#1 Best Independent Schools in Cook County, 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 Cook County, IL
The highest-graded schools of this kind in Cook County, IL. Top 30 of 30 schools.
#2 Best Independent Schools in Cook County, IL
North Shore Country Day School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
The only independent school in Winnetka
Winnetka, IL
A+Overall grade510 students6 students per teacher
#3 Best Independent Schools in Cook County, IL
Roycemore School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
The largest independent school in Evanston
Evanston, IL
A+Overall grade224 students5 students per teacher
#4 Best Independent Schools in Cook County, 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
#5 Best Independent Schools in Cook County, 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
#6 Best Independent Schools in Cook County, 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
#7 Best Independent Schools in Cook County, 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
#8 Best Independent Schools in Cook County, IL
Quest Academy
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
The only independent school in Palatine
Palatine, IL
A+Overall grade237 students7 students per teacher
#9 Best Independent Schools in Cook County, 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
#10 Best Independent Schools in Cook County, IL
Beacon Academy
Independent school · Grades 9–12
100% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Evanston, IL
A+Overall grade155 students7 students per teacher
#11 Best Independent Schools in Cook County, 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
#12 Best Independent Schools in Cook County, IL
Science & Arts Academy
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
Small classes: about 7 students per teacher
Des Plaines, IL
A+Overall grade258 students7 students per teacher
#13 Best Independent Schools in Cook County, 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
#14 Best Independent Schools in Cook County, IL
Plato Academy
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
Smaller classes than 70% of independent schools in Illinois
Des Plaines, IL
AOverall grade93 students6 students per teacher
#15 Best Independent Schools in Cook County, IL
Vine Academy
Independent school · Grades K–12
The only independent school in Burr Ridge
Burr Ridge, IL
AOverall grade109 students4 students per teacher
#16 Best Independent Schools in Cook County, 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
#17 Best Independent Schools in Cook County, 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
#18 Best Independent Schools in Cook County, IL
Chicago Futabakai Japanese School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–9
The only independent school in Arlington Heights
Arlington Heights, IL
B+Overall grade111 students5 students per teacher
#19 Best Independent Schools in Cook County, IL
Glenwood Academy
Independent school · Grades 1–8
Serving families in Glenwood since at least 2011
Glenwood, IL
B+Overall grade119 students8 students per teacher
#20 Best Independent Schools in Cook County, 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
#21 Best Independent Schools in Cook County, 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
#22 Best Independent Schools in Cook County, IL
Science Academy of Chicago
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
The only independent school in Mount Prospect
Mount Prospect, IL
BOverall grade266 students9 students per teacher
#23 Best Independent Schools in Cook County, 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
#24 Best Independent Schools in Cook County, 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
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.