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Best Illinois Private Schools (2025-26)

For the 2025-26 school year, there are 1,626 private schools serving 252,190 students in Illinois (there are 4,394 public schools, serving 1,845,459 students). 12% of all K-12 students in Illinois attend private schools (compared to the national average of 10%).
The average private school tuition is $11,086 for elementary schools and $15,726 for high schools (view national tuition averages).
The top-ranked private schools in Illinois include The Latin School Of Chicago, Loyola Academy, and The Avery Coonley School.
The average acceptance rate is 84% (view national acceptance rates). Minority enrollment is 34% and the student-teacher ratio is 13:1.
54% of schools are religiously affiliated, with most being Catholic or Christian.

Top Ranked Illinois Private Schools by County (2025-26)

County
# Schools
# Students
% of K-12 Students in Private Schools
10
1,790
17%
759
133,289
16%
172
24,945
15%
59
8,686
9%
106
12,025
9%
11
1,709
10%
4
540
12%
14
2,691
10%
9
1,637
10%
40
6,055
14%
29
4,957
16%
19
3,778
12%
68
7,954
6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top ranked private schools in Illinois?
The top-ranked private schools in Illinois include The Latin School Of Chicago, Loyola Academy, and The Avery Coonley School.
How many private schools are located in Illinois?
There are 1,626 private schools are located in Illinois.
How much do private schools cost in Illinois?
The average private school tuition in Illinois is $11,086 for elementary schools and $15,726 for high schools
How diverse are private schools in Illinois?
Approximately 34% of students in Illinois private schools are minority students (compared to the national percentage).
What percentage of students in Illinois go to private school?
12% of all K-12 students in Illinois attend private schools (compared to the national average of 10%).
What percentage of private schools are religiously affiliated in Illinois?
54% of private schools in Illinois are religiously affiliated, with most being Catholic or Christian.
Which private schools in Illinois are often viewed compared to one another?

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