#25 Best Independent Schools in the Midwest
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
2026 lists
Best Independent Schools in the Midwest
The highest-graded schools of this kind in the Midwest. Top 50 of 157 schools.
#26 Best Independent Schools in the Midwest
Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
The smallest classes of any independent school in Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI
A+Overall grade266 students5 students per teacher
#27 Best Independent Schools in the Midwest
The Miami Valley School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
100% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Dayton, OH
A+Overall grade428 students7 students per teacher
#28 Best Independent Schools in the Midwest
Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
100% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Ann Arbor, MI
A+Overall grade266 students8 students per teacher
#29 Best Independent Schools in the Midwest
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
#30 Best Independent Schools in the Midwest
Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
The only independent school in Joplin
Joplin, MO
A+Overall grade294 students9 students per teacher
#31 Best Independent Schools in the Midwest
Independent Elementary
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
97% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Wichita, KS
A+Overall grade443 students6 students per teacher
#32 Best Independent Schools in the Midwest
Quest Academy
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
The only independent school in Palatine
Palatine, IL
A+Overall grade237 students7 students per teacher
#33 Best Independent Schools in the Midwest
The Stanley Clark School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
Smaller classes than 68% of independent schools nationwide
South Bend, IN
A+Overall grade307 students6 students per teacher
#34 Best Independent Schools in the Midwest
Missouri Military Academy
Independent school · Grades 7–12
Small classes: about 6 students per teacher
Mexico, MO
A+Overall gradeAll boys182 students6 students per teacher
#35 Best Independent Schools in the Midwest
International School of Minnesota
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
85% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Eden Prairie, MN
A+Overall grade155 students5 students per teacher
#36 Best Independent Schools in the Midwest
The Waldorf School of Dupage
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
The only independent school in Warrenville
Warrenville, IL
A+Overall grade76 students5 students per teacher
#37 Best Independent Schools in the Midwest
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
#38 Best Independent Schools in the Midwest
Rohan Woods School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–6
The smallest classes of any independent school in Saint Louis
Saint Louis, MO
A+Overall grade68 students3 students per teacher
#39 Best Independent Schools in the Midwest
Mounds Park Academy
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
100% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Saint Paul, MN
A+Overall grade553 students8 students per teacher
#40 Best Independent Schools in the Midwest
Laurel School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
100% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Shaker Heights, OH
A+Overall gradeAll girls441 students7 students per teacher
#41 Best Independent Schools in the Midwest
Green Hills School
Independent school · Grades 6–12
The largest of 25 independent schools in Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI
A+Overall grade692 students8 students per teacher
#42 Best Independent Schools in the Midwest
Wichita Collegiate School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
The largest independent school in Wichita
Wichita, KS
A+Overall grade806 students8 students per teacher
#43 Best Independent Schools in the Midwest
Beacon Academy
Independent school · Grades 9–12
100% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Evanston, IL
A+Overall grade155 students7 students per teacher
#44 Best Independent Schools in the Midwest
Whitfield School
Independent school · Grades 6–12
98% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Saint Louis, MO
A+Overall grade407 students9 students per teacher
#45 Best Independent Schools in the Midwest
Urban Prairie
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
Growing: enrollment up 166% since 2011–12
Chicago, IL
A+Overall grade101 students7 students per teacher
#46 Best Independent Schools in the Midwest
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
#47 Best Independent Schools in the Midwest
Lake Forest Country Day School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
Smaller classes than 81% of independent schools in Illinois
Lake Forest, IL
A+Overall grade325 students5 students per teacher
#48 Best Independent Schools in the Midwest
Eagle School of Madison
Independent school · Grades K–8
The largest independent school in Madison
Madison, WI
A+Overall grade243 students8 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.