Best Illinois Private Schools with Special Program Emphasis (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 36 private schools with special program emphasis serving 5,604 students in Illinois.
The top ranked with special program emphasis private schools in Illinois include The Chicago Academy For The Arts, Midwest Academy For Gifted Education, and Lycee Francais De Chicago.
The average tuition cost is $24,675, which is higher than the Illinois private school average tuition cost of $12,457.
33% of private schools with special program emphasis in Illinois are religiously affiliated (most commonly Christian and Jewish).
Special education schools primarily serve specific student groups such as those that may be hard of hearing, deaf, speech impaired, health impaired, orthopedically impaired, cognitive delays/impairments, seriously emotionally disturbed, multi-handicapped, visually handicapped, or deaf and blind.

Quick Facts (2026)

  • # Private Schools: 36
  • # Students Served: 5,604

Quick Facts (2026)

  • # Private Schools: 36
  • # Students Served: 5,604

Top Ranked Illinois Private Schools with Special Program Emphasis (2026)

The Chicago Academy For The Arts Photo
Gr: 9-12 | 102 students
Avg. class size: 10 students
Extracurriculars: 9
Specialized Curriculum
1010 W Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60642
(312) 421-0202
(8)
Fusion Academy Lincoln Park Photo
Gr: 6-12 | 40 students
Specialized Curriculum
1440 N. Dayton Street, Suite 104
Chicago, IL 60642
(877) 673-8893
German International School Chicago Photo
Gr: PK-9 | 196 students
Avg. class size: 15 students
Sports: 8 | Extracurriculars: 18
Specialized Curriculum
1726 W Berteau Ave
Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 857-3000
(1)
Bennett Day School Photo
Gr: PK-12 | 431 students
Avg. class size: 15 students
Sports: 7 | Extracurriculars: 6
Specialized Curriculum
955 W. Grand Ave.
Chicago, IL 60642
(312) 236-6388
(2)
Brightmont Academy - Barrington Photo
Gr: 1-12
Avg. class size: 1 student
Specialized Curriculum
400 E. Main St.
Barrington, IL 60010
(224) 231-0310
Brightmont Academy - Naperville Photo
Gr: 1-12
Avg. class size: 1 student
Extracurriculars: 2
Specialized Curriculum
445 Jackson Ave.
Naperville, IL 60540
(331) 260-0334
Brightmont Academy - Northfield Photo
Gr: 1-12
Avg. class size: 1 student
Specialized Curriculum
1799 Willow Road
Winnetka, IL 60093
(224) 518-0074
Daystar Academy Photo
Gr: PK-12 | 301 students
Avg. class size: 20 students
Sports: 5 | Extracurriculars: 8
Specialized Curriculum (Christian)
1550 S State St
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 791-0001
(1)
Map of Gateway Academy & Learning Center
Gr: K-12 | 13 students
Specialized Curriculum
17710 Oak Park Ave
Tinley Park, IL 60477
(708) 756-5000
Lycee Francais De Chicago Photo
Gr: NS-12 | 789 students
Avg. class size: 17 students
Sports: 14 | Extracurriculars: 18
Specialized Curriculum
1929 W. Wilson Avenue
Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 665-0066
(3)
Midwest Academy For Gifted Education Photo
Gr: PK-12 | 57 students
Avg. class size: 6 students
Extracurriculars: 11
Specialized Curriculum
900 North Franklin Street
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 600-5571
(26)
Quest Academy Photo
Gr: NS-8 | 253 students
Avg. class size: 15 students
Sports: 3 | Extracurriculars: 10
Specialized Curriculum
500 N Benton St
Palatine, IL 60067
(847) 202-8035
(1)
Map of Sager Solomon Schechter Day School
Gr: PK-8 | 426 students
Specialized Curriculum (Jewish)
3210 Dundee Rd
Northbrook, IL 60062
(847) 412-5656
Map of St. Blase Polish Catholic School
Gr: PK-12 | 817 students
Specialized Curriculum (Catholic)
6101 S 75th Ave
Summit Argo, IL 60501
(708) 458-8772
Map of St. Fabian's Educational Center
Gr: PK-11 | 350 students
Specialized Curriculum (Catholic)
7450 W 83rd St
Bridgeview, IL 60455
(708) 458-6150
Science & Arts Academy Photo
Gr: PK-8 | 260 students
Avg. class size: 12 students
Sports: 2 | Extracurriculars: 14
Specialized Curriculum
1825 Miner St
Des Plaines, IL 60016
(847) 827-7880
(5)
Science Academy Of Chicago Photo
Gr: PK-8 | 219 students
Avg. class size: 15 students
Sports: 2 | Extracurriculars: 12
Specialized Curriculum
501 Midway Drive
Mount Prospect, IL 60056
(847) 258-5254
(8)
Wolcott College Prep Photo
Gr: 9-12 | 134 students
Avg. class size: 10 students
Sports: 13 | Extracurriculars: 22
Specialized Curriculum
524 N. Wolcott Ave.
Chicago, IL 60622
(312) 610-4900
(1)
Map of Betel Christian School
Gr: PK-12 | 80 students
Specialized Curriculum (Baptist)
1315 W Lake St
Bartlett, IL 60103
(630) 736-7300
Map of Chicago Futabakai Japanese School
Gr: K-9 | 123 students
Avg. class size: 20 students
Specialized Curriculum
2550 N Arlington Heights Rd
Arlington Heights, IL 60004
(847) 590-5700
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top ranked private schools with special program emphasis in Illinois?
The top ranked private schools with special program emphasis in Illinois include The Chicago Academy For The Arts, Midwest Academy For Gifted Education, and Lycee Francais De Chicago.
How many private schools with special program emphasis are located in Illinois?
36 private schools with special program emphasis are located in Illinois.
How much do private schools with special program emphasis cost in Illinois?
The average tuition cost is $24,675, which is higher than the Illinois private school average tuition cost of $12,457.
How diverse are private schools with special program emphasis in Illinois?
Illinois private schools with special program emphasis are approximately 43% minority students, which is higher than the Illinois private school average of 34%.
What percentage of private schools with special program emphasis are religiously affiliated in Illinois?
33% of private schools with special program emphasis in Illinois are religiously affiliated (most commonly Christian and Jewish).

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