2024 Best Private High Schools in the Chicago Area

• Lake Forest, IL•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.67 out of 5  87 reviews

Middle school student: sports and clubs should be good so people can engage and they don’t have to feel like they are not belonging as much to the school and they can have better lunch as well, good but make it more nutritious by providing people with better fruit and veggies, other than that it is a pretty and good school.... Read 87 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 445

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Chicago, IL•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  146 reviews

Parent: The Lab School is a great place. My children are happy. The only challenge is the culture has gradually shifted due to the turnover of School Directors / Head of Schools. The school is run by teachers which is both a positive and negative. The admin supports the teachers and the director typically supports the principals of each division or school. It makes it hard to escalate a challenge so parents learn to simple work things out with their child's teacher. Which again, is a plus and minus at the same time.... Read 146 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,051

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Chicago, IL•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.65 out of 5  66 reviews

Parent: As a parent of two children who attended preschool at British, I cannot recommend this school highly enough. The nurturing environment and a robust curriculum provided my children with a strong foundation for their educational journey. The teachers at the British are truly exceptional. They are dedicated, caring, and skilled at fostering a love of learning. Most are British, but it is a stable group, with many having moved to Chicago, fallen in love with the city, and lived here for a long time. When asked about the school, we say everything is great except for the price. They are very transparent about the costs though, and there are no major hidden expenses or fundraising expectations beyond normal tuition. The student body is a mix of Americans (the largest group) and others around the world (with a bias toward Asia and Europe). We saw that as a huge positive and exposed our kids (and ourselves) to many great people we would not have interacted with otherwise.... Read 66 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 689

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Evanston, IL•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.58 out of 5  160 reviews

Parent: Both of my children attended Roycemore from Kindergarten through Middle School. They both thrived in the warm and welcoming culture and were seen as the individuals they are. The academic and social-emotional support of the teachers is outstanding and helped both of my kids find their voice in the difficult early adolescent phases of their lives. I highly recommend Roycemore!... Read 160 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 244

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Winnetka, IL•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.38 out of 5  89 reviews

Sophomore: North Shore Country Day School has been a positive experience for my learning. The small school environment is welcoming and supportive. Although I would like more facilities, amenities, and extracurricular options, I recognize it is difficult to do so for a school of this size.... Read 89 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 547

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Chicago, IL•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.03 out of 5  116 reviews

Senior: I came to latin after I graduated 8th grade for high school. I came during covid into a new foreign environment with only one friend from my middle school joining me. My middle school was extremely diverse, so moving into this new enviornment was definitely hard. I did not make that many meaningful connections until my Sophomore year because everything was online and virtual my Freshman year. I connected with people through sports such as Basketball and Baseball. Also using clubs and affinity groups to adapt helped as well. Sophmore was my first time being back in a class enviornment in two years at that point. I made friends extremely quick and had a blast. The classes I took significantly added to my experience has I have enjoyed them so much. My Junior and first semester of Senior year were filled with a lot of college preparation as the difficulty of the classes only became higher. All in all, I have loved every moment of my experience at Latin. I would change nothing.... Read 116 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,155

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Lake Forest, IL•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.4 out of 5  73 reviews

Parent: Our parental expectations of this school have been exceeded time and time again. From the new leadership, to the faculty, to the support staff - all employees have been extremely professional and very competent. The beautiful campus provides our daughter a wonderful learning environment. The education is deep and challenging but the girls are supported so they rise to the level of the intellectual rigor. The school is small and students are coming from all corners of the city, country and planet so the friendships are very unique but meaningful - No pre-formed cliques! The Sacred Heart network cast a wide web internationally so the connections are broad. This educational experience is robust.... Read 73 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 127

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Chicago, IL•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  21 reviews

Parent: Great experience. The families are fantastic and welcoming. The international education is one of a kind in Chicago.... Read 21 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 762

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Chicago, IL•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  388 reviews

Senior: I think St. Ignatius is a very welcoming school, not just to students, but to the resources and tools said students need in order to grow. The school encourages only the best and in result, births men and women ready to conquer the world, and be successful. Academics are off the charts, and the community nurtures individually and collectively. It is practically a dream in many ways to attend St. Ignatius, and I, personally, am thankful I was able to experience it. However, as a collective, there is a slight bias against those of lower-income than the majority, and it is shown in the way some individuals of the community treat them, and how the school responds to their needs. But, the school is still great.... Read 388 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,512

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Chicago, IL•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.41 out of 5  135 reviews

Junior: My experience with Morgan Park Academy is, in short, good with minor gripes. The teachers have been generally amazing, the academics have been excellent, difficult, but engaging. The school has generally been accommodating to my physical and mental disabilities, and I have not experienced any bullying for being different. The school is certainly not bad, not bad at all. I'd ultimately give Morgan Park Academy a 4.5/5.... Read 135 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 490

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Evanston, IL•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.4 out of 5  25 reviews

Senior: Beacon is a great community with wonderful staff and campus, I am going into my senior year and started during covid. The school is adaptable and able to cater to every student's needs, that being said, if you are considering attending this school a consideration of how small and the size of the student body must be considered. I came from a very small school with only 9 people in my grade so Beacon seemed like it would be a great size but going into my senior year I am very much ready to leave. Especially not living in the city social opportunities and expansion of your friend group past your sophomore year is incredibly difficult.... Read 25 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 155

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Chicago, IL•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.17 out of 5  66 reviews

Senior: Francis Parker has been my school since I was 5 years old. I love my friends and I have a good relationship with a lot of my teachers. Overall I've learned a lot in my classes and it can be fun and interesting a lot of the time. It's a cool place but it would be better if the population reflected more of the real world as far as race, ethnicity, economic status ability, and more. Everything there is basically really nice and you kind of know you're fortunate to be there and hopefully you don't take it for granted. I like a lot of the clubs and have learned from being part of them, and I've also had fun playing sports and playing in the school orchestra. It's fun being a Senior and seeing all the younger kids and remembering what it was like back then.... Read 66 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 935

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Chicago, IL•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.66 out of 5  119 reviews

Parent: The Academy is a model for a small successful arts high school that nurtures both academic and creative growth. It includes traditional art forms such as dance, music, visual arts, theater and emerging art forms such as media arts. The student body is diverse, but the teachers and staff could include more BIPOC. Due to its size, the students receive tailored attention and support in both academics, and in finding their own path as artists. Because they are in a small building, they do not have sports facilities, and due to the intensive arts training within a long day, there are limited clubs. However the school is perfect for those who want to pursue the arts professionally, or want an arts infused education which places arts in an equally important place along side major academic areas - as it should be in our whole education system. Even though it is a private school, and not affordable for all, it works with several scholarship and funding options, which make it accessible to many.... Read 119 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 121

• Student-teacher ratio 2:1

• Elgin, IL•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.28 out of 5  43 reviews

Senior: I switched to Elgin Academy after being a student at a nearby public school. The difference was tremendous. Although Elgin Academy does not have a huge sports culture, nor does it have a large diversity in arts options, the education is unparalleled. The teachers are attentive and willing to offer extra help if needed, and administrators are involved in student lives. Academic experience is the highlight of Elgin Academy.... Read 43 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 227

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Northfield, IL•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.67 out of 5  109 reviews

Senior: My experience at Christian Heritage Academy has been life-changing. The teachers here truly care about you and your well-being and are more than qualified to give a strong, meaningful education. Being a smaller school, there is more room for personal connections and help from the faculty than a larger high school might give. Coming to school feels comfortable and safe. The culture of the school is rooted in good values encouraging everyone to treat each other with respect and kindness. Of course, no school is perfect. The school is a small private school meaning they do not have as many opportunities for certain sports/activities because of the lack of students/funding. For example, there is no football team and the school orchestra is very limited in players. With more kids attending the school, I think a change could happen in these areas if the school had more students sign up for it. After all, there is no other school as welcoming as Christian Heritage Academy.... Read 109 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 442

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Niles, IL•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.46 out of 5  70 reviews

Senior: Northridge Preparatory School is the best place to challenge yourself academically while also strengthening your faith. What makes Northridge unique is that an all-male faculty teaches the all-male student population, which creates a lively and amiable environment. The strong comradery makes the school day fly by. There is never a day where I leave the building feeling happy. The teachers not only encourage me to be academically sound, but also to be a man of intellect who loves God. The advising program is unparalleled. My advisor taught me about giving thanks for every accomplishment and dedicating certain tasks throughout my day to someone I love. Northridge Prep has taught me how to succeed in college, to be the prominent male figure in the family nucleus, and to be an ambassador of Jesus' teachings. I would, without a doubt, implore every single young man in America to attend Northridge Prep if he could.... Read 70 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 362

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Elgin, IL•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.31 out of 5  16 reviews

Parent: This school is exactly what gifted students need. Students are able (and encouraged) to work up to their own individual potential, always above grade level. When students leave Einstein to attend public school or pursue college, they are more than well-equipped to handle the academics they will encounter. Sports? We're talking about gifted kids here. Yes, some are also talented in various sports, but the primary focus of this school is on well-rounded academics... not having star athletes.... Read 16 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 89

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Deerfield, IL•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.26 out of 5  53 reviews

Senior: I truly love my school. I enjoy going every day. What really stands out about my academic experience is the community. Though my school is very small, it does not feel suffocating. Every student looks out for their peers and genuinely cares about them. One would feel fine asking any member of a class for notes. Additionally, relationships with teachers are incredible. Teachers are extremely invested in their students and are free to meet nearly all the time. Being at school is truly fun and classes are fascinating. Though classes are challenging, given the help from teachers, all are manageable.... Read 53 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 185

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Chicago, IL•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.65 out of 5  57 reviews

Parent: Our daughter is in her second year at Bennett Day School and we consider ourselves so lucky to have found this community. Teachers, staff, parents, and students collaborate on a daily basis to create a space that is safe and nurturing and we've seen incredible academic and emotional growth. Bennett's project based learning approach and Reggio Emilia philosophy set it apart from other schools we considered and have proven to be incredible differentiators. Our daughter and her peers thrive at Bennett and, when support is needed, there is a robust network of teachers, specialists, and staff to help us create a plan and act with a sense of urgency.... Read 57 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 353

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Skokie, IL•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.03 out of 5  65 reviews

Parent: Ida Crown has ensured my kids have a well rounded High School experience and are prepared for college. They have so many opportunities for their students to find themselves. We love Ida Crown!... Read 65 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 220

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Chicago, IL•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.85 out of 5  27 reviews

Parent: Wolcott College Prep is exemplary. Their integration of different learning styles/methods, strong support of students who have diverse learning needs, and personal attention to students has surpassed our expectations for our student. The diversity of students is a big plus for us, and the strong and thoughtful attention to a collaborative (versus competitive) school culture has been refreshing. Parent participation is strong and admin is responsive. The school is very invested in student growth and success, not just academically but also in confidence, leadership and advocacy. The curriculum is rigorous and the access to teachers for homework help, guidance and coaching has been outstanding. Their learning strategies offerings and daily homework lab after school and supportive scaffolding is really transformative.... Read 27 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 150

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Naperville, IL•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.6 out of 5  20 reviews

Parent: I was previously unfamiliar with the classical education approach but it focuses on critical thinking and learning a subject matter by example instead of memorizing or listening to long lectures. My first grader is reading above her level because she is sent home short stories every night that she can master and that increase in difficulty. I was originally concerned that class sizes were too small and my children would have few options for friends but they quickly made many friends, including students from other grades. It's also heartwarming to see the interactions between older and younger students. We've never heard of any bullying. Technology is not allowed (at least in younger grades) and is also discouraged at home. Social media/internet content issues aren't a problem because most parents on the same page with this. Finally, teachers/administrators faithfully weave in the Christian foundation throughout the curriculum and experiences.... Read 20 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 128

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Wilmette, IL•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  317 reviews

Senior: Being at Loyola Academy has been a nice, preparing experience. The pros include the education, college readiness, and the activities. The cons, however, include mainly the lack of diversity at the school. Because most students come from the northern suburbs of Chicago, there isn’t as much diversity as I would have liked. It is a good school for a nice time before college, and I’m happy I attended. I feel ready for college because of the work I have completed and what I have learned in a plethora of classes!... Read 317 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,000

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Oak Park, IL•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.21 out of 5  202 reviews

Senior: I have had a mainly positive experience while attending Fenwick High School. I can confidently say that I will be prepared for university as a result of the rigorous education that the institution provides. The only issue that was prominent throughout my years as a student was the inconsistently among teachers. Certain teachers would adhere strictly to the academic policies while others would bend rules, making grading feel unfair depending on which teacher you happened to get for the year.... Read 202 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,197

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Wilmette, IL•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.06 out of 5  222 reviews

Parent: Regina Dominican is an excellent school where young women gain an understanding about the world around them. Regina girls value hard work, and take appropriate risks when it comes to their learning and thinking. Students participate in activities that boost their confidence and mental well-being, they learn to communicate effectively, and develop a high self-esteem. The highest level of learning takes place when a student feels good about themselves. It's no wonder that Regina girls excel in all of their high school experiences. Paws Up!... Read 222 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 258

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1