#1 Best Independent Schools in the Midwest
Hathaway Brown School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
The smallest classes of any independent school in Shaker Heights
Shaker Heights, OH
A+Overall gradeAll girls665 students5 students per teacher
2026 lists
Best Independent Schools in the Midwest
The highest-graded schools of this kind in the Midwest. Top 50 of 157 schools.
#2 Best Independent Schools in the Midwest
International School of Indiana
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
One of the 3 largest independent schools in Indiana
Indianapolis, IN
A+Overall grade423 students5 students per teacher
#3 Best Independent Schools in the Midwest
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
#4 Best Independent Schools in the Midwest
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
#5 Best Independent Schools in the Midwest
The Seven Hills School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
The smallest classes of any independent school in Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH
A+Overall grade907 students6 students per teacher
#6 Best Independent Schools in the Midwest
Roycemore School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
The largest independent school in Evanston
Evanston, IL
A+Overall grade224 students5 students per teacher
#7 Best Independent Schools in the Midwest
Rivermont Collegiate
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
The only independent school in Bettendorf
Bettendorf, IA
A+Overall grade145 students6 students per teacher
#8 Best Independent Schools in the Midwest
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
#9 Best Independent Schools in the Midwest
Forest Ridge Academy
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
The only independent school in Schererville
Schererville, IN
A+Overall grade157 students6 students per teacher
#10 Best Independent Schools in the Midwest
Lake Ridge Academy
Independent school · Grades K–12
97% of graduates go to four-year colleges
North Ridgeville, OH
A+Overall grade371 students7 students per teacher
#11 Best Independent Schools in the Midwest
Columbus School for Girls
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
The only all-girls school in Columbus
Columbus, OH
A+Overall gradeAll girls460 students7 students per teacher
#12 Best Independent Schools in the Midwest
Lake Forest Academy
Independent school · Grades 9–12
The largest independent school in Lake Forest
Lake Forest, IL
A+Overall grade446 students7 students per teacher
#13 Best Independent Schools in the Midwest
Evansville Day School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
The only independent school in Evansville
Evansville, IN
A+Overall grade252 students5 students per teacher
#14 Best Independent Schools in the Midwest
Western Reserve Academy
Independent school · Grades 9–12
The only independent school in Hudson
Hudson, OH
A+Overall grade439 students7 students per teacher
#15 Best Independent Schools in the Midwest
Roeper City & Country School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
The only independent school in Bloomfield Hills
Bloomfield Hills, MI
A+Overall grade436 students8 students per teacher
#16 Best Independent Schools in the Midwest
Crossroads College Preparatory School
Independent school · Grades 7–12
100% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Saint Louis, MO
A+Overall grade125 students6 students per teacher
#17 Best Independent Schools in the Midwest
University Lake School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
The only independent school in Hartland
Hartland, WI
A+Overall grade212 students5 students per teacher
#18 Best Independent Schools in the Midwest
Rochester Arts and Sciences Academy
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–7
The only independent school in Rochester
Rochester, MN
A+Overall grade149 students6 students per teacher
#19 Best Independent Schools in the Midwest
Thomas Jefferson School
Independent school · Grades 7–12
100% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Saint Louis, MO
A+Overall grade74 students4 students per teacher
#20 Best Independent Schools in the Midwest
Micds
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
One of the 3 largest independent schools in Missouri
Saint Louis, MO
A+Overall grade1,220 students9 students per teacher
#21 Best Independent Schools in the Midwest
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
#22 Best Independent Schools in the Midwest
Sycamore School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
One of the 3 largest independent schools in Indiana
Indianapolis, IN
A+Overall grade366 students7 students per teacher
#23 Best Independent Schools in the Midwest
Kansas City Academy
Independent school · Grades 6–12
Smaller classes than 83% of independent schools in Missouri
Kansas City, MO
A+Overall grade80 students6 students per teacher
#24 Best Independent Schools in the Midwest
Topeka Collegiate School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
The only independent school in Topeka
Topeka, KS
A+Overall grade128 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.