#25 Best Independent Schools in Illinois
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
2026 lists
Best Independent Schools in Illinois
The highest-graded schools of this kind in Illinois. Top 43 of 43 schools.
#26 Best Independent Schools in Illinois
Next Generation School
Independent school · Grades K–8
The largest independent school in Champaign
Champaign, IL
B+Overall grade318 students9 students per teacher
#27 Best Independent Schools in Illinois
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
#28 Best Independent Schools in Illinois
Peoria Academy
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
The only independent school in Peoria
Peoria, IL
B+Overall grade110 students9 students per teacher
#29 Best Independent Schools in Illinois
Glenwood Academy
Independent school · Grades 1–8
Serving families in Glenwood since at least 2011
Glenwood, IL
B+Overall grade119 students8 students per teacher
#30 Best Independent Schools in Illinois
Prairie School of Dupage
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
The only independent school in Wheaton
Wheaton, IL
B+Overall grade73 students8 students per teacher
#31 Best Independent Schools in Illinois
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
#32 Best Independent Schools in Illinois
Elgin Academy
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
The only independent school in Elgin
Elgin, IL
B+Overall grade171 students7 students per teacher
#33 Best Independent Schools in Illinois
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
#34 Best Independent Schools in Illinois
Countryside School
Independent school · Grades K–8
Growing: enrollment up 49% since 2011–12
Champaign, IL
BOverall grade215 students14 students per teacher
#35 Best Independent Schools in Illinois
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
#36 Best Independent Schools in Illinois
Catherine Cook School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
Small classes: about 7 students per teacher
Chicago, IL
BOverall grade405 students7 students per teacher
#37 Best Independent Schools in Illinois
Bennett Day School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–11
Small classes: about 7 students per teacher
Chicago, IL
BOverall grade250 students7 students per teacher
#38 Best Independent Schools in Illinois
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
#39 Best Independent Schools in Illinois
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
#40 Best Independent Schools in Illinois
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
#41 Best Independent Schools in Illinois
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
#42 Best Independent Schools in Illinois
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
#43 Best Independent Schools in Illinois
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.