St. Paul Of The Cross School (Top Ranked Private School for 2026)

View full size Get directions

REQUEST INFO

SAVE SCHOOL

About the School

St. Paul of the Cross School, part of the Park Ridge community since 1925, provides a faith-centered, academically rigorous education for students from Preschool through eighth grade.
Rooted in Catholic values and a strong partnership among students, families, and educators, SPC nurtures the spiritual, intellectual, emotional, physical, and moral growth of each child.
With a challenging curriculum, dedicated faculty, and opportunities in Fine Arts, STEAM, technology, and service, SPC prepares students to thrive in high school and beyond.

Quick Facts (2026)

Top Ranked IL School
Grades: Nursery/Preschool-8
Enrollment: 736 students
Yearly Tuition: $7,775
Average class size: 22 students
Application Deadline: None / Rolling
Source: ✓Verified school update

School Rankings

St. Paul Of The Cross School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for:

School Facts

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA)

Religious Affiliation

Catholic

Grades Offered

Grades Nursery/Preschool-8

Students By Grade

View Data

Distribution of Students By Grade
Grade	St. Paul Of The Cross School
Nursery	65
Pre-K	68
Kind	63
1	73
2	60
3	69
4	76
5	69
6	61
7	63
8	69

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

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

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.

Learning Difference Programs

Yes

Year Founded

1925

Summer School Offered

Yes

Summer Program Details

View Summer Program Details

School Calendar

View School Calendar

Awards

Blue Ribbon School - Selected in 2011, 2020

Student Body

Total Students

736 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

State avg.: 34%

Academics & Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers

41 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

18:1

National avg.: 11:1

Average Class Size

22 students

Classroom Dress Code

Formal

Uniform Grades K-8

Tuition & Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline

None / Rolling

Yearly Tuition Cost

$7,775

View national tuition avg.

Tuition Notes

*Above tuition is for parishioner with one student in Grades K–8th Multi-child discounts

Admissions Director

Mrs. Meghan Waldeck

Application URL

Online Application

Sports

Total Sports Offered

11 sports

Sports

BalletBaseball

BasketballCheering

Cross CountryFlag Football

FootballSoccer

SoftballTrack and Field

Volleyball

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.

12 extracurriculars

ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.

Club or Organization:

Academic TeamBattle of the Books

Chess ClubDrama Theater Club

Engineering For KidsNational Junior Honor Society

Science ClubStudent Council

Arts and Music Programs:

BandChoir

Smiling StringsSpring Musical

School Notes

School Motto: Challenging Minds, Nurturing Spirits, Living Our Faith Together, in Service

Welcome to St. Paul of the Cross School, where faith, academic excellence, and community come together. Part of the Park Ridge community since 1925, SPC provides a faith-centered education that challenges students academically while embracing each child as a unique and valued member of our community.
Serving students from Preschool through eighth grade, SPC is committed to meeting the educational needs of every student. From the moment families enter our campus, they experience a welcoming community grounded in Catholic values, supported by dedicated educators and a strong parent partnership.
At every grade level, students are encouraged to be active participants in their learning and to serve their community. Together with our families, we strive to involve students in the mission of Jesus through a love of God, compassion for others, and service to their neighbors.SPC students are prepared to thrive beyond eighth grade, with graduates successfully transitioning to the high schools of their choice. Through strong academic foundations, leadership opportunities, and individualized support, students develop the skills, confidence, and character needed for success in high school and beyond.
In addition to core academic subjects, students participate in Music, Art, Spanish, Physical Education, and Health. Seventh and eighth grade students expand their learning through daily Fine Arts and STEAM electives. Technology is integrated throughout the classrooms and enhanced through hands-on learning in the STEAM Lab and Library Media Center.
At SPC, the education of each child is a partnership between home and school. Our faculty, staff, and families work together to nurture the spiritual, moral, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth of every student.
Come visit our campus, meet our students, and experience what makes St. Paul of the Cross School a special place to learn, grow, and belong.
Please click on our Admissions page for tour dates and sign up information.

Source: Verified school update

REQUEST FREE INFORMATION

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does St. Paul Of The Cross School cost?

St. Paul Of The Cross School's tuition is approximately $7,775 for private students.

What schools are St. Paul Of The Cross School often compared to?

St. Paul Of The Cross School is often viewed alongside schools like Mary, Seat Of Wisdom School by visitors of our site.

Does St. Paul Of The Cross School offer a summer program?

Yes, St. Paul Of The Cross School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.

What sports does St. Paul Of The Cross School offer?

St. Paul Of The Cross School offers 11 interscholastic sports: Ballet, Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Flag Football, Football, Soccer, Softball, Track and Field and Volleyball. St. Paul Of The Cross School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for most sports offered.

What is St. Paul Of The Cross School's ranking?

St. Paul Of The Cross School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for: Largest student body and Most sports offered.

When is the application deadline for St. Paul Of The Cross School?

The application deadline for St. Paul Of The Cross School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

School Reviews

5.00 out of 5 (3 reviews)

5 6/26/2021

Fantastic school. Still reminisce on my days at SPC.

- Posted by Student/Alumni - Anon

5 8/28/2019

We had our four children attend this school for the past 15 years and could not have been happier with our decision. It is such a warm community that provides an excellent education. They have been well prepared for high school and have placed in several accelerated or AP classes.

- Posted by Parent - Margaret

5 4/10/2015

Excellent! So happy we made this decision. Top notch academics plus the Catholic faith based education and a warm and energetic parent community. No regrets.

- Posted by Parent - mary

Endorse St. Paul Of The Cross School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:

Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Academic or athletic awards

Recent Articles

August 25, 2026

Will This Curriculum Still Matter in 2035?

Learn how to evaluate future-ready private school curricula for 2035, focusing on durable knowledge, critical thinking, AI literacy, adaptability, communication, creativity, and real-world learning before choosing a school.

August 25, 2026

Private Schools for Creators, Trades & Startups

Explore how private schools support non-traditional career paths in creative industries, skilled trades, and entrepreneurship, plus what families should evaluate when choosing specialized programs for future-ready students today.

August 25, 2026

First 90 Days at Private School: Parent Guide

Learn how to read your child’s first 90 days at private school, distinguish healthy adjustment from genuine struggles, and know when academic, social, or emotional concerns require action.

Request Info

Email:

Name of parent:

Student first name:

Student last name:

Student date of birth:

Student is:

Male

Female

Currently in grade:

Seeking entry for grade:

Target start date:

Please briefly describe academic, athletic, and extracurricular interests of the student:

Home address:

City:

Country:

State:

Zip: (enter "N/A" if not applicable)

Phone:

Save this data and create your user profile. Create your own user account so you don't have to re-type your user data each time you request information. You'll also be able to track your information requests, get reminded of application dates, and more!

Username:

Password:

Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Cook County, IL is $13,473 for elementary schools and $19,515 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

The average acceptance rate in Cook County, IL is 83% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).