9 Best Private High Schools in Illinois 2024 | How to Apply

Are you a high school student looking for the best IL private high schools in Champaign, Naperville, and other cities in Illinois and their tuition? 

Do you want to know what the odds are when making a choice of high school for your child?

Do you want to know the cost of studying in private high schools in Illinois? 

Finding the right high school can often be challenging and puzzling. 

Having to make countless google searches and ask a lot of questions. 

On the other hand, not finding the best fit for yourself can be incredibly dissatisfying. 

So, we’ve put together this article to guide your decisions about the best private high schools in Illinois and their tuition. 

In addition, there is some vital information about high schools in Illinois’ tuition to help measure how well you like the state and its high schools. 

Illinois is surely a good place to grow. 

Did you know that Illinois was the first state in the U.S. to ratify the Constitution’s 13th amendment, which abolished slavery? 

I bet you didn’t!!!

Now let’s get some more exciting information about their high school student and schools.

ALSO READ: 10 Best Private High Schools in Tennessee| Requirements, Cost & How to Apply

What You Need to Know About Private High Schools in Illinois

Here’s a brief overview of the normalities you can expect from high schools in Illinois.

1. Credit load

Full-time study is common in Illinois high schools, with 15 credit hours per semester or 30 credit hours per academic year. 

Some schools set a flat rate for full-time students, such that a student taking over 12 or 15 credit hours will pay the same amount as a student taking precisely 12 (or 15).

Each year, there will be new courses and requirements to meet. 

The Minimum High School Graduation Requirement Policy requires students to complete 24 credits in specific content areas to meet graduation requirements.

2. SAT Scores in Illinois Private High Schools

Private high schools in Illinois have competitive SAT scores. 

Illinois’s average private school SAT score is 1249 (2023). 

The private high school in Illinois with the highest SAT score is St. Bede Academy, with an SAT score of 1355.

3. NAEP Scores

Overall Results: The average score for students in Illinois in 2019 (218) was not significantly different from their average score in 2017 (220) and 2003 (216). 

The percentage of students in Illinois who performed at or above the NAEP Proficient level was 34 percent in 2019.

Read More: 10 Best Private High Schools in Delaware| Requirements, Cost & How to Apply

4. School Days 

An Illinois public school year is 176 days of pupil attendance. 

Schools that do not meet the minimum lose 1/176th (0.56818%) of their state funding for each day they fall short. 

In addition, every year, each school board must create a calendar for the school term. 

There must be 185 days on the calendar.

5. Absenteeism in Illinois Private High Schools

Agreeably, absenteeism is bad for education. 

Illinois law states that a child can miss at least five percent of the school year’s 180 regular attendance days or nine days to curb excesses. 

A law signed by Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker will allow five excused absences from school without needing a doctor’s note. 

Proponents of the bill argued that students are under increasing mental strain, particularly amid the coronavirus pandemic. 

6. Class Size of an Average High School in Illinois

Illinois is quite a larger state than a few others, thus having more students. 

Notwithstanding this, the class sizes at Illinois high schools are still in good form. 

Illinois has an average high school class size of 21.8 students. 

This figure is a very impressive one when compared across the different states.

Following this outline, you will get to analyze the odds when choosing a high school in Illinois.

Ensure you check off many of these boxes in the affirmative before making a choice.

Read More: 10 Best Private High Schools in Indiana| Requirements, Cost & How to Apply

How Many Private High Schools are in Illinois?

Illinois has 274 private schools out of 1,292 high schools. 1,018 of these schools are public schools. 

High schools in Illinois have packed up pretty good rankings as well. 

Illinois ranks as the 5th state in student enrollment and 5th in the total number of schools. 

Sitting 36th for the student/teacher ratio and 30th for the percentage of students on free or reduced lunches. 

What is the Average Private High Schools Tuition in Illinois?

The average private high school tuition in Illinois is $12,243 per year (2023). 

New Hope Christian Academy, a private high school in Illinois, has the lowest tuition of $2,000. 

The private high school with the highest tuition in Illinois is Brehm Preparatory School, costing $68,900 annually.

ALSO READ: 9 Best Private High Schools in Alabama| Requirements, Cost & How to Apply

List of 10 Best Private High Schools, Illinois

Now, talking about the perfect high school for your child in Illinois, here are the very best you can choose from;

#1. University of Chicago Laboratory Schools

• Location: CHICAGO, IL PK, K-12 
• Current Rating: 3.9 out of 5 in 130 reviews
• Student Population: 2,051
• Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1
• Annual Tuition: $33, 558

#2. Lake Forest Academy

• Location: LAKE FOREST, IL 9-12 
• Current Rating: 4.68 out of 5 in 71 reviews
• Student Population: 437
• Student-Teacher Ratio: 6:1
• Annual Tuition: $45, 950

Read More: 10 Best Private High Schools in California| Requirements, Cost & How to Apply

#3. Latin School of Chicago

• Location: CHICAGO, IL PK, K-12 
• Current Rating: 4.02 out of 5 in 111 reviews
• Student Population: 1,155
• Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1
• Annual Tuition: $33, 425

#4. North Shore Country Day

• Location: WINNETKA, IL PK, K-12 
• Current Rating: 4.33 out of 5 in 67 reviews
• Student Population: 525
• Student-Teacher Ratio: 6:1
• Annual Tuition: $34, 050

Read More: 10 Best Private High Schools in Colorado| Requirements, Cost & How to Apply

#5. British International School of Chicago, South Loop

• Location: CHICAGO, IL PK, K-12 
• Current Rating: 4.7 out of 5 in 43 reviews
• Student Population: 604
• Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1
• Annual Tuition: $33, 950

Some Other Best Private High Schools in Illinois

#6. Roycemore School

• Location: EVANSTON, IL PK, K-12 
• Current Rating: 4.61 out of 5 in 148 reviews
• Student Population: 239
• Student-Teacher Ratio: 6:1
• Annual Tuition: $28, 792

#7. Francis W. Parker School

• Location: CHICAGO, IL PK, K-12 
• Current Rating: 4.17 out of 5 in 58 reviews
• Student Population: 935
• Student-Teacher Ratio: 9:1
• Annual Tuition: $34, 230

Read More: 10 Best Private High Schools in Maine| Requirements, Cost & How to Apply

#8. Beacon Academy

• Location: EVANSTON, IL 9-12 
• Current Rating: 4.39 out of 5 in 23 reviews
• Student Population: 213
• Student-Teacher Ratio: 7:1
• Annual Tuition: $27, 900

#9. Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart

• Location: LAKE FOREST, IL 9-12 
• Current Rating: 4.37 out of 5 in 63 reviews
• Student Population: 131
• Student-Teacher Ratio: 6:1
• Annual Tuition: $29, 400

#10. Rochelle Zell Jewish High School

• Location: DEERFIELD, IL 9-12 
• Current Rating: 4.33 out of 5 in 46 reviews
• Student Population: 185
• Student-Teacher Ratio: 6:1
• Annual Tuition: $28, 000

Choosing from the above list will help you find the perfect private high school for your child.

ALSO READ: 10 Best Private High Schools in Hawaii| Requirements, Cost & How to Apply

What are the Best Private High Schools in Naperville, IL?

Naperville, IL is one of the best cities in Illinois.

Good life, good culture, and a splendid environment are the core of Naperville, Illinois.

Also, Naperville, IL, is a good place for high school education, although there are just a few private schools for high school students. 

Currently, there are 4 private high schools with about 343 students in Naperville, IL, each with an acceptance rate of 94%.

Naperville Christian Academy comes out on top when talking about the best private high schools in Naperville, IL.

2 out of the 4 Private High Schools in Naperville, IL, are affiliated with the Christian religion.

Here are the Best Private High Schools In Naperville, IL;

• Naperville Christian Academy
• Camelot Schools
• Covenant Classical School
• Turning Pointe Cn Day School

Are there Scholarships for Private High Schools in Illinois?

High school students in private schools in Illinois who need Scholarships can find one. 

There are a few Scholarships for private high schools in Illinois.

Below is a list of some of the scholarships for private high schools in Illinois;

• LINK Unlimited
• Empower Illinois
• Big Shoulders Fund
• High School Scholars  
• Invest in Kids Program 
• Catholic High School Chicago  
• Illinois Tax Credit for Educational Expenses

What are the Best Private High Schools in Peoria, IL?

Currently, there are 27 private high schools with about 4,497 students in Peoria County, IL, with an acceptance rate of 89%,, which is slightly lower than the state average of 91%.

74% of private high schools in Peoria County, IL, have affiliations with the Catholic and Christian religions.

Out of the 27 private high schools in Peoria, IL, St. Philomena School, Peoria Notre Dame High School, and Aletheia School are considered the best.

Here is a list of other private high schools in Peoria, IL;

• Peoria Christian School
• St. Thomas the Apostle School
• St. Vincent De Paul
• Calvary Baptist Academy
• Christ Lutheran School
• Concordia Lutheran School
• El Vista Baptist Academy
• Florence KinderCare
• Holy Family Parish School
• Kiefer School
• King’s Kids/South Side Mission
• Lighthouse Christian Academy
• Little Friends Learning Center
• Methodist Family Child Care

What are the Best Private High Schools in Champaign IL?

There are 25 private schools with a population of 3,366 students in Champaign County, IL, and an average acceptance rate of 80%.

44% of private high schools in Champaign County, IL, have affiliation with the Catholic and Lutheran Church Missouri Synod religion.

If you’re looking for the best private high schools to enroll in Champaign, IL, you should consider Holy Cross Elementary School, Next Generation School, and St. Thomas Catholic Elementary School.

Other best private high schools to enroll in Champaign, IL, include;

• Montessori Habitat
• Countryside School
• Holy Cross Elementary School
• Judah Christian School
• Next Generation School
• St. Matthew School
• St. Thomas Catholic Elementary School
• Calvary Baptist Christian Academy
• Campus Middle School For Girls
• Canaan Academy
• Chesterbrook Academy
• Circle Academy
• Devonshire KinderCare
• First School
• The High School Of Saint Thomas More
• Kingswood School
• Montessori School Of Champaign-Urbana

What are the Best Private High Schools in Rockford IL?

There are 29 private high schools with about 6,285 students in Rockford, IL.

Each of these schools has an average acceptance rate of 92%, which is higher than the Illinois average of 91%.

69% of private high schools in Rockford, IL, have an affiliation with the Catholic and Christian religions.

Regarding the best private schools in Rockford, IL, for high school students, Our Lady Sacred Heart Academy, Allegro Academy, and The Worldwide Webstitute by Rockford Global Academy (RGA-USA) are considered the top 3.

Here are other best private schools in Rockford, IL;

• Christian Life Schools
• Holy Family Catholic School
• Keith Country Day School
• Rockford Boylan Catholic High School
• Rockford Lutheran School – Jr/sr High School
• St. Paul Lutheran School
• Alpine Academy
• Alpine Christian School
• Berean Baptist Christian School
• Cathedral Baptist School
• East Riverside KinderCare
• Easterseals Academy
• Lydia Urban Academy-Rockford
• Maray Drive KinderCare
• Montessori Private Academy
• North Love Christian
• Northridge KinderCare

What are the Best Private High Schools in Aurora, IL?

Currently, there are 21 private schools for high school students with a student population of 3,996 students in Aurora, IL.

With an acceptance rate of 97%, high school students applying to private high schools in Aurora, IL, have a high chance of getting into the school of their choice.

Also, 52% of private high schools in Aurora, IL, have affiliations with the Catholic and Christian religions.

If you’re considering the best private high schools in Aurora, IL, Annunciation of the BVM School, Aurora Christian Schools, and St. Paul Lutheran School is regarded as the top 3.

Here are other best private high schools in Aurora, IL;

• Aurora Central Catholic High School
• Holy Angels Catholic School
• Marmion Academy
• Rosary High School
• All About Kids Montessori School
• Aurora Montessori School
• Constitution KinderCare
• Covenant Christian School
• Fox Valley KinderCare
• Fox Valley Montessori School
• The Goddard School
• Long Grove KinderCare
• Montessori Children’s Garden
• Ogden KinderCare
• Pope Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy
• Prairie View Montessori
• Resurrection Lutheran School
• St. Rita Of Cascia School

Conclusion

Private high schools in Illinois offer a refined form of education. 

Bringing you close to societal culture and intellectual excellence. 

They afford you a closer experience with education as they provide a convenient student-to-teacher ratio. 

Also, they provide financial benefits to students to spur academic and extracurricular participation. 

All these are aimed at propelling the student in you.

Our Recommendation