2024 Best Elementary Schools in the Chicago Area

Best schools

1-25 of 2,386 results

Senior: Lab is a phenomenal school with fantastic facilities. They do a great job in preparing students for college; from a challenging yet engaging curriculum, to wide ranging extracurriculars, this school is top notch. The main problem here is how much DEI and wokeness they try to enforce. Hopefully they can move away from these counterproductive ideologies to create a positive atmosphere that benefits everyone and sculpts students into productive members of society.... Read 150 reviews
#1 Best Private K-12 Schools in Chicago Area.
The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools
Blue checkmark.
Private School,
CHICAGO, IL,
PK, K-12,
150 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.
Featured Review: Senior says Lab is a phenomenal school with fantastic facilities. They do a great job in preparing students for college; from a challenging yet engaging curriculum, to wide ranging extracurriculars, this school....
Read 150 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Students: 2,051,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 8 to 1,
View nearby homes Virtual tour
Parent: As a parent of two children who attended preschool at British, I cannot recommend this school highly enough. The nurturing environment and a robust curriculum provided my children with a strong foundation for their educational journey. The teachers at the British are truly exceptional. They are dedicated, caring, and skilled at fostering a love of learning. Most are British, but it is a stable group, with many having moved to Chicago, fallen in love with the city, and lived here for a long time. When asked about the school, we say everything is great except for the price. They are very transparent about the costs though, and there are no major hidden expenses or fundraising expectations beyond normal tuition. The student body is a mix of Americans (the largest group) and others around the world (with a bias toward Asia and Europe). We saw that as a huge positive and exposed our kids (and ourselves) to many great people we would not have interacted with otherwise.... Read 66 reviews
#2 Best Private K-12 Schools in Chicago Area.
British International School of Chicago, South Loop
Blue checkmark.
Private School,
CHICAGO, IL,
PK, K-12,
66 Niche users give it an average review of 4.6 stars.
Featured Review: Parent says As a parent of two children who attended preschool at British, I cannot recommend this school highly enough. The nurturing environment and a robust curriculum provided my children with a strong...The teachers at the British are truly exceptional. They are dedicated, caring, and skilled at fostering a love of learning. Most are British, but it is a stable group, with many having moved to...When asked about the school, we say everything is great except for the price. They are very transparent about the costs though, and there are no major hidden expenses or fundraising expectations...The student body is a mix of Americans (the largest group) and others around the world (with a bias toward Asia and Europe). We saw that as a huge positive and exposed our kids (and ourselves) to....
Read 66 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Students: 689,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 10 to 1,
View nearby homes Virtual tour
Parent: Both of my children attended Roycemore from Kindergarten through Middle School. They both thrived in the warm and welcoming culture and were seen as the individuals they are. The academic and social-emotional support of the teachers is outstanding and helped both of my kids find their voice in the difficult early adolescent phases of their lives. I highly recommend Roycemore!... Read 160 reviews
#3 Best Private K-12 Schools in Chicago Area.
Roycemore School
Blue checkmark.
Private School,
EVANSTON, IL,
PK, K-12,
160 Niche users give it an average review of 4.6 stars.
Featured Review: Parent says Both of my children attended Roycemore from Kindergarten through Middle School. They both thrived in the warm and welcoming culture and were seen as the individuals they are. The academic and....
Read 160 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Students: 244,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 6 to 1,
View nearby homes Virtual tour
SponsoredPrivate School
Norfolk Academy
Private School·
NORFOLK, VA·
1-12
·
Rating 4.51 out of 5 151
SponsoredCatholic School
Catholic High School
Private School·
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA·
9-12
·
Rating 4.23 out of 5 99
SponsoredEpiscopal School
St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School
Private School·
ALEXANDRIA, VA·
PK, K-12
·
Rating 4.38 out of 5 166
Parent: We have been at NSCD for 11 years with two kids, and it has been an outstanding experience all the way up that we look forward to continuing into high school. The faculty and academics are absolutely stellar, with programs and teachers that meet or exceed the big well-known suburban schools, with smaller class sizes. Sports teams and clubs are thriving at both middle and high school levels, and offer everyone a chance to find their passion. Music, art and stagecraft are truly unparalleled, and have yielded several famous performing arts alums. As a parent, it's not always easy to find a place where your kid can be supported as they experience the predictable twists and turns of childhood and adolescence. I attended a big suburban high school growing up and had just assumed my kids would as well. So glad we found NSCD! It has been an ideal place for our kids to excel, sometimes stumble, learn from those experiences and to really absorb the school's "Live and Serve" ethos.... Read 117 reviews
#4 Best Private K-12 Schools in Chicago Area.
North Shore Country Day
Blue checkmark.
Private School,
WINNETKA, IL,
PK, K-12,
117 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars.
Featured Review: Parent says We have been at NSCD for 11 years with two kids, and it has been an outstanding experience all the way up that we look forward to continuing into high school. The faculty and academics are absolutely....
Read 117 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Students: 547,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 7 to 1,
View nearby homes
Senior: I came to latin after I graduated 8th grade for high school. I came during covid into a new foreign environment with only one friend from my middle school joining me. My middle school was extremely diverse, so moving into this new enviornment was definitely hard. I did not make that many meaningful connections until my Sophomore year because everything was online and virtual my Freshman year. I connected with people through sports such as Basketball and Baseball. Also using clubs and affinity groups to adapt helped as well. Sophmore was my first time being back in a class enviornment in two years at that point. I made friends extremely quick and had a blast. The classes I took significantly added to my experience has I have enjoyed them so much. My Junior and first semester of Senior year were filled with a lot of college preparation as the difficulty of the classes only became higher. All in all, I have loved every moment of my experience at Latin. I would change nothing.... Read 118 reviews
#5 Best Private K-12 Schools in Chicago Area.
Latin School of Chicago
Blue checkmark.
Private School,
CHICAGO, IL,
PK, K-12,
118 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.
Featured Review: Senior says I came to latin after I graduated 8th grade for high school. I came during covid into a new foreign environment with only one friend from my middle school joining me. My middle school was extremely....
Read 118 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Students: 1,189,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 9 to 1,
View nearby homes
#6 Best Private K-12 Schools in Chicago Area.
Lycée Français de Chicago
Blue checkmark.
Private School,
CHICAGO, IL,
PK, K-12,
24 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars.
Featured Review: Senior says Lycée Français de Chicago is a very good school if you are applying to school outside of the US. All professors are amazing and spend time trying to teach you, but some are still stuck in their ways....
Read 24 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Students: 762,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 7 to 1,
View nearby homes Virtual tour
#7 Best Private K-12 Schools in Chicago Area.
Morgan Park Academy
Blue checkmark.
Private School,
CHICAGO, IL,
PK, K-12,
136 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars.
Featured Review: Alum says Morgan Park Academy was an amazing school for myself, because it allowed the teachers to instill my full potential in both the classroom and the world as a whole. There are great paths and clubs for....
Read 136 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Students: 458,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 8 to 1,
View nearby homes Virtual tour
Parent: As parents of a 9th grader at Parker, we couldn't be more happy with the experience. Having transferred from a top public school in Hinsdale in 2020, Parker shares similarly strong academics and caring and quality teachers. The academic rigor at Parker is impressive - but is not overbearing and it is not an unduly competitive school academically. Our daughter is constantly challenged and engaged by the curriculum but still has time to be involved in many non-academic activities. It's a perfect balance. There is an emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving. So far, during our time at Parker, the faculty has been exceptional. They are passionate and dedicated to their students' success. Our daughter has had the opportunity to participate in several activities, including the student newspaper and volleyball. We would like to see more competitive athletic team options. We highly recommend Parker to any family seeking a top-tier private education in the city.... Read 70 reviews
#8 Best Private K-12 Schools in Chicago Area.
Francis W. Parker School
Blue checkmark.
Private School,
CHICAGO, IL,
PK, K-12,
70 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars.
Featured Review: Parent says As parents of a 9th grader at Parker, we couldn't be more happy with the experience. Having transferred from a top public school in Hinsdale in 2020, Parker shares similarly strong academics and...There is an emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving. So far, during our time at Parker, the faculty has been exceptional. They are passionate and dedicated to their students' success. Our....
Read 70 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Students: 940,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 8 to 1,
View nearby homes
#10 Best Private K-12 Schools in Chicago Area.
Christian Heritage Academy
Blue checkmark.
Private School,
NORTHFIELD, IL,
PK, K-12,
118 Niche users give it an average review of 4.7 stars.
Featured Review: Parent says The staff and faculty truly care about each student. My children transferred in from public school and immediately felt the difference. Classes are rigorous but teachers are supportive and want....
Read 118 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Students: 442,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 11 to 1,
View nearby homes Virtual tour
Parent: Our daughter is in her second year at Bennett Day School and we consider ourselves so lucky to have found this community. Teachers, staff, parents, and students collaborate on a daily basis to create a space that is safe and nurturing and we've seen incredible academic and emotional growth. Bennett's project based learning approach and Reggio Emilia philosophy set it apart from other schools we considered and have proven to be incredible differentiators. Our daughter and her peers thrive at Bennett and, when support is needed, there is a robust network of teachers, specialists, and staff to help us create a plan and act with a sense of urgency.... Read 57 reviews
#12 Best Private K-12 Schools in Chicago Area.
Bennett Day School
Blue checkmark.
Private School,
CHICAGO, IL,
PK, K-12,
57 Niche users give it an average review of 4.6 stars.
Featured Review: Parent says Our daughter is in her second year at Bennett Day School and we consider ourselves so lucky to have found this community. Teachers, staff, parents, and students collaborate on a daily basis to create....
Read 57 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Students: 353,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 7 to 1,
View nearby homes Virtual tour
Works Here: Naperville Christian Academy (NCA) is committed to nurturing students to glorify and enjoy God. NCA uses the classical approach which naturally lends itself to integration of all subjects, cultivating intellectual virtue, and producing wise and eloquent scholars. NCA is comprised of students and families that are passionate about their love for God and excellence in education!... Read 23 reviews
#13 Best Private K-12 Schools in Chicago Area.
Naperville Christian Academy
Blue checkmark.
Private School,
NAPERVILLE, IL,
PK, K-12,
23 Niche users give it an average review of 4.7 stars.
Featured Review: Works Here says Naperville Christian Academy (NCA) is committed to nurturing students to glorify and enjoy God. NCA uses the classical approach which naturally lends itself to integration of all subjects,....
Read 23 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Students: 137,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 7 to 1,
View nearby homes
Other: I worked at Barbara Rose as a SPED para professional for 3 years. Every staff member in the building is committed to doing their very best work to help students learn and grow. When they are with their teachers they are learning until the bell rings. When they are working in Art, Music, Stem, and PE they are learning at a high level. We moved out of state and I’m thrilled they are being recognized by Niche. Way to go Stingray’s!!!!... Read 3 reviews
#1 Best Public Elementary Schools in Chicago Area.
Barbara B. Rose Elementary School
Blue checkmark.
Barrington Community Unit School District No. 220, IL,
K-5,
3 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.
Featured Review: Other says I worked at Barbara Rose as a SPED para professional for 3 years. Every staff member in the building is committed to doing their very best work to help students learn and grow. When they are with....
Read 3 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Students: 397,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 11 to 1,
View nearby homes
#2 Best Public Elementary Schools in Chicago Area.
The Joseph Sears School
Public School,
KENILWORTH, IL,
PK, K-8,
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Students: 471,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 9 to 1,
View nearby homes
Parent: We’ve been a part of the Barrington community for 5 years now and love the public school community at Grove. The teachers are highly engaged and did an exceptional job navigating the uncertainty of the pandemic several years ago. The parent teacher organization is also well run and keeps parents actively integrated in the happenings in and around the school. The school district on the whole is very well managed, offering excellent programs, such as their dual-language immersion programs, that make the district a desirable one for parents of all backgrounds. There’s a dedicated STEM professional on staff, as well as an emphasis on music, arts, and physical education as part of a well-rounded education that doesn’t over-index on just math and reading. As long as the stellar school board remains in place, which is never assured these days, Grove and its sister schools should continue to thrive and continue ranking high.... Read 1 review
#3 Best Public Elementary Schools in Chicago Area.
Grove Avenue Elementary School
Blue checkmark.
Barrington Community Unit School District No. 220, IL,
K-5,
1 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.
Featured Review: Parent says We’ve been a part of the Barrington community for 5 years now and love the public school community at Grove. The teachers are highly engaged and did an exceptional job navigating the uncertainty of....
Read 1 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Students: 523,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 14 to 1,
View nearby homes
#4 Best Public Elementary Schools in Chicago Area.
Shabonee School
Northbrook Elementary School District No. 27, IL,
3-5,
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Students: 428,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 12 to 1,
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Parent: While we have limited experience at Meadow Glens with this being the first year, so far we really like the school. Our daughter is in the PI+ program and while quite challenging, she has learned so much more than we could have imagined. It is extremely fast-paced and may not be appropriate for all students. In the program, social studies, science and math are excellent. They read and discuss great classic literature too. Wish there was more of a focus on grammar for more refined writing. The program is project-based, reflective of real-world experience. It helps that she loves her teacher who is kind and appears to have worked outside of teaching as well. There are a variety of sports offered at the school through the park district. The specials teachers are great too, especially the Art Teacher who seems to have a great affinity for children.... Read 2 reviews
#5 Best Public Elementary Schools in Chicago Area.
Meadow Glens Elementary School
Blue checkmark.
Naperville Community Unit School District No. 203, IL,
K-5,
2 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.
Featured Review: Parent says While we have limited experience at Meadow Glens with this being the first year, so far we really like the school. Our daughter is in the PI+ program and while quite challenging, she has learned so....
Read 2 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Students: 504,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 15 to 1,
View nearby homes
#6 Best Public Elementary Schools in Chicago Area.
Graham Elementary School
Indian Prairie Community Unit School District No. 204, IL,
K-5,
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Students: 308,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 15 to 1,
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#7 Best Public Elementary Schools in Chicago Area.
Mill Street Elementary School
Naperville Community Unit School District No. 203, IL,
K-5,
2 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.
Featured Review: Alum says I had a great experience as a child at Mill Street School. I always enjoyed the multi-cultural fair..
Read 2 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Students: 590,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 13 to 1,
View nearby homes
Parent: Hough is an amazing school that serves the village/downtown neighborhoods of Barrington. My children absolutely love it. It is small (2 classes per grade) and it feels like a family. The teachers are excellent as is the support staff and principal. This is also home to the district’s extended (gifted) classroom for grades 3-5. Children in grades 3-5 who need extended services but don’t qualify for the self-contained gifted class are pulled out to work with the extended teacher for Math and/or Language Arts. The classroom teachers for grades K-2/3 work really hard to differentiate for all students. The school provides social-emotional learning opportunities throughout the year and creates an inclusive atmosphere for all students. We are proud to be Hough Hawks!... Read 2 reviews
#8 Best Public Elementary Schools in Chicago Area.
Hough Street Elementary School
Blue checkmark.
Barrington Community Unit School District No. 220, IL,
K-5,
2 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.
Featured Review: Parent says Hough is an amazing school that serves the village/downtown neighborhoods of Barrington. My children absolutely love it. It is small (2 classes per grade) and it feels like a family. The teachers are....
Read 2 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Students: 275,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 13 to 1,
View nearby homes
#9 Best Public Elementary Schools in Chicago Area.
Ellsworth Elementary School
Naperville Community Unit School District No. 203, IL,
K-5,
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Students: 232,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 11 to 1,
View nearby homes
#10 Best Public Elementary Schools in Chicago Area.
Bannockburn School
Public School,
BANNOCKBURN, IL,
K-8,
4 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.
Featured Review: Parent says Fantastic school. The administration does a fabulous job with cultivating an inclusive community. Teachers are kind and incredibly responsive when there are questions. There is no school in the area....
Read 4 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Students: 176,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 10 to 1,
View nearby homes
#11 Best Public Elementary Schools in Chicago Area.
Highlands Elementary School
Naperville Community Unit School District No. 203, IL,
K-5,
5 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars.
Featured Review: Middle school student says The Best school experience iv'e ever had best teachers and learning environment they take things seriously but also joke around a little bit when seem fit.
Read 5 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Students: 508,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 15 to 1,
View nearby homes
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#12 Best Public Elementary Schools in Chicago Area.
Roslyn Road Elementary School
Blue checkmark.
Barrington Community Unit School District No. 220, IL,
K-5,
2 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.
Featured Review: Middle School Student says Roslyn is an excellent school with excellent teachers! I used to go there but now I’m in middle school, but my sister still goes there and also says it’s amazing.
Read 2 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Students: 451,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 13 to 1,
View nearby homes
#13 Best Public Elementary Schools in Chicago Area.
River Woods Elementary School
Naperville Community Unit School District No. 203, IL,
K-5,
1 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.
Featured Review: Middle School Student says River Woods is a good school in a good school district. They didn't have the best food but overall it was a good school. I suggest you bring your lunch..
Read 1 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Students: 475,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 14 to 1,
View nearby homes
#14 Best Public Elementary Schools in Chicago Area.
Robert Clow Elementary School
Indian Prairie Community Unit School District No. 204, IL,
K-5,
2 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.
Featured Review: Parent says My children love(d) attending Clow. The district is considering closing it down. This is a terrible idea. Clow is the heart of the community. There is a proposal to close it, with no proposal as to what it will be repurposed as. I question this hard core..
Read 2 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Students: 324,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 11 to 1,
View nearby homes
SponsoredPrivate School
Fusion Academy Alexandria
Private School·
ALEXANDRIA, VA·
6-12
·
Rating 4.67 out of 5 3
SponsoredPrivate School
Barnesville School of Arts & Sciences
Private School·
BARNESVILLE, MD·
PK, K-8
·
Rating 4.29 out of 5 17
SponsoredCatholic Diocese
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington
Catholic Diocese

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2024 Best Elementary Schools in the Chicago Area

The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools

The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools

British International School of Chicago, South Loop

British International School of Chicago, South Loop

Roycemore School

Roycemore School

North Shore Country Day

North Shore Country Day

Latin School of Chicago

Latin School of Chicago

Lycée Français de Chicago

Lycée Français de Chicago

Morgan Park Academy

Morgan Park Academy

Francis W. Parker School

Francis W. Parker School

Christian Heritage Academy

Christian Heritage Academy

Bennett Day School

Bennett Day School

Naperville Christian Academy

Naperville Christian Academy

Barbara B. Rose Elementary School

Barbara B. Rose Elementary School

The Joseph Sears School

The Joseph Sears School

Grove Avenue Elementary School

Grove Avenue Elementary School

Shabonee School

Shabonee School

Meadow Glens Elementary School

Meadow Glens Elementary School

Graham Elementary School

Graham Elementary School

Mill Street Elementary School

Mill Street Elementary School

Hough Street Elementary School

Hough Street Elementary School

Ellsworth Elementary School

Ellsworth Elementary School

Bannockburn School

Bannockburn School

Highlands Elementary School

Highlands Elementary School

Roslyn Road Elementary School

Roslyn Road Elementary School

River Woods Elementary School

River Woods Elementary School

Robert Clow Elementary School

Robert Clow Elementary School