The Best Private Schools in Oak Park, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Oak Park. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools
University of Chicago
Founded by John Dewey in 1896, the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools is one of the most prestigious private schools in the Chicago area, serving many Oak Park families. The school offers a progressive education model from nursery through high school, emphasizing experiential learning and critical thinking. Lab Schools features exceptional facilities including multiple libraries, science centers, art studios, and athletic complexes. The school's connection to the University of Chicago provides unique educational opportunities and resources. With a diverse student body and highly qualified faculty, Lab Schools consistently ranks among the top private schools nationally for academic excellence and college preparation.
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Fenwick High School
Dominican Order
Fenwick High School is a prestigious Catholic college preparatory school serving the Oak Park area since 1929. Known for its rigorous academic curriculum and strong tradition of excellence, Fenwick offers a comprehensive educational experience with over 150 courses including 24 Advanced Placement options. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, a performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. With a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, Fenwick emphasizes personalized attention and has a strong track record of college placements at top universities. The school's Dominican heritage focuses on developing students intellectually, spiritually, and morally.
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St. Ignatius College Prep
Society of Jesus (Jesuits)
St. Ignatius College Prep is a highly respected Jesuit college preparatory school located just minutes from Oak Park. Founded in 1870, it combines rigorous academics with the Jesuit tradition of educating the whole person. The school offers a challenging curriculum with 28 Advanced Placement courses and maintains a 98% college acceptance rate. Facilities include modern classrooms, extensive athletic facilities, performing arts spaces, and recently renovated science labs. St. Ignatius emphasizes community service and character development alongside academic achievement, with a diverse student body representing over 90 zip codes across the Chicago metropolitan area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Oak Park, Illinois
What are the main types of private schools available to Oak Park, IL residents, and are there any within the village itself?
Oak Park residents have access to a diverse range of private schools, though many of the most prominent are located in neighboring Chicago. Within Oak Park itself, you'll find several well-regarded Catholic elementary schools like St. Giles and St. Edmund, as well as secular options like the private Montessori School of Oak Park. For high school, many Oak Park families look to nearby institutions such as Fenwick High School (Dominican Catholic, in Oak Park/River Forest), St. Ignatius College Prep (Jesuit, in Chicago), and The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools (independent, in Chicago's Hyde Park). This proximity to Chicago's extensive private school network is a significant advantage for Oak Park families.
How does the tuition for top-tier private high schools near Oak Park, IL, compare, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition for the leading private high schools in the Oak Park/Chicago area varies significantly. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Fenwick High School's tuition is approximately $19,000, while St. Ignatius College Prep is around $21,000. The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools' tuition exceeds $45,000 for high school. All these schools offer substantial need-based financial aid. Illinois also has the Invest in Kids Act, which provides tax credit scholarships for lower-income families to attend private schools, though funding is limited and application is highly competitive. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school about their specific aid deadlines and requirements.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Oak Park, IL area offer that leverage their urban and institutional connections?
Private schools in this area excel at leveraging their Chicago-area location. Fenwick High School offers renowned STEM programs and athletics. St. Ignatius provides extensive global studies and immersion trips, along with a top-tier debate program. The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools benefit directly from its affiliation with the university, offering unparalleled research opportunities, access to scholars, and a curriculum deeply influenced by the university's core principles. Many of these schools also have robust arts partnerships with Chicago institutions and utilize the city as an extended classroom for history, culture, and science studies.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private high schools serving Oak Park, IL families?
The process for schools like Fenwick, St. Ignatius, and UChicago Lab is highly structured and begins over a year in advance. Prospective student open houses typically occur in the fall (September-October). Application deadlines are usually in early December, with required components including standardized tests (like the HSPT), transcripts, teacher recommendations, and student essays. Admissions decisions are released in February. For Catholic schools like Fenwick and St. Ignatius, placement exams are a critical component. It is essential to attend open houses, register for required tests early, and ensure all materials are submitted well before deadlines, as spaces are limited.
For an Oak Park resident, what are the key considerations when choosing between the high-performing Oak Park and River Forest High School (OPRF) public district and a private high school?
This is a fundamental decision for Oak Park families. OPRF High School is a top-rated, diverse public school offering a vast array of AP courses, clubs, and athletics at no direct tuition cost. Choosing a private school like Fenwick, Ignatius, or Lab often involves seeking a specific religious foundation (Catholic/Jesuit), a particular pedagogical approach (like Lab's inquiry-based model), or a smaller student-teacher ratio. The private option also typically involves a significant financial investment and, for Chicago schools, a commute. Families should assess their priorities: values alignment, specific academic programs, extracurricular niches, and community environment. Many visit both OPRF and several private schools to compare cultures firsthand.
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