North Park Elementary School (NPES) (Top Ranked Private School for 2026-27)

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About the School

Our faculty and staff inspire curiosity in students, teaching them to wonder, inquire, listen, evaluate, collaborate, problem-solve, design, express themselves, stay well, and work together for equity and justice.
From Preschool through 8th Grade, NPES students are actively and joyfully engaged in the life of their school, developing a sense of belonging and pride that serves as the foundation for a challenging yet supportive academic program, and a variety of enriching extracurricular athletics.NPES students excel after graduation, in high school and beyond.
Our dedicated teachers know their students as learners and as unique, beautiful human beings, challenging them, supporting them, and honoring them for their authentic selves.
Students grow toward self-fulfillment in a community context, connected in healthy, affirming, and meaningful ways to something larger than themselves.
We all need that connection and the purpose it brings.
It's the context in which children grow to accept greater challenges and develop strong skills, healthy self-esteem, and the confidence needed for future success as learners and as citizens.

Quick Facts (2026-27)

Top Ranked IL School
Grades: Prekindergarten-8
Enrollment: 260 students
Yearly Tuition: $16,657
Average class size: 24 students
Application Deadline: Dec. 22 / rolling
Source: ✓Verified school update

School Rankings

North Park Elementary School (NPES) ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for:

School Facts

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

Grades Offered

Grades Prekindergarten-8

Students By Grade

View Data

Distribution of Students By Grade
Grade	North Park Elementary School (NPES)
Pre-K	44
Kind	24
1	24
2	24
3	24
4	24
5	24
6	24
7	24
8	24

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ADD/ADHD Support

Yes

Learning Difference Programs

Yes

Learning Programs Supported

504 and IEP accomodations

Year Founded

1980

Summer School Offered

Yes

Summer Program Details

View Summer Program Details

School Calendar

View School Calendar

School Motto

A Joyful Place to Learn and Grow.

Student Body

Total Students

260 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

17%

State avg.: 34%

Academic Profile

Total Classroom Teachers

27 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

10:1

National avg.: 11:1

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree

55%

Average Class Size

24 students

Classroom Dress Code

Casual

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
Other school association(s)
Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS)
Lake Michigan Association of Independent Schools (LMAIS)

Tuition & Financial Aid

Admission Deadline

Dec. 22 / rolling

Yearly Tuition Cost

$16,657

View national tuition avg.

Tuition Notes

Discount for siblings

Admissions Director

Anne Zagotta

Application URL

Online Application

Sports

Total Sports Offered

3 sports

Sports

BasketballCross Country

Volleyball

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.

7 extracurriculars

ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.

Club or Organization:

Chess ClubCooking Club

Science Olympiad

Arts and Music Programs:

BandPiano Lessons

Theatre

Recreational Athletic Programs:

Basketball Teams

School Notes

North Park Elementary School is a non-profit private school (prek3 - 8th grade) nestled in the beautiful, culturally diverse, vibrant North Center neighborhood in Chicago. Our teachers cultivate intrinsic curiosity and motivation in students, and NPES students take pride in engaging in the life of their school with their full hearts and minds. We teach children to question, explore, think critically, listen deeply, collaborate, empathize, and create. We teach them to read in search of understanding, to write in order to share their thinking and feelings with the world, and to solve problems in STEM together, achieving flexibility in thinking and depth of understanding over memorization and rote processes. Students express themselves authentically as they innovate, write, construct, brainstorm, design, problem-solve, strategize, act, paint, experiment, and sing, finding inspiration, forging connections, and building self-confidence. NPES students are curious about perspectives and cultures beyond their own identities and stories, and we help them learn how to find meaning and joy in the rich diversity of our school and city. Parents are involved as partners in their child's education, classrooms and advisory groups become trusted circles of friends, and students develop a sense of belonging to a school community in which they are known, understood, and valued. NPES students learn the social-emotional skills and cultural competency necessary for their well-being and success, today and in the future.
Our Guiding Principles:Through small class sizes and an authentic, experiential education, our students build academic mastery and learn essential life skills. Art, music, drama, Spanish language and cultures, and athletics are central to the experience and give students important opportunities to develop and excel. Social-emotional learning supports and enables personal growth and full usage of our academic curriculum.
Diversity of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives are a critical source of strength in the community. We value each student and focus on the habits of heart and mind together to develop resilient and confident learners. Our students are good citizens who demonstrate kindness, openness, respect, and responsibility. Through a commitment to service, our students learn to see beyond themselves and understand the value of being part of a larger community.

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does North Park Elementary School (NPES) cost?

North Park Elementary School (NPES)'s tuition is approximately $16,657 for private students.

Does North Park Elementary School (NPES) offer a summer program?

Yes, North Park Elementary School (NPES) offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.

What sports does North Park Elementary School (NPES) offer?

North Park Elementary School (NPES) offers 3 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country and Volleyball.

What is North Park Elementary School (NPES)'s ranking?

North Park Elementary School (NPES) ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for: Largest student body.

When is the application deadline for North Park Elementary School (NPES)?

The application deadline for North Park Elementary School (NPES) is Dec. 22 / rolling (applications are due on Dec. 22 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

In what neighborhood is North Park Elementary School (NPES) located?

North Park Elementary School (NPES) is located in the North Center neighborhood of Chicago, IL. There are 4 other private schools located in North Center.

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Chicago, IL is $13,709 for elementary schools and $19,173 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

The average acceptance rate in Chicago, IL is 79% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).