For the 2025-26 school year, there are 1,629 private schools serving 252,604 students in Illinois (there are 4,398 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 $11,134 for elementary schools and $15,828 for high schools (view national tuition averages).
The top-ranked private schools in Illinois include Lake Forest Academy, 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.
Top Ranked Illinois Private Schools by County (2025-26)
County
# Schools
# Students
% of K-12 Students in Private Schools
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked private schools in Illinois?
The top-ranked private schools in Illinois include Lake Forest Academy, Loyola Academy, and The Avery Coonley School.
How many private schools are located in Illinois?
There are 1,629 private schools are located in Illinois.
How much do private schools cost in Illinois?
The average private school tuition in Illinois is $11,134 for elementary schools and $15,828 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?
Which private schools in Illinois are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of private schools in Illinois include: Galesburg Christian School Assoc vs. Costa Catholic School, Costa Catholic School vs. Galesburg Christian School Assoc, Elmhurst KinderCare vs. Elmhurst Academy of Early Learning
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