Across Chicagoland, families are seeking private schools that deliver personalized learning, close-knit classroom settings and globally minded curricula to prepare students for academic success in a rapidly evolving world.
To help families make informed choices, this list highlighting the best private schools in DuPage 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 top private schools in DuPage County.
Read more: Best Private Schools in Chicagoland
Featured private schools in DuPage County
In this section, Chicago Parent’s advertising partners share their top school offerings.
Chesterbrook Academy
- Address: 1450 Quincy Bridge Road, Bartlett; 4622 Lacey Avenue, Lisle; 1587 Oswego Road, Naperville; 813 N. River Road, Shorewood; 6351 S. Cass Ave., Westmont; 275 W. Loop Road, Wheaton; 2001 S. Oak St., Champaign
- Phone: 877-959-4182
- Grades served: 6 weeks-Pre-K2
- Number of students: Child to Teacher Ratios: Infants 4:1, Toddlers 5:1, 2-year-olds 8:1, 3 years+ 10:1
- Type: Private School
Preschool marks the beginning of a lifelong learning journey, and Chesterbrook Academy ensures it starts in a joyful, nurturing environment. Far more than child care, the school’s program blends hands-on learning with purposeful play to foster social, emotional and academic growth. The goal is to help every child feel confident, happy and well-prepared for the next stage of learning.
Central to the preschool experience is the Links to Learning curriculum, a proprietary framework developed by early childhood education experts. This adaptive curriculum supports each child’s individual pace and interests, building foundational skills in literacy, math, science, art and social development through engaging, age-appropriate lessons.
Dedicated teachers at Chesterbrook Academy bring learning to life with activities that spark curiosity and creativity. Whether students are stacking blocks, exploring nature, or engaging in imaginative play, they’re developing essential skills while having fun. Families are encouraged to visit and see firsthand how this program helps young learners thrive.
Immaculate Conception Grade School
- Address: 132 Arthur Street, Elmhurst
- Phone: 630-530-3486
- Grades served: Preschool (3 Year Old)-Grade 8
- Number of students: 556
- Type: Private School, Religious School, Gifted/Talented Program School
At Immaculate Conception Grade School (ICGS), the school partners with parents to prepare students to become Catholic leaders. ICGS offers a rigorous curriculum with classroom differentiation in core subjects such as reading and math, based on student ability. Beginning in 5th grade, students can participate in no-cut sports including track and cross country, basketball, volleyball, and football. ICGS also offers more than 40 clubs and extracurricular activities, including Chess Club, Tech Club, the School Play, Destination Imagination, Battle of the Books, and many more.
Faith formation is a cornerstone of the ICGS experience. Students have multiple opportunities to grow in their faith, including weekly school Mass, Sacrament preparation and retreats, and the involvement of both the Pastor and Associate Pastor. Faith Families—groups made up of students from every grade, 1st through 8th—gather monthly to work on collaborative projects that reinforce community and faith.
The ICGS community is second to none. Parents are highly involved and form close bonds within the school family. The school embraces the “ICGS Family” philosophy, treating every student, parent and staff member with care, respect and a sense of belonging.
Music Institute of Chicago
- Address: Fourth Presbyterian Church – Gratz Center, 126 E. Chestnut St., Chicago; St. James Cathedral, 65 E. Huron St., Chicago; Faith United Methodist Church, 432 59th Street, Downers Grove, Music Institute of Chicago, 1490 Chicago Avenue, Evanston; Grace United Methodist Church, 244 E. Center Ave., Lake Bluff; Music Institute of Chicago, 40 E. Old Mill Road, Lake Forest; Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 802 E. Geneva Road, Wheaton; Music Institute of Chicago, 300 Green Bay Road, Winnetka
- Phone: 847-905-1500
- Grades served: Preschool-12 and adults
- Number of students: More than 1,500 annually
- Type: Private School, Arts-Focused School
The Music Institute of Chicago (MIC) is one of the nation’s leading community music schools, dedicated to nurturing music makers of all ages and skill levels. MIC’s mission is to build a lifelong love of music by teaching essential listening, creative and expressive skills. Through a personalized teacher placement process and high-quality programs, students benefit from a supportive environment that fosters musical growth, cognitive development, and cultural enrichment.
MIC offers private music lessons across all instruments, styles, and experience levels, along with a vibrant community of fellow students, families, and concertgoers. The school is home to one of the Midwest’s most comprehensive Suzuki programs, following the philosophy that every child can learn and thrive musically. Suzuki instruction is available for piano, violin, viola, cello, bass, flute, guitar, harp and recorder.
For the youngest learners, MIC offers Musikgarten® classes for children from birth to age seven. These early childhood music and movement programs are designed to support cognitive, emotional and physical development—while sparking joy through shared musical experiences.
The Gardner School
- Address: Naperville (630-657-5029), 28W611 Ferry Road, Warrenville; Naperville North (630-983-9190), 1128 Compass Court, Naperville; Naperville South (630-848-1122), 3040 Reflection Drive, Naperville; Warrenville (630-791-9525), 27W457 Warrenville Road, Warrenville; Bucktown (773-661-0151), 1612 W. North Ave., Chicago
Lincoln Park (773-661-0232), 2850 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago; Lincolnshire (847-415-5420), 250 Barclay Blvd, Lincolnshire; North Center (773-920-2485), 3819 N. Western Ave., Chicago; Northbrook (847-770-6260), 2380 Waterview Drive, Northbrook; Oakbrook Terrace (630-576-4740), 17W642 E. Butterfield Road, Oakbrook Terrace; Ravenswood (773-948-7543), 1525 W. Wilson Ave., Chicago; River North (312-546-3183), 500 W. Superior, Chicago; Schaumburg (847-592-2513), 1285 E. Woodfield Road, Schaumburg; West Loop (312-229-4299), 1301 W. Madison St, Chicago; Yorktown Center (630-519-6760), 98 Yorktown, Lombard - Grades served: 6 weeks to 5 years old (Naperville South and Warrenville locations serve 6 weeks to 12 years old)
- Type: Private School, Language Immersion School, STEM-Focused School, Arts-Focused School
The Gardner School offers a thoughtfully designed learning environment that supports each child’s physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development. With a strong emphasis on building self-esteem during key developmental stages, the school nurtures each student at their own pace, laying a solid educational foundation for future success. Headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee, The Gardner School is a privately owned organization, which allows for consistent leadership and a unified educational philosophy across all campuses.
Blending traditional and Montessori-inspired teaching methods, the school’s curriculum includes a balance of structured play, child-led exploration, and academic lessons. This dynamic approach encourages curiosity, creativity, and independence in a nurturing, supportive environment. By fostering a culture of acceptance and discovery, The Gardner School cultivates not only academic readiness but also a lifelong love of learning in every child.
Best private schools in DuPage County
1. Naperville Christian Academy, Naperville (A+)
- Address: 1451 Raymond Drive, Suite 200, Naperville
- Why it stands out: Naperville Christian Academy forms the foundation of its teaching on classical methodology. Students are taught rigorous subject matter in the core subjects with an emphasis on Christ.
Naperville Christian Academy is ranked as the number one private school in DuPage County. The PreK-12 Christian school uses its rigorous college prep environment to encourage children to become model citizens.
The school employs a classical methodology for the basis of its education. Students are educated in the liberal arts using a traditional European method and the school is a member of the Association of Classical and Christian Schools and the Society for Classical Learning.
Naperville Christian Academy is a diverse Christian school offering rigorous academics centered on Christ in a college prep environment.
2. St. Francis High School (A+)
- Address: 2130 W. Roosevelt Road, Wheaton
- Why it stands out: St. Francis High School seeks to prepare students for the demands of college and careers. Students are taught in a rigorous setting that allows for individualized schedules.
St. Francis High School is a co-ed Catholic high school located about 25 miles west of Chicago.
The high school offers honors, Advanced Placement (AP) and electives so that students may design a schedule that fits their interests and needs. St. Francis emphasizes faith, self-discipline and morals in its teaching.
Student life includes athletics like tennis, volleyball and lacrosse. Students are encouraged to participate in sports and clubs in order to become well-rounded graduates.
3. Benet Academy (A+)
- Address: 2200 Maple Ave., Lisle
- Why it stands out: A Catholic institution in the Benedictine tradition, the Benet Academy combines standout academics with strong social development.
Benet Academy strives to offer students a balanced environment where academics, religion and social development all play an important role.
The Academy, a co-ed 9-12 Catholic high school, is guided by Benedictine tradition. Students learn in a disciplined environment which promotes work and prayer.
Through academics, extracurriculars and service options, the Benet Academy prepares students to lead successful and ethical lives while serving God.
4. IC Catholic Prep (A+)
- Address: 217 South Cottage Hill Ave., Elmhurst
- Why it stands out: IC Catholic Prep offers a rigorous high school experience in a Catholic environment with plenty of extracurricular and service options.
IC Catholic Prep is a co-ed Catholic school serving grades 9-12. The high school offers a rigorous college prep environment paired with a religious education.
Students at IC Catholic Prep are held to high standards. Graduates of the school have a 100 percent college acceptance rate and many go on to study at high-ranking universities.
The private school offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses and many extracurricular options.
5. Montini Catholic High School (A)
- Address: 19W070 16th St., Lombard
- Why it stands out: Montini Catholic High School is known for its faith-based education, excellent academics and robust student life.
For high school students seeking a faith-centered education, Montini Catholic might be the right pick.
The school offers an abundance of choice for dual-credit and honors classes. Students can choose from four dual-credit courses, 17 Advanced Placement (AP) classes and 30 honors level courses.
As for student life, Montini Catholic high schoolers can choose from more than 10 sports, join activities like Broadcaster’s Club and take on service opportunities.
6. Wheaton Academy (A)
- Address: 900 Prince Crossing Road, West Chicago
- Why it stands out: This private high school stands out for its strong commitment to creating community-minded Christian graduates.
Wheaton Academy is a National Blue Ribbon awarded school serving grades 9-12.
Student life is centered around the school’s “Kingdom Community” culture. The concept is a “theological expression of God’s intent for the way Christians should live in relationship with God and one another,” the school says.
Students receive an academically rigorous education coupled with the chance to form a deep sense of community through religion.
7. Clapham School (A)
- Address: 123 North Scott St., Wheaton
- Why it stands out: Clapham School teaches students using time-tested methodology combined with a focus on Christ.
Clapham School is a Christian PreK-12 private school located in Wheaton.
The school employs a classical methodology for the basis of its education. Students are educated in the liberal arts using a traditional European method paired with a deeply religious environment.
Clapham Academy also uses a House sorting system to create a sense of community. Students are sorted into different houses where they build lifelong relationships with their housemates.
8. Timothy Christian Schools (A)
- Address: 188 W Butterfield Road, Elmhurst
- Why it stands out: Timothy Christian Schools stands out for its commitment to creating well-rounded students in a Christian environment. The school offers tons of options to get involved, and students graduate with lifelong friends.
Timothy Christian Schools is a private PreK-12 school serving roughly 1,260 students on a 26-acre campus. The private school is non-denominational and more than 200 local churches are represented by its student body.
Timothy Christian is known for its robust student life–students participate in game days, compete on the field and choose from tons of afterschool clubs.
Students seeking a rewarding community of peers in a biblically-minded environment will find it at Timothy Christian.
9. Islamic Foundation School (A)
- Address: 300 W. Highridge Road, Villa Park
- Why it stands out: The Islamic Foundation School is committed to educating students in a college prep environment while developing them in the Islamic faith.
Islamic Foundation School, located in Villa Park, serves grades PreK-12. Faith-based values are upheld and celebrated at this private school which operates as a hub for the area’s Muslim community.
Students in the upper grades may choose to participate in Advanced Placement (AP) classes, honors courses or dual enrollment. To help enrich a variety of interests, students can choose from dozens of clubs with subjects like coding, crochet, origami and more.
Students graduate from Islamic Foundation School with developed principles of scholarship, character and service.
10. Marquette Manor Baptist Academy (A-)
- Address: 333 75th Street, Downers Grove
- Why it stands out: This private school seeks to prepare students for a spiritually challenging world through the teaching of a biblical worldview.
Marquette Manor Baptist Academy educates its PreK-12 students in the Christian faith.
Teachers lead students toward a fulfilling life of service through a strong spiritual emphasis. Alongside intentional bible study and prayer, students are educated in a college prep environment.
Fine arts and athletics are another priority for Marquette Manor Baptist Academy: students are encouraged to participate in sports and clubs.
Follow Chicago Parent on Instagram.
