The Best Private Schools in Highwood, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Highwood. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Lake Forest Country Day School
Independent School
Lake Forest Country Day School is a premier independent school serving the North Shore communities including Highwood. Founded in 1928, LFCDS offers a comprehensive educational program from early childhood through 8th grade. The school is renowned for its rigorous academic curriculum, exceptional faculty, and beautiful 30-acre campus. Students benefit from small class sizes, advanced STEM programs, extensive arts education, and competitive athletics. The school emphasizes character development and community engagement, with a strong focus on preparing students for top-tier secondary schools. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts spaces, and extensive athletic facilities.
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North Shore Country Day School
Independent School
North Shore Country Day School is a highly respected independent school serving families throughout Chicago's North Shore, including Highwood. Serving students from junior kindergarten through 12th grade, NSCDS offers a challenging college preparatory curriculum with numerous Advanced Placement courses. The school features a 16-acre campus with modern academic facilities, science centers, art studios, and athletic complexes. Known for its strong sense of community and exceptional teacher-student relationships, the school emphasizes both academic excellence and character development. Extracurricular programs include competitive athletics, extensive arts offerings, and community service opportunities that engage students with the wider North Shore area.
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Baker Demonstration School
Independent School
Baker Demonstration School is a progressive independent school that serves families from Highwood and surrounding North Shore communities. Founded in 1918, Baker offers education from preschool through 8th grade with a focus on hands-on, experiential learning. The school's progressive approach emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and social-emotional development alongside academic rigor. Located on a beautiful campus near Lake Michigan, Baker features modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and outdoor learning spaces. The school is known for its diverse community, innovative teaching methods, and strong parent involvement. Baker students consistently gain admission to top high schools throughout the Chicago area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Highwood, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Highwood, Illinois, and how accessible are they?
While Highwood itself is a smaller residential community, it is situated within the highly regarded North Shore suburban region of Illinois, which offers several prestigious private schools. The top schools frequently considered by Highwood families include Lake Forest Country Day School (in Lake Forest), North Shore Country Day School (in Winnetka), and Baker Demonstration School (in Wilmette). These schools are all within a 15-25 minute drive from Highwood. There are no major private school campuses within Highwood's immediate borders, so accessibility is via car or school-provided transportation, which some schools offer for an additional fee. Parents should research each school's specific bus routes to see if they service the Highwood area.
How does tuition for North Shore private schools near Highwood, IL, compare, and what financial aid options are available under Illinois state programs?
Tuition for the leading private day schools in the North Shore area is significant, typically ranging from approximately $30,000 to over $40,000 per year for elementary and middle school grades. Illinois does not have a statewide voucher or tax-credit scholarship program that directly reduces this tuition for most families. However, each of these schools maintains a substantial financial aid budget funded through endowments and annual giving. For example, North Shore Country Day School and Lake Forest Country Day School offer need-based financial aid to a considerable percentage of their student bodies. Families in Highwood must apply for aid directly through the school using the SSS (School and Student Services) platform. It's crucial to inquire about aid deadlines, which often align with admission application timelines.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Highwood, IL, area offer that leverage their North Shore location?
Private schools in the North Shore region near Highwood utilize their proximity to Lake Michigan, Chicago, and affluent cultural and corporate resources to create distinctive programs. Lake Forest Country Day School emphasizes environmental science with outdoor education on its 30-acre campus and nearby forest preserves. North Shore Country Day School is known for its rigorous, inquiry-based curriculum and extensive senior project program that often involves Chicago-based internships. Baker Demonstration School focuses on progressive, hands-on learning and often integrates arts and technology in project-based units. All these schools facilitate frequent field trips to Chicago's museums, theaters, and scientific institutions, providing an educational experience deeply connected to the broader metropolitan resources.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools serving Highwood, Illinois, families?
The enrollment process for competitive North Shore private schools is highly structured and begins well in advance. The timeline typically starts in the early fall (September-October) for admission for the following academic year. Key steps include: attending open houses (often in the fall), submitting an application by January deadlines, scheduling student visits and assessments (January-February), and completing financial aid applications concurrently. Admission decisions are usually released in March. Given the limited seats and high demand, especially for entry grades like Junior Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and 6th grade, Highwood families are strongly advised to begin research and tours at least 12-18 months prior to desired enrollment.
For a family living in Highwood, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school district (North Shore SD 112) to the nearby private school options?
The key considerations involve educational philosophy, class size, cost, and community. Highwood is part of North Shore School District 112, which operates well-regarded public elementary and middle schools. The private school alternative offers much smaller class sizes (often 12-18 students vs. 20-25+), distinct pedagogical approaches (e.g., progressive at Baker, traditional college-prep at North Shore Country Day), and often more extensive facilities and specialized programs. The cost is the most stark difference, with private tuition being a major financial commitment versus tax-funded public education. However, some Highwood families choose private schools for a specific educational fit, a consistent K-12 pathway (as District 112 ends at 8th grade), or for alignment with a particular community. Visiting both a local public school and several private options is essential to feel the difference in environment.
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