Grace Lutheran School

Grace Lutheran School in River Forest, Illinois, provides a high-quality Christian education to children in 3-year-old preschool through 8th grade.
Our school prepares children for a life of discipleship by helping them to grow in faith, knowledge and character.
We keep class sizes small, and provide challenging academics with supports in place to help students reach their full potential.
We offer extracurricular activities such as theatre, sports, music, art, and more.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked IL School
  • Grades: Nursery/Preschool-8
  • Enrollment: 201 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $8,435
  • Average class size: 18 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Grace Lutheran School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for:

Category
Attribute
School History

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-8
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Speech therapy; Reading assistance
Year Founded
1896

Student Body

Total Students
201 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
18%
State avg.: 34%
Students by Grade
Grace Lutheran School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
22 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
9:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
57%
Average Class Size
18 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
At Grace Lutheran School, we use variable tuition, also known as sliding scale tuition, to ensure our education is affordable for all families. The amount is determined by multiple factors affecting a family’s financial means. It offers an appropriate tuition level for each unique family, making our quality, faith-based education accessible to everyone. Over half of our families receive variable tuition.
% on Financial Aid
51%
Admissions Director
Ana Garcia

Sports

Total Sports Offered
4 sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
9 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
School Newspaper, Yearbook

Arts and Music Programs:
Art Club, Band, Choir, Handbell Choir, Music, Musicals, Orchestra

School Notes

  • At Grace School, education is a shared effort between teachers, students, parents, and church. We take a whole-child approach, guiding students` academic, personal, and spiritual growth. And not just in the classroom, but in worship, on the playground, on athletic teams, and through service. Our educational community is flexible and responsive to the needs of all students, ensuring we cultivate the unique gifts and abilities of every child.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Grace Lutheran School cost?
Grace Lutheran School's tuition is approximately $8,435 for private students.
What sports does Grace Lutheran School offer?
Grace Lutheran School offers 4 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Track and Field and Volleyball.
What is Grace Lutheran School's ranking?
Grace Lutheran School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for: Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Grace Lutheran School?
The application deadline for Grace Lutheran School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (10 reviews)
5  
Grace Lutheran School has been a perfect fit for our family, and our three kids are thriving here. We love the smaller school feel where children are known and truly loved by the teachers and staff they encounter. Hugs abound. Small class sizes and sports teams starting in 3rd grade have led to lasting, deep friendships. Our kids enjoy a diverse group of friends from surrounding communities who have been great additions to their Oak Park friends. Our family enjoys the welcoming community and social events the school organizes. Students at Grace are challenged academically and have individualized learning and differentiation happening from our kindergarteners up to our 5th graders. Grace also focuses on values and character, not just test scores and grades. Our kids wake up excited to go to school and we are so grateful.
- Posted by
5  
Both of our daughters have attended Grace since Pre-School! I'm so glad we made the choice we did. The best things about Grace for us: are the family feel and their music program. Grace feels like a family; the fact that it's on the smaller side yields comfort and safety. The music program - something that many schools these days are doing away with - is excellent! The students work with top-notch musicians in the choir, and handbells, as well as are exposed to band and orchestra opportunities. It was my eldest daughter's favorite thing about Grace and prepared her for her High School music program beyond measure. I recommend this school to anyone!
- Posted by
5  
My son arrived at Grace Lutheran in 4th grade, leaving the public school due to an on going bullying situation that was not getting resolved. He arrived at Grace, shy, pensive, unsure of himself. Knowing no one, my son was welcomed into the classroom with open arms from both students and staff. I immediately noticed the curriculum he was receiving at Grace Lutheran was a much more enriching curriculum than at the former school. Graces curriculum is outstanding. It is now 5 years later and he is in 8th grade. He is a different boy! Not only has he received a superb education, I have witnessed him actually blossom! My son is now a confident, proud, out going, intelligent young man who is active in sports and actually advocates for himself! I feel that his experience at Grace Lutheran has given him the preparation to navigate successfully in High school. Not only are my husband and I grateful but, my son is grateful. He said his experience at Grace Lutheran would stay with him for his entire life. Thank you Grace Lutheran, for all that you have done for my son and our family!
- Posted by
5  
I have been impressed with the staff at Grace Lutheran School. I feel so comfortable talking to any one of them about my children, and I know that they care. They truly work hard to make sure that my children not only excel academically, but feel loved. I have experienced open communication and honesty the past 6 years that we have been here. I have no regrets in choosing Grace.
- Posted by
5  
My kids have attended Grace for the last 7 years and I cannot say enough great things about our experiences here. Both kids have been challenged academically, developed great friendships, been supported by teachers, and have been involved with sports, which start in 3rd grade. The variety of opportunities here give my kids an incredibly well-rounded education not just with coursework but art, German, music and sports. Both continue to strive to do their best and get insights and clear instructions from caring teachers. I couldn't imagine a better fit for our family given the amazing community we too, as parents, have experienced.
- Posted by
5  
Grace has been an incredible fit for our family. Our three kids attend Grace and have for the past 2 years. The teachers and staff are incredible. The community is welcoming, tight-knit, and wonderfully supportive. The homework expectations are age appropriate. The teachers push the students to be their best selves but never to the point of overwhelm. They are devoted to their students. My kids have never felt as though their teacher wasn't fully advocating for them.
- Posted by
5  
I love that Grace Lutheran is really a "christian" school. They have a diverse student body w/ families from many different denominations and backgrounds, as well as socio economic backgrounds. This school has such a great focus on the fine arts, especially for a small school! My kids have experienced things they would never have the opportunity to in public school, even in River Forest. They've gone to the Lyric, worked with clay & printmaking, and studied Shakespeare! The school also has a focus on service. There is ALWAYS some service project going on and so the kids are able to develop a consistent level of compassion throughout the years. This is such a well rounded school!
- Posted by
5  
Grace offers a loving and nurturing school environment for it's students. From faith formation and character development to Christian teaching and challenging academics, we really couldn't ask for a better school for our kids. The extracurriculars are outstanding, as well, with music offerings, no-cut sports and after school enrichment programs. But probably what we enjoy the most is the family-like community that is Grace.
- Posted by
5  
Grace River Forest has been an amazing school for my 3 children. We have found that the school is very collaborative and parents, students, teachers, and other staff work towards maximizing the student experience. There is a focus on hard work, character, and faith development and all staff is there to make sure no one slips through the cracks. The teachers love what they do and bring energy, compassion, and excellence to the classroom. I am blessed to have found this wonderful school for my children.
- Posted by
5  
Grace school is a welcoming and inclusive place, where my children thrive as learners, friends, and members of their school community.
- Posted by

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Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked IL School
  • Grades: Nursery/Preschool-8
  • Enrollment: 201 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $8,435
  • Average class size: 18 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Cook County, IL is $10,654 for elementary schools and $18,140 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Cook County, IL is 90% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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