In Chicago, parents are spoilt for choice where education is concerned. From international schools to local public schools, and even charter schools, there is no obvious limit to the options.
- Education in Chicago
- Choosing a school in Chicago
- Special education needs in Chicago
- Best schools in Chicago
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Education in Chicago
Most of Chicago’s international schools (defined as schools that offer a curriculum other than the American common core and High School Diploma) are private and fairly costly but are easily available. The city has seen an increase in the number of international schools recently, although others are more established.
Some of these schools take children from age 3 all the way up through secondary school. There are a few (usually private) American schools that do this too.
Chicago public elementary schools are neighbourhood schools. To obtain a place, you have to live within the boundary lines drawn up by the city for the school. Visa issues aside, if you do move to within the catchment area of a public school, you are entitled to register your child at the school and it is rare that you will not get a space.
There are several public schools that operate as Academic Centres. These are geared for exceptional students in the seventh and eighth grades. The academic centres follow an accelerated learning programme which can sometimes be two grades above the students’ current grade level. Students qualify based on tests they take in the sixth grade.
The American high (secondary) school system starts age 14, whether you are in a private or public school. In Chicago, there are neighbourhood high schools that work in the same vein as the elementary schools in that they take any student living in their catchment area. There are also the selective enrolment schools.
Some Chicago schools also offer the IB Diploma. Entrance to the public schools is test based, although the cut-off scores are lower than those of the selective enrolment schools. Some elementary schools in Chicago also offer the IB Middle Years Program (MYP). Two schools also offer the relatively new IB Careers Programme as an alternative to the Diploma.
The private schools in Chicago also require applicants to take enrolment tests. For the more prestigious schools, an interview may be required. The final qualification is almost always the American High School Diploma plus Advanced Placement courses; only one school offers the full International Baccalaureate programme from starting school.
Chicago has two Montessori schools that teach up to the age of 14, one of which combines the Montessori approach with an American curriculum and the IB Middle Years Programme.
One somewhat overlooked group of schools in Chicago are the charter schools - privately-run schools that are independent of the Chicago Public Schools system but nevertheless accountable for advancing student achievement. They receive government funding and are like public schools in that they are free, open to all children, and are not selective. Some charter schools have become extremely successful and for families who are considering the public school system, they’re worth a look.
In terms of transport, there are school buses but you will still need to get your child to a stop on the route if it is not close to your house.
Choosing a school in Chicago
If you are planning to return to your home country after a few years or less in Chicago, then staying in the system that your child is used to will be the most logical choice.
Chicago public elementary schools can be a good option for families that are not getting the full expat package offered by bigger companies or more senior jobs. It is free and if you strike the postcode lottery and find a home in the catchment area of some of the more desirable schools, then it is an excellent option. Bear in mind, however, that proximity to good public schools pushes up house prices and the cost of renting. The only exceptions are schools that are ‘magnet’ or ‘gifted’ schools – for some magnet schools, a lottery system is used to allocate spaces; in the gifted schools, children as young as 6 can take the entrance test.
If you are considering one of the selective enrolment schools, be warned competition is fierce. Students have to go through two sets of exams (the NWEA MAP test and the Selective Enrolment School Test) and the requisite scores to get into these schools in recent years has got higher. Compare it to the 11+ exams in the UK - just as tough, possibly tougher. Many children start getting tutored for these exams one, sometimes two, years before the MAP test.
The Midwest is a large bit of America, so if you find yourself in a small town or city in the Midwest that can’t cater to your children’s needs, you could consider boarding schools in the greater Chicago area. Many of these have students from all over the world and are well versed in not only educational needs but pastoral care. The majority are Christian schools with a distinct religious approach.
Special education needs in Chicago
Some private schools provide support for SEN, but always ask which conditions they can cater for and how they support them. If your child attends a Chicago public school, they will definitely get special needs support. There are also private special needs educators who can supplement your child’s learning.
Best schools in Chicago
These schools have been brought to our attention, but until we have more reports from parents, we are unable to consider reviewing them.
Bell Elementary School
American curriculum; ages 4-14; co-ed; day; state; 960 students
Founded in 1917, including classrooms designed for deaf students, and still offering a special department for those with hearing difficulties which is open from kindergarten to grade 8. Also, a Regional Gifted Centre throughout the school. Located in the North Center neighbourhood of Chicago.
British International School of Chicago Lincoln Park
National Curriculum for England/ International Primary Curriculum/ IGCSE/ IB Diploma/ BISC High School Diploma; ages 2-11; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 600 students (Lincoln Park) 1,100 students (South Loop)
Founded in 2001 as the British School of Chicago and now on two campuses. South Loop teaches children, all-through, from UK nursery to year 13 (US pre-K to grade 12) whilst Lincoln Park takes children from age two and finishes at year 6 (grade 5).There is a slightly lower student: teacher ratio and average class size in the South Loop school. Both campuses are now owned by Nord Anglia Education, which currently runs over 65 schools in nearly 30 countries.
Drummond Montessori School
Montessori/ adapted curriculum; ages 3-14; co-ed; day; state; 350 students
Founded in 1893 in the Bucktown neighbourhood of Chicago. Montessori curriculum until grade 6 and then a school-developed programme for the last two years.
Fenwick High School
American curriculum/ Honors programme/ AP; ages 14-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 1,200 students
Founded by the Dominican Order in 1929 as an all-boys, college preparatory school, becoming co-educational in 1992. SAT and ACT scores have been continuously ranked in the top 100 in the nation and they have maintained a 100 per cent college matriculation rate.
Francis W Parker School, Chicago
American curriculum/ AP; ages 4-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 935 students
Founded in 1901 as a ‘progressive’ school, based on the philosophies of John Dewey and Francis Wayland Parker. Low student teacher ratio 9:1 and almost every graduate proceeds to a four year university course with the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, Brown and Washington University in St Louis currently topping the popularity polls. A member of the Independent School League (ISL).
Francis Xavier Warde School
American curriculum; ages 3-14; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 970 students
Catholic elementary school, established in 1989 in downtown Chicago on two campuses. Accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS).
GEMS World Academy Chicago
PYP/ MYP / IB Diploma; ages 3-16; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 440 students
Lower school opened in 2014 and growing organically, currently accepting applications up to grade 11. A member of the education company GEMS World Academy Connect, a group of private schools with campuses in the Middle East, Singapore and Switzerland. Located in downtown Chicago, at present with smaller numbers in the older years. Accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).
Immaculate Conception - St Joseph School
American curriculum; ages 4-14; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 540 students
Originally founded as a grade school in 1869 and has grown steadily to its current numbers. A Catholic Parish school on two campuses. Pre-K to grade 3 at North Park and grades 4-8 at Hill Street. Graduates secure admittance to leading private and public high schools in Chicago.
Jones College Prep
American High School Diploma; ages 14-18; co-ed; day; state; 1,910 students
Established in 1938 and located in the Printer’s Row neighbourhood of Chicago. Part of the Chicago Public Schools system and fifth in the top 100 schools in Illinois.
Lane Tech College Prep High School
American High School Diploma/ AP; ages 13-18; co-ed; day; state; 4,520 students
Founded in 1908, offering technical skills in addition to academics. Located in the Roscoe Village neighbourhood. Huge school with high academic standards and an extremely high graduation rate . Third in the top 100 high schools in Illinois.
Latin School of Chicago
Adapted curriculum; ages 5-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 1,155 students
Founded in 1888 as a parent owned, boys’ school with a girls section opening in 1913 and merged into Chicago Latin School in 1953. On three campuses with the middle and upper schools being purpose-built, architect designed buildings in the Gold Coast neighbourhood on the Near North Side. A member of the Independent School League (ISL).
Lincoln Elementary School
American curriculum; ages 5-14; co-ed; day; state; 1,000 students
A neighbourhood school founded in 1871. Offering the International Gifted Programme to advanced students in grades 6-8. Active parents’ association.
Lincoln Park High School
MYP/ IB Diploma/ IB Careers; ages 14-18; co-ed; day; state; 2,100 students
Opened in 1875 as the first public high school on the north side of Chicago. Offering four programmes including the Fine Arts/Performing Arts school. They also offer the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme and then the option of either the IB Diploma or the IB Careers Programme. Diverse student population.
Loyola Academy
American curriculum/ American High School Diploma/ AP; ages 14-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 2,050 students
Founded in 1909 as a Jesuit, Catholic, college preparatory school for boys. Merged with the Sainte Louise de Marillac High School in 1994 to become co-educational. Located in Wilmette, Illinois, just north of downtown Chicago. Students matriculate to leading universities (including most Ivies) right across the country with over 80 per cent going to out-of-state destinations.
Lycée Francais de Chicago
French curriculum/ Brevet/ French Bac/ MYP/ IB Diploma; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; state; 820 students
Founded in 1995 and part of the French Agency for Foreign Education (AEFE), a worldwide network of over 500 schools. Moved to a new campus in Ravenswood in 2015. Offering a French education with the option of the Middle Years and Diploma International Baccalaureate programmes in high school. Accredited by the Independent Schools Association of Central States (ISACS).
Marist High School
American High School Diploma/ AP; ages 14-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 1,780 students
A Catholic High School founded in 1963, at the instigation of the then Cardinal of Chicago, Albert Mayer, who invited the Marist Brothers to open a school for boys in the city. Becoming co-ed in 2003 and accredited by Cognia (formerly AdvancED).
Northside College Prep
American High School Diploma/ AP; ages 14-18; co-ed; day; state; 1,090 students
Founded in 1999 and located, unsurprisingly, in the North Park neighbourhood of Chicago. A selective school and recently rated second in the top 100 high schools in Illinois and twenty-third nationally. In the past its rankings have been even higher, achieving #3 ranking (nationally) from Newsweek in 2014.
Ogden Elementary School
American curriculum; ages 5-14; co-ed; day; state; 715 students
On two campuses since 2018. The East campus is located in the Gold Coast area of the Near North Side, serving elementary grades and Jenner campus (the former Jenner School) in the Cabrini-Green area, which teaches middle and pre-school. Above average test scores.
Ogden International High School
MYP/ IB Diploma; ages 14-18; co-ed; day; state; 630 students
Part of the Chicago Public Schools system with selective admission. Based on the West campus in West Town. Partly due to the merger with Jenner School, one of the ten per cent of Chicago schools with no racial majority.
Oscar Mayer Magnet School
Montessori/ PYP; ages 3-14; co-ed; day; state; 770 students
Established in 1956 and renamed Oscar Mayer Magnet School in 2008. Offering a Montessori approach with particular emphasis on the fine and performing arts.
Pulaski International School of Chicago
PYP/ MYP; ages 3-14; co-ed; day; state; 900 students
Offering the first two elements of the International Baccalaureate programme .Emphasis on languages and internationalism and also a Regional Gifted Centre for English Learners. Located in the Bucktown neighbourhood.
Sacred Heart The Academy and Hardey Prep
American curriculum; ages 4-14; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 715 students
Founded in 1876 and part of the Sacred Heart network of over 150 schools. Providing a Catholic education, unusually blending single-gender and co-educational classrooms. The school states that, on average, 95 per cent of graduates are accepted by their first-choice schools.
St Ignatius College Prep
American curriculum/ AP; ages 14-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 1,400 students
Jesuit Catholic school in the heart of Chicago. Ranked as one of the leading preparatory schools in Chicago and more diverse than some of the others, with 34 per cent of students coming from minorities. Graduates matriculate to leading universities across the country but with a high proportion heading to Catholic destinations. Accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCASC).
St Rita of Cascia High School
American curriculum/ AP; ages 14-18; boys; day; independent; private non-profit; 570 students
Founded by an Augustinian friar in 1905 and currently on a campus on South Western Avenue. Students (still male only) divided by ability into three academic programmes with the gifted student programme offering 12 AP courses. Accredited since 1921 by the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges (NCASC).
Trinity High School
American curriculum/ AP/ IB Diploma; ages 14-18; girls; day; independent; private non-profit; 460 students
Catholic high school for girls located in River Forest, Illinois. Offering college preparatory classes and the International Baccalaureate Diploma. Rigorous academics, 100 per cent of graduates moving on to four year courses with a high proportion winning scholarships. Accredited by the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges (NCASC).
University of Chicago Laboratory Schools
Adapted curriculum/ AP; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 2,050 students
Founded by the American progressive educator John Dewey in 1896 and located in the Hyde Park neighbourhood. The huge main campus for about 1,400 students has five connected buildings and the Early Childhood Campus has a new, architect designed structure for over 600 students. Ranked at the very top for sending graduates to elite universities and colleges.
Walter Payton College Preparatory High School
American High School Diploma; ages 14-18; co-ed; day; state; 1,150 students
Founded in 2000 (named after football legend Walter Payton) and part of the Chicago Public Schools system. Rated first in the top 100 high schools in Illinois in 2019 and ninth nationally.
Whitney M Young Magnet School
American High School Diploma; ages 14-18; co-ed; day; state; 2,150 students
Opened in 1975 as the first public magnet high school in Chicago, located in the Near West Side neighbourhood. Admission based on entrance exam performance, standardised test scores and elementary school grades and open to all Chicago residents. Fourth in the top 100 high schools in Illinois.
William Howard Taft High School
MYP/ IB Diploma/ IB Careers; ages 13-18; co-ed; day; state; 3,400 students
The largest International Baccalaureate school in Chicago teaching the IBMYP in middle school and then offering the choice of the diploma or careers programmes. Located in the Norwood Park neighbourhood and built in 1939. Most famous for being the school that was the inspiration for the musical ‘Grease’. Majority of students from white or Hispanic families.
For more information on the schools above, please go to each school’s individual entry on the Good Schools Guide international search.