The Best Private Schools in Lincolnwood, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lincolnwood. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Francis W. Parker School
Independent
Francis W. Parker School is a highly regarded independent school following John Dewey's progressive education philosophy. Located just south of Lincolnwood in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood, it serves students from Lincolnwood and offers a challenging academic program with small class sizes, exceptional faculty, and comprehensive arts and athletics. The school emphasizes experiential learning, critical thinking, and community engagement, with graduates consistently attending top-tier colleges and universities.
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North Shore Country Day School
Independent
North Shore Country Day School in Winnetka is a prestigious independent school serving families from Lincolnwood and the broader North Shore region. The school offers a comprehensive International Baccalaureate program alongside traditional college preparatory courses. Known for academic excellence and character education, NSCDS features outstanding facilities, dedicated faculty, and a balanced approach to education that includes robust arts, athletics, and community service programs. The school maintains small class sizes and personalized attention for all students.
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Roycemore School
Independent
Roycemore School in nearby Evanston is an independent, coeducational day school serving students from Lincolnwood and the North Shore. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with personalized attention, advanced placement courses, and strong STEAM programs. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Roycemore provides a supportive environment that fosters intellectual curiosity and character development. The school features modern facilities and extensive extracurricular opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lincolnwood, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available to families residing in Lincolnwood, Illinois, and are they located within the village itself?
While Lincolnwood itself is a primarily residential suburb, it is surrounded by several highly-regarded private schools in neighboring communities. The schools often considered by Lincolnwood families include Francis W. Parker School and Roycemore School in nearby Evanston, and North Shore Country Day School in Winnetka. There are also well-regarded parochial schools in adjacent areas like Skokie and Chicago. Most Lincolnwood students attending these schools commute, which is a common consideration for families in the village. It's important to research each school's specific transportation policies.
How does the tuition for top-tier private schools near Lincolnwood, IL, compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the premier independent schools in the North Shore area is significant and aligns with national averages for elite institutions. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect tuition ranges from approximately $35,000 to over $40,000 for upper grades at schools like Parker, Roycemore, and North Shore Country Day. Illinois has a tax-credit scholarship program, the Invest in Kids Act, which can provide financial assistance to eligible families. Crucially, all these schools have robust need-based financial aid programs, and many Lincolnwood families utilize them. It's essential to apply for aid simultaneously with admission and to inquire directly with each school about their specific thresholds and deadlines.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools near Lincolnwood offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Schools in this consortium offer distinct programs not typically found in public districts. Francis W. Parker School is renowned for its progressive, student-centered curriculum and downtown Chicago "Parker Downtown" program for juniors. Roycemore School offers a highly flexible, project-based approach and is known for its supportive environment for gifted learners. North Shore Country Day School emphasizes character education and experiential learning with a strong outdoor and global studies component. These schools often have smaller class sizes, more specialized arts and athletics facilities, and unique offerings like intensive interim terms or senior projects that provide deep, personalized learning experiences.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Lincolnwood area, and when should parents start?
The admission process for schools like Parker, Roycemore, and North Shore Country Day is highly structured and begins well over a year in advance. For fall entry, the process typically starts in the preceding August or September with open houses and inquiry forms. Application deadlines are often in early January (for the following academic year), with assessments, student visits, and interviews occurring in the winter. Admission decisions are usually released in mid-March. For families in Lincolnwood, it is strongly advised to begin researching schools and attending events when your child is in the fall of their penultimate year (e.g., fall of 7th grade for 9th-grade entry).
For Lincolnwood residents, what are the key considerations when deciding between the high-performing Lincolnwood Public School District 74 and a private independent school?
This is a significant local decision. District 74, particularly Rutledge Hall and Lincoln Hall, is consistently highly rated, offering a strong, tuition-free education with the convenience of neighborhood schools. The primary considerations for opting for a private school often revolve around educational philosophy, specific program offerings, and community. Parents may seek a particular pedagogical approach (progressive vs. traditional), a different student-to-teacher ratio, or specialized programs in arts, sciences, or athletics that are more intensive. The trade-off involves a substantial financial investment, a commute, and potentially a more geographically dispersed peer group. Visiting both the local public schools and the private options is crucial to feel the difference in culture and approach.
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