rigorous academic and character education focus. **The Cove School** (Northbrook) is a specialized school for students with complex learning disabilities. Additionally, many Glenview families consider other nearby options like Loyola Academy (Wilmette) for Catholic college-prep. The diversity in models—from progressive to traditional to specialized—is a key feature of the North Shore private school landscape.
How does tuition for private schools in the Glenview, IL, area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Glenview area is consistent with the high cost associated with top-tier Chicago North Shore private education. For the 2024-25 academic year, expect ranges of approximately $35,000 to $45,000 for upper grades at schools like North Shore Country Day and Roycemore. Specialized schools like The Cove School have different tuition structures, often involving additional services. Importantly, Illinois has a robust tax-advantaged scholarship program via the **Invest in Kids Act**, which provides private school scholarships funded by donations from individuals and businesses who receive a state tax credit. Most area private schools actively participate in this program and also offer their own need-based financial aid. It's crucial to apply for aid early, as deadlines often precede admission decisions.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible to Glenview residents?
Private schools near Glenview leverage their resources and locations to offer distinctive programs. **North Shore Country Day** emphasizes global citizenship with extensive travel and exchange programs. **Roycemore School** features an innovative "Capstone" project for seniors and flexible scheduling, including early college credit options. Many schools, including Loyola Academy, have strong STEM partnerships with local corporations and research institutions in the North Shore corridor. Extracurricularly, the proximity to Chicago allows for rich arts and cultural partnerships, and schools often have exceptional athletics facilities. The Cove School provides a uniquely integrated therapeutic and academic curriculum designed for specific learning needs, which is a rare and vital resource in the region.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Glenview, Illinois, area?
The timeline is highly structured and begins early. For entry points like Junior Kindergarten, Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th grades, the process often starts **12-18 months in advance**. Key steps include: attending open houses (typically in the fall), submitting applications by January deadlines, completing student assessments/visits (January-February), and receiving decisions in mid-March. For schools like North Shore Country Day and Roycemore, sibling and legacy applicant considerations mean spaces for new families can be limited. It is highly recommended that Glenview families tour multiple schools, as each has a distinct culture. Applying to more than one school is common due to the competitive nature of admissions in this desirable suburban region.
For a family living in Glenview with excellent public schools (Glenbrook South High School), what are the primary reasons to consider a local private school?
While Glenview's public schools, particularly Glenbrook South High School, are consistently top-ranked, families often choose private options for specific philosophical or programmatic reasons. Key differentiators include: **smaller class sizes** and more personalized attention, **distinct educational philosophies** (e.g., progressive at Roycemore versus traditional independent at NSCDS), **specialized support** for learning differences (The Cove School), and a **cohesive JK-12 community** that avoids the transitions between separate public elementary and middle schools. Some families also seek a particular faith-based education or desire a community self-selected for a focus on private education. The decision often hinges on finding the best "fit" for a child's individual learning style and a family's educational values, rather than a reflection on the quality of the public schools.