Cook County is home to many faith-based schools that offer students a blend of rigorous academics, spiritual development and community engagement.
To help families choose which one is right for them, this list highlighting the best faith-based schools in Cook County, uses a combination of publicly available data from sources like the U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Census Bureau, along with community reviews, survey feedback and academic performance indicators such as test scores and college readiness.
Read on for our guide to the best religious schools in Cook County.
Read more: Best Faith-Based Schools in Chicagoland
Featured faith-based schools in Cook County
In this section, Chicago Parent’s advertising partners share their top school offerings.
Christian Heritage Academy
- Address: 315 Waukegan Road, Northfield
- Phone: 847-446-5252
- Grades served: Preschool-Grade 12
- Number of students: 414
- Type: Private School, Religious School
Christian Heritage Academy offers more than just academics; they cultivate deep roots in their students, preparing them to flourish in all aspects of life—now and in the future. From preschool through high school, Christian Heritage Academy’s vibrant community provides fertile ground for growth through excellent academics, leadership opportunities, quality athletics, dynamic performing arts, mentoring, local and international service learning trips, diverse clubs and an engaging student life.
You’ll witness remarkable development in your child’s life at every grade level, leading to a wealth of opportunities upon graduation. It’s the result of Christian Heritage Academy students being rooted in a deep love for God, known within their community, engaged in excellent academics, and inspired to make a difference.
Established in 1984, Christian Heritage Academy’s distinctive and welcoming culture, shaped by our shared mission, unites families from across Chicagoland’s diverse landscape. Positive parent-school partnership is part of their DNA. Experience the unique spirit of their school family first hand by scheduling a visit today!
Best faith-based schools in Cook County
St. Paul Lutheran School
- Address: 18 S. School St., Mount Prospect
- Grades: Preschool–8th Grade
- Why It Stands Out: The school offers an enriched STEM curriculum and algebra courses for upper-grade students, preparing them for future academic challenges.
Founded in 1913, St. Paul Lutheran School has been a foundational part of Mount Prospect for over a century. Established by the St. Paul Lutheran Church, the school began as a small parish school intended to serve the children of local congregants. Over time, it grew into a well-regarded institution offering both religious and academic instruction.
The Field School
- Address: 535 N. Parkside Ave., Chicago
- Grades: Preschool– 8th Grade
- Why It Stands Out: Over half of the school’s seats are reserved for students from low-income families, fostering a diverse and inclusive environment.
Founded to provide a classical, Christ-centered education, The Field School emphasizes diversity and community engagement.
Calvin Christian School
- Address: 528 E. 161st Place, South Holland
- Grades: Preschool–8th Grade
- Why It Stands Out: The school emphasizes holistic development, nurturing students academically, socially, and spiritually.
“For over a century, in South Holland, God has been gathering people to love, learn, and grow together with a hopeful vision for the world we share. Here, we believe that all of life is worship—not just in moments of song or prayer (though those are sacred too), but in every action, every word, every step. Worship, for us, stretches far beyond the familiar. It’s a deep sense that God first loved us and has given us gifts to nurture, explore, and share. And when we have the privilege of helping your child grow into their best self, we see that as a beautiful act of worship—to the One who created them. That is what drives us to reach excellence every day,” according to Calvin’s website.
St. James Lutheran School
- Address: 2101 N. Fremont St., Chicago
- Grades: Preschool–8th Grade
- Why It Stands Out: The school boasts a 95% high school placement rate for its graduates, with many attending top institutions like Jones College Prep and Whitney Young.
Founded in 1857, St. James Lutheran School holds the distinction of being Chicago’s oldest continuously operating school. It was established by German immigrants as a way to provide both education and spiritual grounding for their children.
Over the years, it has withstood major events in city history, including the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and significant demographic shifts. Through it all, the school has remained rooted in Lutheran tradition, adapting its curriculum and services to meet the changing needs of families while consistently achieving strong academic results.
St. Andrews Lutheran School
- Address: 260 N. Northwest Highway, Park Ridge
- Grades: Preschool–8th Grade
- Why It Stands Out: The school is known for its strong academic programs and active involvement in the local community.
Established to extend the ministry of St. Andrews Lutheran Church, the St. Andrews Lutheran School was developed to provide families with a Christ-centered educational alternative to public schooling. It has grown steadily over the years, integrating modern educational practices while keeping faith-based values at the heart of its mission. Its community outreach and commitment to nurturing future Christian leaders have kept it relevant and impactful.
Midwestern Christian Academy
- Address: 3465 N. Cicero Ave., Chicago
- Grades: Preschool–8th Grade
- Why It Stands Out: The academy focuses on developing students’ academic abilities while instilling Christian values.
Midwestern Christian Academy (MCA) has served Chicago’s families for decades with the goal of offering affordable, Christ-centered education in a city setting. Founded by local church leaders, MCA has always emphasized the development of the whole child—spiritually, intellectually, and socially. The school has adapted over time, incorporating technology and updated curricula while retaining its core commitment to biblical teaching and character formation. Many alumni go on to pursue higher education with a strong foundation in both academics and faith.
Les Finch’s Learning Tree Daycare
- Address: 4217 W. 16th St., Chicago
- Grades: Early Childhood Education
- Why It Stands Out: The daycare emphasizes a nurturing environment that supports the spiritual and developmental needs of young children.
Les Finch’s Learning Tree Daycare was founded to address the critical need for quality early childhood education in the North Lawndale area of Chicago. The center has built a reputation for being a safe, nurturing, and spiritually supportive environment for young children. It has played an essential role in helping working families and has become a trusted part of the community’s early development network.
Koraes Elementary School
- Address: 11025 S. Roberts Road, Palos Hills
- Grades: Preschool-8th Grade
- Why It Stands Out: The school integrates Christian teachings with a rigorous academic curriculum.
Koraes Elementary School is affiliated with Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church and was founded to provide an academically strong education grounded in the Orthodox Christian faith.
It has served the Orthodox and broader community for many years, blending a rigorous curriculum with religious education, Greek language studies and cultural heritage. The school was named after Adamantios Koraes, a key figure in the Greek Enlightenment, reflecting its dedication to both faith and intellectual pursuit.
Lansing Christian School
- Address: 3660 Randolph St., Lansing
- Grades: Pre-K-8th Grade
- Why It Stands Out: The school is known for its dedicated staff and strong academic programs.
Lansing Christian School has its roots in a strong tradition of Christian Reformed education. Established by a group of committed Christian families, the school has served the Lansing area for generations. With a focus on integrating a biblical worldview into all subjects, Lansing Christian has maintained high academic expectations and strong ties to the community. Its mission continues to emphasize faith, family and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Pilgrim Lutheran School
- Address: 4300 N. Winchester Ave., Chicago
- Grades: Preschool–8th Grade
- Why It Stands Out: The school is fully accredited by the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association and recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education.
Pilgrim Lutheran School was founded in 1920 as a summer school program and expanded to year-round education in 1921. Located in the Ravenswood neighborhood of Chicago, it was originally developed to serve the children of Pilgrim Lutheran Church.
The school has grown into a diverse and welcoming institution, deeply rooted in Lutheran tradition yet open to families of all backgrounds. Accredited by both the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association and the Illinois State Board of Education, Pilgrim has remained committed to academic excellence, service, and faith formation for over a century.
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