St. Benedict Preparatory School Photo - Students work on robotics projects in the STEM Lab

Best Cook County Private Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 733 private schools serving 133,286 students in Cook County, IL (there are 1,386 public schools, serving 684,115 public students). 16% of all K-12 students in Cook County, IL are educated in private schools (compared to the IL state average of 12%).
The average tuition cost is $14,144, which is higher than the Illinois private school average tuition cost of $12,512.
49% of private schools in Cook County, IL are religiously affiliated (most commonly Catholic and Christian).

Top-Ranked Cook County Private Schools (2026)

School
Location
Quick Facts
Baker Demonstration School
Baker Demonstration School Photo - Curiosity captured in the preschool class with hands on learning for our youngest students in a scientific inquiry.
(6)
201 Sheridan Road
Wilmette, IL 60091
(847) 425-5800
Gr: NS-8 | 209 students Avg. class size: 18 students Sports: 6 | Extracurrculars: 15 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Catherine Cook School
Catherine Cook School Photo
(13)
226 W Schiller St
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 266-3381
Gr: NS-8 | 422 students Avg. class size: 15 students Sports: 8 | Extracurrculars: 4 Tuition listed
Chicago City Day School
Chicago City Day School Photo
(5)
541 W Hawthorne Pl
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 327-0900
Gr: PK-8 Avg. class size: 15 students Sports: 3 | Extracurrculars: 7 Tuition listed
Holy Family School
Holy Family School Photo - Our beautiful facility was constructed in 2008.
(Other Lutheran)
(1)
3415 W. Arthington
Chicago, IL 60624
(773) 265-0550
Gr: PK-8 | 301 students Avg. class size: 21 students Sports: 4 | Extracurrculars: 11 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Morgan Park Academy
Morgan Park Academy Photo
2153 W 111th St
Chicago, IL 60643
(773) 881-6700
Gr: PK-12 | 475 students Avg. class size: 17 students Sports: 8 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Sonia Shankman Orthogenic School
Sonia Shankman Orthogenic School Photo
Special Education School
(3)
6245 S. Ingleside Avenue
Chicago, IL 60637
(773) 420-2900
Gr: 4-12 | 111 students Avg. class size: 10 students Extracurrculars: 20
Creative Learning Montessori School
Creative Learning Montessori School Photo - Creative Learning Montessori School
Montessori School
1410 S. Barrington Rd.
Barrington, IL 60010
(847) 382-2812
Gr: PK-5 | 70 students Tuition listed
Fusion Academy Evanston
Fusion Academy Evanston Photo - Each Fusion campus has a state-of-the-art music studio with professional-grade tools. Students can explore instruments, vocals, songwriting, DJ performing arts, and more.
Alternative School
847 Chicago Avenue, Suite 200
Evanston, IL 60202
(877) 673-8893
Gr: 6-12 Avg. class size: 1 student Tuition listed
Fusion Academy Lincoln Park
Fusion Academy Lincoln Park Photo
Special Program Emphasis
1440 N. Dayton Street, Suite 104
Chicago, IL 60642
(877) 673-8893
Gr: 6-12 | 40 students Tuition listed
German International School Chicago
German International School Chicago Photo - Hooray for 8th Grade Graduates
Special Program Emphasis
(1)
1726 W Berteau Ave
Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 857-3000
Gr: PK-9 | 196 students Avg. class size: 15 students Sports: 8 | Extracurrculars: 18 Tuition listed
Aaa Academy
Special Education School
13801 Chatham St
Blue Island, IL 60406
(708) 206-0000
Gr: 1-8 | 47 students
Academy Of St. Benedict The African
Academy Of St. Benedict The African Photo - Academy of St. Benedict the African built on a tradition of love, hope, spirituality and excellence. Discover the difference!
(Catholic)
6020 S. Laflin
Chicago, IL 60636
(773) 776-3316
Gr: PK-8 | 246 students Avg. class size: 22 students Sports: 2 | Extracurrculars: 2 Tuition listed
1439 W Wellington Ave
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 892-1397
Gr: PK-8 | 519 students Avg. class size: 20 students Sports: 6 | Extracurrculars: 11 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
American School
American School Photo
Alternative School
2200 E 170th St
Lansing, IL 60438
(708) 418-2800
Gr: 6-12 | 6,319 students Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Ancona School
Ancona School Photo - In a community of cultural and economic diversity, Ancona's progressive, social justice curriculum rooted in the Montessori tradition educations students to become creative problem solvers, confident risk takers, and life-long learners.
(6)
4770 S Dorchester Ave
Chicago, IL 60615
(773) 924-2356
Gr: PK-8 | 215 students Avg. class size: 20 students Sports: 4 | Extracurrculars: 8 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Aqsa School
All-girls (Islamic)
7361 W 92nd St
Bridgeview, IL 60455
(708) 598-2700
Gr: PK-12 | 257 students Tuition listed
Arie Crown Hebrew Day School
(Jewish)
4600 Main St
Skokie, IL 60076
(847) 982-9191
Gr: PK-8 | 705 students
Ascension Catholic School
Ascension Catholic School Photo - Ascension School, a vibrant ministry of Ascension Parish, proudly provides an excellent education that responds to the needs of its students. Ascension School incorporates Catholic faith beliefs and values through skillful teaching, prayer, worship and service to others. In this school children and families experience community in an atmosphere of LOVE, KINDNESS & RESPECT.
(Catholic)
601 Van Buren St
Oak Park, IL 60304
(708) 386-7282
Gr: PK-8 | 394 students Sports: 5 | Extracurrculars: 5 Tuition listed
Beacon Academy
Beacon Academy Photo
Montessori School
1574 Sherman Avenue
Evanston, IL 60201
(224) 999-1177
Gr: 9-12 | 150 students Avg. class size: 12 students Sports: 12 | Extracurrculars: 20 Tuition listed
Bennett Day School
Bennett Day School Photo
Special Program Emphasis
(2)
955 W. Grand Ave.
Chicago, IL 60642
(312) 236-6388
Gr: PK-12 | 413 students Avg. class size: 15 students Sports: 7 | Extracurrculars: 6 Tuition listed
3751 N Broadway St
Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 281-1858
Gr: NS-8 | 368 students Avg. class size: 16 students Sports: 6 | Extracurrculars: 8 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Bridgeport Catholic Academy
(Catholic)
3700 S Lowe Ave
Chicago, IL 60609
(773) 376-6223
Gr: PK-8 | 290 students Tuition listed
161 West 9th Street
Chicago, IL 60605
(773) 998-2472
Gr: NS-12 | 799 students Avg. class size: 15 students Sports: 12 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
814 & 821 W. Eastman Street
Chicago, IL 60642
(773) 907-5000
Gr: NS-5 | 645 students Avg. class size: 20 students Sports: 18 | Extracurrculars: 15 Tuition listed
Brother Rice High School - Chicago
Brother Rice High School - Chicago Photo
All-boys (Catholic)
10001 S Pulaski Rd
Chicago, IL 60655
(773) 429-4300
Gr: 9-12 | 671 students Avg. class size: 25 students Sports: 19 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Calvary Academy
(Christian)
16300 State St
South Holland, IL 60473
(708) 333-5471
Gr: K-8 | 309 students
Calvin Christian School
(Calvinist)
(3)
528 E 161st Place
South Holland, IL 60473
(708) 331-5027
Gr: PK-8 | 210 students Avg. class size: 21 students Sports: 4 | Extracurrculars: 5 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Catholic School
(Catholic)
(2)
9250 W 167th St
Tinley Park, IL 60487
(708) 403-6525
Gr: PK-8 | 419 students
5201 Howard St
Skokie, IL 60077
(847) 674-6095
Gr: PK-8 | 300 students Tuition listed
2809 W Jarvis Ave
Chicago, IL 60645
(847) 675-6777
Gr: PK-8 | 353 students Tuition listed
Chiaravalle Montessori
Chiaravalle Montessori Photo - Opening the North Wing in September 2015, Chiaravalle became the first LEED Platinum Montessori school addition in the US and the first LEED Platinum independent school addition in Illinois.
Montessori School
(12)
425 Dempster St
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 864-2190
Gr: PK-8 | 328 students Avg. class size: 20 students Sports: 4 | Extracurrculars: 9 Tuition listed
The Chicago Academy For The Arts
The Chicago Academy For The Arts Photo - Chicagoland's independent high school for the arts.
Special Program Emphasis
1010 W Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60642
(312) 421-0202
Gr: 9-12 | 137 students Avg. class size: 15 students Extracurrculars: 9 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Chicago Christian High School
(Christian)
12001 S Oak Park Ave
Palos Heights, IL 60463
(708) 388-7650
Gr: 9-12 | 490 students Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Chicago Hope Academy
Chicago Hope Academy Photo - Chicago Hope is located in the Near West Side at 2189 W Bowler St. Chicago, IL 60612.
(Christian)
(1)
2189 W Bowler Street
Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 491-1600
Gr: 9-12 | 280 students Avg. class size: 15 students Sports: 14 | Extracurrculars: 11 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Chicago Jesuit Academy
Chicago Jesuit Academy Photo - Our classrooms have two co-teachers and 24 students per classroom.
(Catholic)
5058 W Jackson Blvd
Chicago, IL 60644
(773) 638-6103
Gr: 3-8 | 360 students Sports: 11 | Extracurrculars: 6 Tuition listed
Show 100 more private schools in Cook County, IL (out of 733 total schools)
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[+] Show Closed Private Schools in Cook County, Illinois

Cook County Private Schools (Closed)

School
Location
Quick Facts
208 Harrison St
Oak Park, IL 60304
(708) 848-0701
Gr: PK-K | 47 students
5954 S Albany Avenue
Chicago, IL 60629
(773) 737-7810
Gr: NS-PK | 62 students Avg. class size: 18 students Tuition & acceptance rate listed
1920 E Touhy Ave
Des Plaines, IL 60018
(847) 827-8203
Gr: PK-1 | 84 students
3434 W 159th Street
Markham, IL 60428
(708) 210-1767
Gr: K-6 | 9 students
1733 W Irving Park Rd
Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 665-4405
Gr: K | 18 students
Arlyn Day School (Closed 2024)
Special Education School
3013 Illinois Rd
Wilmette, IL 60091
(847) 256-7117
Gr: 5-12 | 34 students
Ashburn Lutheran School (Closed 2022)
(Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (formerly AELC, ALC, or LCA))
3345 W 83rd St
Chicago, IL 60652
(773) 737-2620
Gr: NS-8 | 131 students
9538 S Harvard Ave
Chicago, IL 60628
(773) 568-8115
Gr: 7-12 | 68 students
Bethlehem Lutheran School (Closed 2010)
(Lutheran Church Missouri Synod)
2624 Oak St
River Grove, IL 60171
(708) 456-8786
Gr: K-9 | 37 students Avg. class size: 15 students Tuition listed
Bethlehem Lutheran School (Closed 2006)
(Lutheran Church Missouri Synod)
3715 E 103rd Street
Chicago, IL 60617
(773) 768-0441
Gr: K-8 | 73 students
2130 S Central Park
Chicago, IL 60623
(773) 277-8575
Gr: PK-8 | 224 students
300 W Hill Street
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 266-2020
Gr: NS-PK
1014 East 47th Street
Chicago, IL 60653
(773) 924-1200
Gr: PK-6 | 83 students Avg. class size: 12 students Tuition & acceptance rate listed
1651 W Diversey Pkwy
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 975-6330
Gr: PK-4 | 106 students
5110 W Diversey Ave
Chicago, IL 60639
(773) 205-5102
Gr: PK-6 | 100 students
Chicago Waldorf School (Closed 2021)
Special Program Emphasis
1300 W Loyola Ave
Chicago, IL 60626
(773) 465-2371
Gr: PK-12 | 279 students
14421 S Torrence Ave
Chicago, IL 60633
(708) 868-8612
Gr: PK-K | 81 students
1911 W Irving Park Road
Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 281-0980
Gr: NS-PK | 39 students
165 N Lombard Avenue
Oak Park, IL 60302
(708) 383-6570
Gr: K | 45 students
1448 E. 53rd Street
Chicago, IL 60615
(773) 329-8152
Gr: K-2 | 19 students
5335 West Le Moyne Street
Chicago, IL 60651
(773) 622-4563
Gr: PK-7 | 64 students
900 E 154th St
South Holland, IL 60473
(708) 333-8173
Gr: PK-8 | 225 students
3205 S Austin Blvd
Cicero, IL 60804
(708) 222-1909
Gr: PK-8 | 34 students
7750 W Montrose Avenue
Harwood Heights, IL 60706
(708) 456-9074
Gr: K-8 | 117 students
1410 N Roosevelt Blvd
Schaumburg, IL 60173
(847) 605-8680
Gr: PK-K | 53 students
8301 S Damen Ave
Chicago, IL 60620
(773) 239-6828
Gr: PK-8 | 176 students
4350 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60641
(773) 725-1246
Gr: PK-K | 65 students
1750 E 78th Street
Chicago, IL 60649
(773) 978-0947
Gr: PK-2 | 26 students
French School (Closed 2025)
Special Program Emphasis
562 Green Bay Rd
Winnetka, IL 60093
(847) 501-5800
Gr: PK-K | 37 students
1744 E 55th St
Chicago, IL 60615
(312) 719-4907
Gr: K-9 | 54 students
220 West 45th Place
Chicago, IL 60609
(773) 924-0543
Gr: 9-12 | 120 students
2100 W Devon Ave
Chicago, IL 60659
(773) 764-9815
Gr: PK-K | 49 students
God's Little Academy (Closed 2020)
Daycare / Preschool (Christian)
18247 Crawford Avenue
Homewood, IL 60430
(708) 798-2110
Gr: NS-PK | 33 students
2725 S Kolin Ave
Chicago, IL 60623
(773) 277-0965
Gr: PK-8 | 218 students
326 Lake Street # 8
Oak Park, IL 60302
(708) 386-2060
Gr: NS-PK | 16 students
Show 100 more closed private schools in Cook County, IL (out of 150 total schools)
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Overview

This County (Cook County)
This State (IL)
# Schools
759 Schools

Student Body:

# Students
133,286 Students
252,129 Students
% Average Students of Color
44%
34%

Academics and Faculty:

# Teachers
9,986 Teachers
18,877 Teachers
Average Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
13:1
% Average Faculty w/Advanced Degree
60%
53%
Average Class Size
17 students
16 students
Average Number of AP Courses
12 courses
10 courses
Average SAT score
1282
(Out of 1600)
1258
Average ACT score
25
(Out of 36)
25

Tuition and Acceptance Rate:

Average Yearly Tuition Cost
$14,144
$12,512
Average Summer Program Cost
$743
$943
Average % on Financial Aid
39%
34%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$5,576
$3,872
Average Acceptance Rate
83%
85%
Average Endowment Size
$49.97 million
$49.13 million

Students by Ethnicity:

0.71
0.66
# American Indian Students
347 Students
605 Students
% American Indian Students
n/a
n/a
# Asian Students
5,992 Students
10,504 Students
% Asian Students
5%
4%
# Hispanic Students
17,579 Students
25,130 Students
% Hispanic Students
13%
10%
# Black Students
15,653 Students
21,075 Students
% Black Students
12%
9%
# White Students
58,173 Students
129,117 Students
% White Students
44%
51%
# Hawaiian Students
194 Students
338 Students
% Hawaiian Students
n/a
n/a
# Two or more races Students
n/a
n/a
% of Two or more races Students
n/a
n/a
# Others Students
33,669 Students
65,550 Students
% of Others Students
26%
26%
All Ethnic Groups

Extracurriculars and Sports:

Average Number of Extracurriculars
10 extracurriculars
9 extracurriculars
Average Number of Sports
6 sports
6 sports

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked private schools in Cook County, IL?
How many private schools are located in Cook County?
733 private schools are located in Cook County.
How much do private schools cost in Cook County?
The average tuition cost is $14,144, which is higher than the Illinois private school average tuition cost of $12,512.
How diverse are private schools in Cook County?
Cook County private schools are approximately 44% minority students, which is higher than the Illinois private school average of 34%.
What percentage of students in Cook County go to private school?
16% of all K-12 students in Cook County are educated in private schools (compared to the IL state average of 12%).
What percentage of private schools are religiously affiliated in Cook County?
49% of private schools in Cook County are religiously affiliated (most commonly Catholic and Christian).
Which private schools in Cook County are often viewed compared to one another?

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