Illinois Lutheran High School Top 16 · Highest Avg. SAT Score (IL)

The Chicago Academy For The Arts Top 20 · Lowest Acceptance Rate (IL)

Covenant Classical School

Home > Find Schools > School Rankings > Most Selective Schools > Illinois

Most Selective Private High Schools in Illinois

Name: Illinois Average Acceptance Rate Trends (High School)
Creator: Private School Review
License: https://www.privateschoolreview.com/terms

The average private high school acceptance rate in Illinois is 86% per year (2026-27).

The most selective school in Illinois is Midwest Academy For Gifted Education, with an acceptance rate of 10%.

Quick Facts (26-27)

# IL Schools Ranked: 61
Top 20 Range (Acceptance Rate): 10%–90%
IL School Avg.: 86%
National School Avg.: 85%

Quick Facts (26-27)

# IL Schools Ranked: 61
Top 20 Range (Acceptance Rate): 10%–90%
IL School Avg.: 86%
National School Avg.: 85%

Illinois Average Acceptance Rate (Trends)

Showing 2016–2025. View full 14-year historical data

Total Growth: (-3.4%) (-3% since 2016)

View Data

Year	National avg	Illinois (IL) avg
2025	81%	86% (▲ 1 pp)
2024	81%	85% (▼ 1 pp)
2023	81%	86% (▼ 1 pp)
2022	81%	87% (— 0 pp)
2021	81%	87% (— 0 pp)
2020	81%	87% (▲ 1 pp)
2019	81%	86% (— 0 pp)
2018	80%	86% (— 0 pp)
2017	81%	86% (▼ 3 pp)
2016	80%	89% (▲ 1 pp)
2015	81%	88% (▲ 1 pp)
2013	80%	87% (▲ 1 pp)
2012	80%	86%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Private School Universe Survey (PSS), direct school submissions, and proprietary website research and analysis by Private School Review.

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Show school map — Illinois (acceptance rate range: 10%–90%, avg 86%)

Acceptance Rate Range: 10% 95% Avg. Acceptance Rate: 77%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Illinois average private high schools acceptance rate?

The Illinois average private high schools acceptance rate is 86% for 2026-27.

What are the most selective private high schools in Illinois?

The top ranked private high schools in Illinois include Midwest Academy For Gifted Education, Safe Haven School and Lake Forest Academy.

Recent Articles

November 10, 2026

When Your Child Is Excluded From Private School Events

Learn how to support your child when excluded from private school birthday parties and social events, recognize bullying, communicate with teachers, encourage friendships, and address repeated exclusion with confidence.

November 10, 2026

Private School Scholarship Renewal Requirements

Learn what students must do to keep private school scholarships, including academic performance, attendance, conduct, extracurricular commitments, renewal deadlines, and how parents can protect tuition assistance throughout their education.

November 10, 2026

Private School Deposits: What If You Change Schools?

Learn what happens to your private school enrollment deposit when your child accepts another offer, including refund policies, contract obligations, withdrawal deadlines, and practical steps to minimize financial losses.