#1 Best Independent Schools in Chicago, IL
Gems World Academy Chicago
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
Smaller classes than 82% of independent schools in Illinois
Chicago, IL
A+Overall grade196 students3 students per teacher
2026 lists
Best Independent Schools in Chicago, IL
The highest-graded schools of this kind in Chicago, IL. Top 20 of 20 schools.
#2 Best Independent Schools in Chicago, IL
The Latin School of Chicago
Independent school · Grades K–4
Smaller classes than 84% of independent schools in Illinois
Chicago, IL
A+Overall grade371 students5 students per teacher
#3 Best Independent Schools in Chicago, IL
Lycee Francais De Chicago
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
98% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Chicago, IL
A+Overall grade687 students6 students per teacher
#4 Best Independent Schools in Chicago, IL
Univ of Chicago Lab School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
One of the 3 largest independent schools in Illinois
Chicago, IL
A+Overall grade1,946 students8 students per teacher
#5 Best Independent Schools in Chicago, IL
German International School Chicago
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
Smaller classes than 73% of independent schools in Illinois
Chicago, IL
A+Overall grade135 students6 students per teacher
#6 Best Independent Schools in Chicago, IL
Chicago City Day School
Independent school · Grades K–8
Smaller classes than 86% of independent schools in Illinois
Chicago, IL
A+Overall grade130 students5 students per teacher
#7 Best Independent Schools in Chicago, IL
Urban Prairie
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
Growing: enrollment up 166% since 2011–12
Chicago, IL
A+Overall grade101 students7 students per teacher
#8 Best Independent Schools in Chicago, IL
The Chicago Academy for the Arts
Independent school · Grades 9–12
Smaller classes than 83% of independent schools nationwide
Chicago, IL
AOverall grade148 students4 students per teacher
#9 Best Independent Schools in Chicago, IL
Urban Prairie Waldorf School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
Small classes: about 6 students per teacher
Chicago, IL
AOverall grade97 students6 students per teacher
#10 Best Independent Schools in Chicago, IL
Bennett Day School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
100% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Chicago, IL
A-Overall grade285 students6 students per teacher
#11 Best Independent Schools in Chicago, IL
North Park Elementary School
Independent school · Grades K–8
Growing: enrollment up 29% since 2011–12
Chicago, IL
B+Overall grade237 students9 students per teacher
#12 Best Independent Schools in Chicago, IL
British International School of Chicago South Loop
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
100% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Chicago, IL
BOverall grade641 students9 students per teacher
#13 Best Independent Schools in Chicago, IL
Catherine Cook School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
Small classes: about 7 students per teacher
Chicago, IL
BOverall grade405 students7 students per teacher
#14 Best Independent Schools in Chicago, IL
Bennett Day School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–11
Small classes: about 7 students per teacher
Chicago, IL
BOverall grade250 students7 students per teacher
#15 Best Independent Schools in Chicago, IL
Latin School of Chicago Upper
Independent school · Grades 5–12
One of the 3 largest independent schools in Illinois
Chicago, IL
BOverall grade806 students11 students per teacher
#16 Best Independent Schools in Chicago, IL
British International School of Chicago, Lincoln P
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–5
Serving families in Chicago since at least 2011
Chicago, IL
BOverall grade373 students13 students per teacher
#17 Best Independent Schools in Chicago, IL
Providence St. Mel School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
100% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Chicago, IL
BOverall grade206 students8 students per teacher
#18 Best Independent Schools in Chicago, IL
British International School of Chicago South Loop
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
95% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Chicago, IL
BOverall grade638 students10 students per teacher
#19 Best Independent Schools in Chicago, IL
Chicago Waldorf School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
100% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Chicago, IL
BOverall grade228 students8 students per teacher
#20 Best Independent Schools in Chicago, IL
French American School of Chicago
Independent school · Grades K–12
One of 29 independent schools in Chicago
Chicago, IL
B-Overall grade112 students22 students per teacher
Grades compare each school's official facts, such as class size, how long it has served families and where graduates go, with similar schools. They're a starting point: visit, ask questions and trust what you see.