The Best Private Schools in Libertyville, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Libertyville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Lake Forest Academy
Independent College Preparatory School
Lake Forest Academy is a prestigious co-educational college preparatory boarding and day school serving students from Libertyville and the broader North Shore region. The school offers a rigorous academic program with both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate options, complemented by extensive arts and athletic facilities. With small class sizes and a student-teacher ratio of 7:1, LFA provides personalized attention and has a strong track record of college placements at top-tier universities. The 150-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including modern academic buildings, athletic centers, and arts spaces.
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The Catherine Cook School
Independent Progressive Education
The Catherine Cook School offers a progressive, forward-thinking education for students from preschool through 8th grade, with many families commuting from Libertyville for its exceptional program. The school emphasizes project-based learning, STEAM education, and Spanish language immersion from early grades. Located in Chicago's Old Town neighborhood, the school features modern facilities including dedicated science labs, art studios, and technology-rich classrooms. The curriculum focuses on developing critical thinking, creativity, and social responsibility, with strong parent satisfaction ratings and excellent middle school placement records.
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Roycemore School
Independent Co-educational School
Roycemore School is an independent, co-educational college preparatory school serving students from junior kindergarten through 12th grade, with many families from Libertyville choosing the school for its personalized approach and strong academic reputation. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum with Advanced Placement courses, extensive arts programs, and competitive athletics. Located adjacent to Northwestern University in Evanston, Roycemore provides unique learning opportunities and partnerships with the university. The school emphasizes individualized learning plans, small class sizes, and a supportive community environment that fosters both academic excellence and character development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Libertyville, Illinois
What are the main types of private school options available to families residing in Libertyville, Illinois?
Libertyville residents have access to several prestigious private school models in the surrounding North Shore area. These include college-preparatory boarding/day schools like Lake Forest Academy in nearby Lake Forest, independent elementary schools such as The Catherine Cook School in Chicago's Old Town (with a bus service from the northern suburbs), and progressive, co-educational institutions like Roycemore School in Evanston. Additionally, there are local parochial schools (e.g., St. Joseph Catholic School in Libertyville itself) and several Montessori and faith-based options within a commutable distance. This variety allows Libertyville parents to choose based on educational philosophy, campus setting, and grade range.
How does tuition for top private schools near Libertyville, IL, compare, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid options?
Tuition for the noted independent schools varies significantly. For the 2024-25 academic year, Lake Forest Academy's upper school tuition is approximately $48,000 for day students, while schools like Catherine Cook and Roycemore range from $30,000 to $40,000 depending on grade level. Illinois offers the Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which provides financial aid to eligible families through scholarships funded by donations to Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs). Many Chicago-area private schools participate. Additionally, most schools offer substantial need-based financial aid. Libertyville families should apply for aid directly through the school and investigate the Illinois Invest in Kids Act for potential state-supported scholarships.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Libertyville vicinity that leverage the local area?
Schools in this region often utilize their proximity to Chicago and Lake Michigan for unique programs. Lake Forest Academy emphasizes global studies and sustainability, with access to forest preserves. Roycemore School's downtown Evanston location facilitates partnerships with Northwestern University for advanced research and mentorship. The Catherine Cook School in Chicago integrates urban learning into its curriculum with city-based field studies. For Libertyville students, this means access to specialized STEM labs, renowned arts programs, competitive athletic conferences (like the Independent School League), and internships in nearby corporate hubs, providing a distinct advantage over a standard suburban curriculum.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Chicago area serving Libertyville, IL?
The admission process for top-tier Chicago-area private schools is highly structured and begins early. For a fall start, the timeline typically runs from September to February. Key steps include: attending open houses (often in the fall), submitting applications by January deadlines, completing student assessments and interviews (October-January), and receiving decisions in mid-March. Many schools, including those listed, use a common notification date set by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS). Libertyville families must plan at least a year in advance, especially for entry points like Pre-K, Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th grades. Rolling admission may be available for other grades if space permits.
For a family in Libertyville, what are the key considerations when comparing the local top-rated public schools (District 70/128) with nearby private options?
Libertyville's public schools (District 70 for elementary, District 128 for Libertyville High School) are consistently highly ranked, offering a robust, tuition-free education with extensive AP courses and activities. Choosing a private alternative involves weighing several factors: *Educational Approach*: Private schools often offer smaller class sizes, specialized pedagogies (progressive, Montessori), or a specific religious foundation. *Community & Diversity*: Private schools may draw a geographically and socio-economically diverse student body from across the region. *Logistics & Cost*: Commuting to schools in Lake Forest, Evanston, or Chicago requires a significant time and transportation commitment, plus a major financial investment. The decision often hinges on whether a family seeks a specific learning environment not available in the public system, despite its quality.
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