Zion-Concord Lutheran School Photo - Pictures with the Easter Bunny at our annual PTO Egg Hunt!

Best Illinois Religiously Affiliated Private Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 885 religiously affiliated private schools serving 189,517 students in Illinois (54% of all schools).
The average tuition cost is $9,209, which is lower than the Illinois private school average tuition cost of $12,493.
The most common religiously affiliated schools are Catholic (48% of schools), Christian (16% of schools) and Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (13% of schools).

Top-Ranked Illinois Private Schools by Religious Affiliation (2026)

Religious Affiliation
# Schools
# Students
% Minority
7
236
-
46
4,946
30%
4
509
47%
429
127,648
31%
139
19,431
32%
1
43
100%
2
113
19%
20
4,894
67%
37
6,304
9%
5
260
3%
3
161
53%
14
3,054
25%
13
634
33%

Recent Articles

A Parent’s Guide to 2026 High School Teaching Methods
A Parent’s Guide to 2026 High School Teaching Methods
Explore 2026 high school teaching methods, from AI integration to project-based learning, and what they mean for your teen’s success.
10 Misconceptions About Private Schools in 2026
10 Misconceptions About Private Schools in 2026
Discover the top misconceptions about private schools in 2026, including cost, diversity, academics, and admissions realities.
Private Schools & Sustainability in 2026
Private Schools & Sustainability in 2026
Explore how private schools are advancing sustainability in 2026 through green campuses, eco-curriculum, and climate leadership initiatives.