The Best Private Schools in River Forest, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in River Forest. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Latin School of Chicago
Independent
The Latin School of Chicago is an elite independent private school providing a rigorous education from junior kindergarten through high school. It is celebrated for its exceptional academic standards, diverse curriculum, and innovative teaching methods. Facilities include cutting-edge science centers, art studios, and athletic fields. The school emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and community service, with a track record of high college matriculation and strong parent and student satisfaction.
Programs:
Fenwick High School
Dominican Order
Fenwick High School is a renowned private Catholic co-educational institution offering a challenging academic environment with a focus on moral and intellectual growth. It features a comprehensive IB program, advanced STEM courses, and competitive athletics. The school boasts experienced faculty, modern technology labs, and a strong alumni network, with high parent satisfaction due to its commitment to student success and community engagement.
Programs:
Trinity High School
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago
Trinity High School is a prestigious private Catholic all-girls college preparatory school known for its rigorous academic curriculum, strong emphasis on leadership development, and robust extracurricular offerings. With a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, it provides personalized attention and features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. The school consistently achieves high college acceptance rates and emphasizes service learning and global awareness.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in River Forest, Illinois
What are the primary private high school options available to families residing in River Forest, Illinois?
River Forest is uniquely positioned with access to several top-tier private high schools. While there are no private high schools physically within the village's small borders, residents are in the immediate vicinity of prestigious institutions. These include Fenwick High School (co-ed, Dominican Catholic) in nearby Oak Park, Trinity High School (all-girls, Sinsinawa Dominican) in River Forest's neighboring town, and the nationally-ranked Latin School of Chicago, a short commute away. Many River Forest families also consider other Chicago-area independents and Catholic schools. The village's excellent public elementary districts (District 90) often feed into these private high schools.
How does the tuition for private high schools near River Forest, IL, compare, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition for the top private schools serving River Forest families varies significantly. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Fenwick and Trinity High Schools have tuition in the range of $18,000-$20,000. In contrast, the Latin School of Chicago's tuition exceeds $40,000. All these schools offer robust need-based financial aid programs. 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's admissions office about their specific aid deadlines and requirements, as they are a primary source of assistance.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are notable at the private schools accessible from River Forest, IL?
The schools near River Forest offer distinct specializations. Fenwick High School is renowned for its strong STEM programs, particularly in engineering and computer science, alongside a legendary tradition in athletics and debate. Trinity High School emphasizes leadership and STEM for young women, with notable programs in robotics and biomedical science. The Latin School of Chicago offers a comprehensive, rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with exceptional arts programs, global studies, and extensive advanced placement and independent study opportunities. Their urban location provides unique partnerships with Chicago's cultural and scientific institutions, an advantage for River Forest students willing to commute.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools serving the River Forest, IL, community?
The process is highly structured and begins early. For schools like Fenwick, Trinity, and Latin, families should start researching in the spring of their child's 7th-grade year. The formal application process opens in August or September of 8th grade. Key steps include attending open houses (often in the fall), submitting applications by December or January, taking required entrance exams (like the HSPT for Catholic schools or the ISEE for independents), and completing student interviews and shadow days. Admissions decisions are typically released in February. Given the competitive nature and that many River Forest students apply, adhering to these deadlines is critical.
For families in River Forest with strong public elementary schools (District 90), what are the key factors in deciding between the local public high school (Oak Park and River Forest High School - OPRF) and a private option?
This is a common consideration in River Forest. OPRF High School is a highly-rated, diverse public school offering extensive AP courses, clubs, and athletics. The decision often hinges on specific family priorities. Families may lean toward private options for a particular religious foundation (Fenwick, Trinity), a desire for a smaller student body and more personalized attention, or a specific pedagogical approach (Latin's intensive college prep). The private school commute is also a factor versus walking to OPRF. Conversely, families may choose OPRF for its vast program breadth, its representation of the broader community, and the significant cost savings compared to private tuition. Many families visit both OPRF and their top private choices to compare culture and fit directly.
Private Education Insights
Top Private Schools in River Forest, IL: A Parent's Guide to the Best Education
For families in River Forest, the search for the best private schools is often a thoughtful journey that balances academic excellence, community values, and the unique character of our village. Nestled just west of Chicago, River Forest offers a distinct advantage: a serene, family-oriented environment with immediate access to some of the region's most prestigious educational institutions. The conversation about the best private schools here extends beyond simple rankings to consider fit, philosophy, and the long-term development of the whole child.
Many River Forest parents begin their search close to home, with local staples that have shaped generations. Trinity High School, an all-girls Catholic institution right in our community, provides a strong college-preparatory environment rooted in faith and leadership, fostering a close-knit sisterhood. Just across the border in Oak Park, Fenwick High School offers a rigorous Dominican Catholic education for both young men and women, renowned for its storied athletic traditions and robust STEM programs. These schools represent pillars of the community, offering a values-based education that many local families deeply appreciate. The convenience of having such highly-regarded options within a short commute is a significant benefit of living in River Forest.
However, the definition of the "best private schools" often expands to include premier independent day schools in nearby Chicago. Institutions like the Latin School of Chicago, with its progressive curriculum and emphasis on critical thinking, attract many River Forest families willing to make the commute for a particular educational philosophy. This choice highlights a key consideration for local parents: the trade-off between the intimate, neighborhood feel of a suburban campus and the vast resources, diversity, and specialized programs of a top-tier city school. The commute east on the Green Line or by car is a daily reality for these families, one they deem worthwhile for the specific opportunities provided.
Ultimately, identifying the best private school for your child in River Forest requires introspection about your family's priorities. Are you seeking a faith-based foundation or a secular environment? Is a single-gender or coeducational model preferable? How important is proximity versus a specific academic or artistic program not available locally? We encourage parents to move beyond labels and spend time in these communities. Attend open houses, talk to current parents at River Forest's playgrounds and coffee shops, and, most importantly, involve your child in visits. The right fit will feel like an extension of your family's values, a place where your child is both challenged and known. In a community that values education as deeply as River Forest does, you are not just selecting a school—you are choosing a partner in one of life's most important endeavors.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities