Choosing a private school in the Chicago suburbs is less like finding the "best" option and more like finding the right fit. The schools vary significantly in mission, culture, size, and cost — a Jesuit high school in Wilmette and a small independent K–8 in Downers Grove are solving different problems for different families. What follows is a practical overview organized by area, with enough information to know what questions to ask.
North Shore Private Schools
The North Shore has the highest concentration of well-resourced private schools in the Chicago suburbs, partly driven by the communities themselves and partly by the competitive landscape created by New Trier High School. Families who opt out of New Trier often do so for specific reasons — religious affiliation, smaller environment, or a different academic or extracurricular focus.
Loyola Academy (Wilmette) — A Jesuit co-ed high school with about 2,000 students, making it one of the largest Catholic high schools in Illinois. The Jesuit model emphasizes academic rigor alongside service and personal development. Loyola is well-regarded for its AP and honors program, theater, and athletics. Tuition runs approximately $20,000–$22,000 per year. Financial aid is available and widely used. Located at 1100 Laramie Avenue, Wilmette.
North Shore Country Day School (Winnetka) — A small, independent K–12 school with around 500 students across all grades. Class sizes average 12–15 students. NSCDS emphasizes project-based learning and a strong arts program alongside traditional academics. It's not an obvious fit for families who want a large school experience, but for students who need closer attention or a less competitive social environment, it's a serious option. Tuition ranges from $32,000–$37,000 depending on grade.
Roycemore School (Evanston) — Another small independent option (PK–12, around 220 students) with a focus on differentiated learning. Roycemore is often a good match for twice-exceptional students — those who are academically gifted but also have learning differences that benefit from closer support. Smaller than NSCDS, more personalized than most suburban options.
Lake Forest Academy (Lake Forest) — A boarding and day high school with a strong college prep focus and a genuinely national applicant pool. LFA has more of an East Coast prep school feel than most Illinois private schools. About 450 students, 40% boarding. Strong in athletics, the arts, and college placement. Day tuition is approximately $38,000; boarding is $65,000+. For families willing to pay and looking for a specific kind of high school culture, it stands apart from everything else on this list.
Western Suburbs Private Schools
The western suburbs — particularly DuPage County — have a strong Catholic school infrastructure that has served the area for generations. The Benedictine and Augustinian schools here have deep alumni networks and strong athletic programs.
Benet Academy (Lisle) — A Benedictine co-ed Catholic high school that consistently ranks among the top high schools in Illinois on both public and private rankings. About 1,500 students. Known for rigorous academics, a strong AP program (including AP Research), competitive athletics, and an emphasis on service. Tuition is approximately $14,000–$15,000, which is on the lower end for a high-performing Catholic high school. Located in Lisle, it draws students from across DuPage and portions of Will and Kane counties.
Marmion Academy (Aurora) — An all-boys Catholic military high school operated by the Benedictines of St. Procopius Abbey. The military structure is a genuine differentiator — students wear uniforms, follow a rank system, and learn leadership within that framework. It's not for everyone, but for students who respond well to structure and accountability, Marmion has a strong track record. About 500 students. Tuition around $14,500.
IC Catholic Prep (Elmhurst) — A co-ed Catholic high school formed from the consolidation of Immaculate Conception and Mount St. Joseph. About 600 students. Strong in athletics and college placement. Draws heavily from the Elmhurst/Villa Park/Addison/Lombard corridor. Tuition around $13,000.
Southwest Suburbs Private Schools
Nazareth Academy (LaGrange Park) — A co-ed Catholic high school run by the Sisters of St. Joseph. About 700 students. Strong in academics, performing arts, and service learning. Consistently well-rated and significantly less expensive than comparable north suburban options — tuition runs approximately $13,000–$14,000. Draws from the LaGrange, Brookfield, Riverside, and western Cook County corridor.
Providence Catholic High School (New Lenox) — A large co-ed Catholic high school (about 1,200 students) serving the far southwest suburbs and Will County. Strong athletics, solid academics, and the most affordable major Catholic high school option in the Chicago area at approximately $11,000–$12,000 per year. A good option for families in Joliet, Mokena, Frankfort, or New Lenox who want a Catholic high school environment without commuting north.
Northwest Suburbs Private Schools
Carmel Catholic High School (Mundelein) — A co-ed Catholic high school in Lake County with about 1,000 students. Carmel draws from a wide geographic area across Lake and McHenry counties. Strong in music, theater, and athletics. Tuition around $13,000–$14,000. A solid mid-range option for families on the northwest side of the metro.
Fenwick High School (Oak Park) — Technically in the near-west suburbs rather than the outer collar counties, but worth including for families in that corridor. A Dominican co-ed Catholic school with about 1,400 students and a reputation for strong academics and athletics. Fenwick's alumni network is substantial. Tuition around $17,000.
What to Actually Compare
Private school rankings are a weak signal. The better questions to ask when evaluating a school:
What percentage of students receive financial aid, and what's the average award? Sticker price rarely tells you what families actually pay. Many Catholic high schools have financial aid programs that bring effective tuition to $8,000–$10,000 for qualifying families.
What does the school do well that matters to your specific kid? A student who thrives in a 3,000-student public school environment and plays varsity sports will have a different calculation than one who needs a 12-student classroom and can't find their people in a large building.
What are the college placement outcomes for students like yours? Overall placement rates are useful; outcomes for students who share your child's academic profile are more useful. Ask the admissions office directly.
What does attrition look like? Students who transfer out, particularly after freshman year, are worth asking about. Some attrition is normal; high attrition suggests a mismatch between what the school sells and what it delivers.
What's the commute reality? A school 35 minutes from your house works fine until your kid has a 7:30 a.m. hockey practice and a 6 p.m. play rehearsal on the same day. Factor logistics in early.
Open Houses and Application Timing
Most Chicago suburban private high schools hold open houses between October and December for the following fall. Application deadlines typically fall in January or February, with acceptance notifications in March. For K–8 private schools, the timeline is similar but varies more by school. Start requesting information in the fall of the year before you want to enroll.
For current tuition, financial aid, and open house dates, check each school's website directly — numbers shift year to year and any figure here can be out of date within a year.
