The Best Private Schools in Lake Forest, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lake Forest. 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
Lake Forest Country Day School is a premier independent school serving students from age 2 through 8th grade. Founded in 1926, the school offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes and exceptional faculty. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character education, community engagement, and personalized learning. LFCDS graduates consistently gain admission to top secondary schools throughout the Chicago area.
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Roycemore School
Independent
Roycemore School is an independent, coeducational day school serving students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Located in nearby Evanston, the school serves families throughout the North Shore including Lake Forest. With a 100+ year history, Roycemore offers a challenging college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and individualized attention. The school features strong arts and athletics programs, extensive extracurricular offerings, and a diverse, inclusive community. Graduates attend selective colleges and universities nationwide.
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Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart
Network of Sacred Heart Schools
Woodlands Academy is an all-girls Catholic independent school serving young women in grades 9-12. As part of the global Network of Sacred Heart Schools, it offers an International Baccalaureate curriculum alongside traditional college preparatory courses. The school emphasizes leadership development, global perspective, and academic excellence. Located on a beautiful 41-acre campus in Lake Forest, the school features modern science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. Woodlands graduates are known for their strong preparation for college and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lake Forest, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available within Lake Forest, IL, and what are their core educational philosophies?
Lake Forest, IL, is home to several distinguished private schools, each with a unique approach. Lake Forest Country Day School (LFCDS) is an independent, co-educational school for students from age 2 through 8th grade, emphasizing a balanced, whole-child education with strong arts and athletics. Roycemore School, located in nearby Evanston but serving many Lake Forest families, offers a progressive, project-based curriculum from preschool through 12th grade, known for its flexible, individualized pacing. Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart is an all-girls, Catholic, college-preparatory high school (grades 9-12) that is part of the global Network of Sacred Heart Schools, focusing on intellectual, spiritual, and personal growth. These options provide a range of co-ed vs. single-sex, secular vs. faith-based, and progressive vs. traditional models.
How does tuition at Lake Forest, IL private schools compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in Lake Forest's private schools is significant, reflecting their resources and low student-to-teacher ratios. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition ranges are approximately: $30,000-$40,000 for lower/middle schools like LFCDS, and $40,000+ for upper schools like Woodlands Academy. Roycemore's tuition is similarly competitive. Importantly, all these schools are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer robust need-based financial aid programs. Illinois also has the Invest in Kids Act, which provides tax credit scholarships for eligible families to use at private schools, though funding is limited. Parents should apply for financial aid simultaneously with admissions, using tools like the Clarity Application, and explore payment plan options offered directly by the schools.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Lake Forest area that leverage its local resources?
Lake Forest private schools utilize their North Shore location and community connections for distinctive programs. LFCDS integrates environmental science through its 30-acre campus with woodlands and prairie, while its proximity to Lake Michigan allows for ecological studies. Woodlands Academy emphasizes global citizenship through its Sacred Heart network, offering exchange programs and a strong focus on STEM and leadership for young women. Roycemore's innovative schedule allows for deep-dive "Intensives" and extensive partnerships with Northwestern University and local tech firms for internships. All schools benefit from the cultural resources of Chicago, with regular field trips to museums, theaters, and symphonies, embedding the city as an extension of the classroom.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Lake Forest, IL, and how competitive is admission?
The admissions process for Lake Forest private schools is structured and typically begins 12-18 months before desired entry. Key steps include: attending open houses (often in the fall), submitting applications by January deadlines for the following academic year, and completing student assessments/visits and parent interviews in winter. Notification dates are usually in March. Admission is competitive, particularly for entry points like Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 9th grade. Schools seek mission-aligned families and students who will contribute to the community. Sibling and legacy status are considered but do not guarantee admission. It is highly recommended to tour multiple schools, apply to more than one, and ensure all materials are submitted well before deadlines.
For families considering both options, how do the private schools in Lake Forest compare academically and socially to the highly-rated Lake Forest Public School District (LFPSD 67 & 115)?
This is a key consideration, as Lake Forest Public Schools (LFPSD) are consistently ranked among the top in Illinois. The primary differences lie in scale, approach, and continuity. LFPSD serves a larger, more diverse student body within the community and offers a rigorous, comprehensive K-12 program at no direct tuition cost. Private options like LFCDS or Roycemore offer smaller class sizes (often 12-18 students), more individualized attention, and often a continuous education from early childhood through middle or high school without transitions between separate elementary and high school districts. Socially, private schools can draw from a wider geographic area, while public schools are deeply rooted in the neighborhood fabric. The choice often comes down to a family's preference for a specific educational philosophy, community size, and the value placed on the unique programs private schools offer versus the excellence and community integration of the public system.
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