The Best Private Schools in Round Lake, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Round Lake. 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 school serving students from Round Lake and the greater Chicago area. Founded in 1857, this historic institution offers both day and boarding programs for grades 9-12. The academy features a rigorous academic curriculum with 20+ Advanced Placement courses, extensive arts programs including theater and visual arts, and competitive athletic teams. The 150-acre campus includes state-of-the-art facilities, modern dormitories, and extensive athletic complexes. With a student-teacher ratio of 7:1, the school provides personalized attention and has a strong track record of college placements at top universities.
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The Catherine Cook School
Independent School
The Catherine Cook School is a highly-regarded independent school serving students from preschool through 8th grade, with many families commuting from Round Lake and surrounding suburbs. The school offers a progressive education model combining Montessori principles in early childhood with International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. Located in Chicago's Old Town neighborhood, the school features modern classrooms, dedicated science labs, art studios, and technology-integrated learning spaces. The curriculum emphasizes project-based learning, global citizenship, and character development. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school maintains strong parent satisfaction and academic outcomes.
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Lake Forest Country Day School
Independent Day School
Lake Forest Country Day School is an established independent school serving students from junior kindergarten through 8th grade, drawing families from Round Lake and the North Shore region. Founded in 1926, the school offers a comprehensive educational program with strong emphasis on academic excellence, character development, and community engagement. The curriculum includes robust STEAM programs, world languages beginning in early grades, competitive athletics, and extensive arts education. The 30-acre campus features modern academic buildings, science laboratories, performance spaces, and athletic facilities. The school is known for its progressive approach to education and strong preparation for competitive high schools.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Round Lake, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Round Lake, Illinois?
While Round Lake itself has a limited number of standalone private schools, families commonly look to prestigious institutions in the broader Lake County and Chicago North Shore areas. Notable schools within a reasonable commute include Lake Forest Academy (a co-ed boarding and day school in Lake Forest), The Catherine Cook School (in Chicago's Old Town), and Lake Forest Country Day School (in Lake Forest). Additionally, families in Round Lake often consider Catholic schools within the Diocese of Rockford or other faith-based and independent schools in neighboring communities like Libertyville, Mundelein, and Vernon Hills. It's important to factor in commute times, as these top schools are typically a 30-45 minute drive from Round Lake.
How does Illinois' tax credit scholarship program, Invest in Kids, affect private school tuition for Round Lake families?
The Illinois Tax Credit Scholarship Program, Invest in Kids, can significantly impact affordability for Round Lake families. This program provides scholarships for eligible K-12 students to attend qualified non-public schools, funded by donations from individuals and businesses who receive a state tax credit. While the program was recently extended, scholarship availability is subject to annual funding. Families in Round Lake should directly contact their schools of interest (like those in Lake Forest) to inquire about their participation in the program and the application process for need-based scholarships. Financial aid directly from the schools is also a critical resource, with many offering substantial aid packages based on family financial circumstances.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Round Lake, IL, offer that complement the local community's interests?
Private schools in the Lake County region near Round Lake often design programs that leverage local resources and industries. For instance, Lake Forest Academy's proximity to corporate headquarters and Lake Michigan allows for robust programs in entrepreneurship, environmental science, and sailing. Many schools, including Lake Forest Country Day School, emphasize STEM and innovation labs, reflecting the area's tech and manufacturing presence. Furthermore, given Round Lake's diverse community, schools like The Catherine Cook School in Chicago often have strong language immersion and global studies programs that appeal to families seeking a cosmopolitan education. Athletics programs frequently compete in the Independent School League (ISL), offering high-level competition in sports popular in Illinois.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private day schools within commuting distance of Round Lake?
The enrollment process for top-tier day schools near Round Lake, such as those in Lake Forest, is highly structured and begins early. Most schools follow an admissions cycle that starts in the fall, with application deadlines typically between January and February for the following academic year. Key steps include: attending open houses (often in the fall), submitting an application with essays and recommendations, completing a student assessment or interview, and for some schools, taking the ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam). Given the competitive nature and limited seats, especially in entry grades like Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 6th/9th grades, Round Lake families are advised to start research and visits at least 12-18 months in advance.
For a family living in Round Lake, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school district (Round Lake Area Schools) with a private school commute?
The decision involves weighing several location-specific factors. Round Lake Area Schools (District 116) is a large, diverse public unit district. Choosing a private school often entails a significant daily commute (30+ minutes each way to Lake Forest or Chicago), which impacts family logistics and student time. Academically, private options may offer smaller class sizes, specialized curricula (like International Baccalaureate at some schools), and different extracurricular emphases. Financially, it involves comparing the cost of private tuition against potential property tax burdens supporting local public schools. Socially, a private school may offer a different peer network that is geographically dispersed, whereas public school connects students deeply with their immediate Round Lake community. Transportation is also a key differentiator, as District 116 provides busing, while private schools usually require parent-provided transportation.
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