#1 Best Independent Schools in Illinois
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 Illinois
The highest-graded schools of this kind in Illinois. Top 43 of 43 schools.
#2 Best Independent Schools in Illinois
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 Illinois
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 Illinois
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 Illinois
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
#6 Best Independent Schools in Illinois
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
#7 Best Independent Schools in Illinois
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
#8 Best Independent Schools in Illinois
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
#9 Best Independent Schools in Illinois
Quest Academy
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
The only independent school in Palatine
Palatine, IL
A+Overall grade237 students7 students per teacher
#10 Best Independent Schools in Illinois
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
#11 Best Independent Schools in Illinois
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
#12 Best Independent Schools in Illinois
Beacon Academy
Independent school · Grades 9–12
100% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Evanston, IL
A+Overall grade155 students7 students per teacher
#13 Best Independent Schools in Illinois
Urban Prairie
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
Growing: enrollment up 166% since 2011–12
Chicago, IL
A+Overall grade101 students7 students per teacher
#14 Best Independent Schools in Illinois
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
#15 Best Independent Schools in Illinois
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
#16 Best Independent Schools in Illinois
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
#17 Best Independent Schools in Illinois
Mooseheart Child City and School
Independent school · Grades K–12
Smaller classes than 88% of independent schools in Illinois
Mooseheart, IL
AOverall grade85 students3 students per teacher
#18 Best Independent Schools in Illinois
Avery Coonley School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
The only independent school in Downers Grove
Downers Grove, IL
AOverall grade290 students7 students per teacher
#19 Best Independent Schools in Illinois
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
#20 Best Independent Schools in Illinois
Governor French Academy
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
Small classes: about 7 students per teacher
Belleville, IL
AOverall grade73 students7 students per teacher
#21 Best Independent Schools in Illinois
Vine Academy
Independent school · Grades K–12
The only independent school in Burr Ridge
Burr Ridge, IL
AOverall grade109 students4 students per teacher
#22 Best Independent Schools in Illinois
Da Vinci Waldorf School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
Smaller classes than 68% of independent schools in Illinois
Wauconda, IL
AOverall grade94 students6 students per teacher
#23 Best Independent Schools in Illinois
Keith Country Day School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
Small classes: about 8 students per teacher
Rockford, IL
AOverall grade195 students8 students per teacher
#24 Best Independent Schools in Illinois
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
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.