The Best Private Schools in Northbrook, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Northbrook. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
North Shore Country Day School
Independent School
North Shore Country Day School is a highly-regarded independent school serving families throughout the North Shore region, including Northbrook. The school offers a challenging college preparatory curriculum from junior kindergarten through 12th grade with small class sizes and personalized attention. Faculty members are experts in their fields, with many holding advanced degrees. The campus features modern academic facilities, extensive athletic complexes, and dedicated arts spaces. The school's innovative curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, ethical leadership, and global citizenship, with outstanding college placement records and comprehensive extracurricular programs.
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Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School
Independent Jewish Day School
Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School is a premier independent Jewish day school serving the North Shore communities including Northbrook. The school offers a rigorous dual curriculum combining comprehensive general studies with deep Jewish learning. Students benefit from small class sizes, exceptional faculty with advanced degrees, and state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, art studios, and technology-enhanced classrooms. The school emphasizes critical thinking, ethical development, and community engagement through project-based learning and extensive extracurricular offerings including athletics, robotics, and performing arts.
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Baker Demonstration School
Independent Progressive School
Baker Demonstration School is a respected independent progressive school serving the North Shore communities including Northbrook. The school employs a child-centered, experiential approach to education that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and social responsibility. The curriculum integrates STEAM education, social justice themes, and project-based learning across all grade levels. Faculty are dedicated practitioners of progressive education with specialized training. The campus features modern learning spaces, science labs, art studios, and outdoor learning environments. The school emphasizes community building, diversity, and developing students as confident, compassionate learners prepared for future academic success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Northbrook, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available within or very close to Northbrook, Illinois, and what are their educational philosophies?
Northbrook, IL, is situated in an area with several highly-regarded private schools. Within the village itself, North Shore Country Day School (in Winnetka, adjacent to Northbrook) is a prominent pre-K through 12 independent school known for its progressive, student-centered approach. Just outside Northbrook in Chicago, Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School is a premier Jewish independent school serving junior kindergarten through 8th grade with a dual curriculum of general and Jewish studies. Baker Demonstration School, located in Evanston, is a progressive pre-K through 8 school emphasizing experiential, hands-on learning. While Northbrook has excellent public schools (District 27, 28, and 30), these private options offer distinct educational philosophies, smaller class sizes, and specialized curricula for families seeking an alternative.
How does tuition for private schools in the Northbrook, IL, area compare, and are there Illinois-specific financial aid or tax credit programs available?
Tuition for the top private schools near Northbrook is significant, reflecting their resources and offerings. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition ranges approximately from $30,000 to $45,000+ per year, with upper grades typically at the higher end. All these schools offer robust need-based financial aid. Illinois-specific programs can help: the Illinois Tax Credit Scholarship Program, funded by donations to Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs), provides scholarships for eligible families to attend private schools. Additionally, Illinois has a 529 plan that can be used for K-12 private school tuition up to $10,000 per year per beneficiary. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school's admissions office about aid deadlines and eligibility.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Northbrook vicinity offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools near Northbrook often provide specialized programs that may be less common in public districts. For example, North Shore Country Day School has a renowned senior project and global travel programs. Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School offers a deep Hebrew language and Judaic studies immersion alongside a strong STEM and humanities curriculum. Baker Demonstration School utilizes a "learning by doing" model with integrated arts and a focus on social-emotional learning. These schools often have more flexibility for project-based learning, foreign language instruction starting in early elementary, and distinctive arts or technology integrations. Their smaller size also allows for highly tailored student support and unique electives.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Northbrook, Illinois, area?
The admissions process for schools like North Shore Country Day, Bernard Zell, and Baker is highly structured and begins well over a year in advance. The timeline typically starts in the early fall (September-October) with open houses and tours. Application deadlines are often in December or January for the following academic year. The process usually includes a completed application, parent interviews, student visits/assessments, teacher recommendations, and school records. Notification dates are commonly in February or March. Given the competitiveness, it is strongly advised to begin research and attend open houses in the fall two years before desired enrollment (e.g., fall 2024 for fall 2026 kindergarten entry). Each school has specific dates, so checking their websites is essential.
For a family living in Northbrook, what are the key considerations regarding transportation and community when choosing a private school outside the village?
Choosing a private school outside Northbrook requires logistical planning. Most families provide their own transportation, though some schools may offer bus services for an additional fee that may have limited routes to Northbrook. The commute to schools in Chicago, Evanston, or Winnetka must be factored into daily schedules. Community-wise, your child's social circle and extracurricular activities will likely be centered around the school community rather than the immediate Northbrook neighborhood. This can mean coordinating playdates and events across towns. However, these schools actively foster strong, close-knit communities of their own, with many families carpooling. It's important to consider how involvement in the school community balances with your connections and activities within Northbrook itself.