Lake County families are exploring private schools that prioritize tailored learning, smaller class sizes and internationally oriented education to help students thrive in today’s competitive academic landscape.
To help families make informed choices, this list highlighting the best private schools in Lake 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 Lake County.
Read more: Best Private Schools in Chicagoland
Featured private schools in Lake County
In this section, Chicago Parent’s advertising partners share their top school offerings.
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.
Best private schools in Lake County
1. Lake Forest Academy (A+)
- Address: 1500 W. Kennedy Road, Lake Forest
- Why it stands out: A rigorous academic program coupled with a true commitment to creating a class of global learners puts this picturesque boarding school at the top of the list.
This private high school holds the top ranking for the best private school in Lake County as well as the entire Chicago area. The picturesque boarding school is renowned for its commitment to creating globally minded graduates.
Every year, about 25 percent of students travel to expand their horizons. In 2024, student travel included trips to New York City and Costa Rica. Lake Forest Academy is also a member of School Year Abroad, offering its students the opportunity to spend time studying on a campus in France, Italy or Spain.
The Academy offers rigorous academic options including AP classes, an independent study program and intensive arts courses. As for campus life, students enjoy a well-funded athletics program with excellent facilities plus fun activities like competing for the house cup.
2. Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart (A+)
- Address: 760 E. Westleigh Road, Lake Forest
- Why it stands out: Woodlands Academy is a 41-acre campus with an average class size of 10. Roughly 20% of its students are boarders.
This private, all-girls day and boarding high school is an exceptional environment for a Catholic education.
Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart is committed to facilitating growth in its students. A rigorous college prep environment paired with many opportunities for clubs, sports and extracurriculars ensures every student has the option to grow.
The school is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools and the National Coalition of Girls’ Schools.
3. Carmel Catholic High School (A)
- Address: One Carmel Parkway, Mundelein
- Why it stands out: This co-ed Catholic school provides a rigorous learning environment alongside a vibrant student community. Plus, renovations for a student center and auditorium foyer are underway.
Located in a Northern suburb of Chicago, Carmel Catholic High School is a premier, co-ed Catholic school. The school is a five-time National Blue Ribbon School.
The school uses a university model rotation schedule for its rigorous classes. Students may take Advanced Placement (AP), dual credit and college prep level courses. High achieving students might take classes at Milwaukee School of Engineering, Loyola University or College of Lake County.
Student life at Carmel Catholic High School is vibrant. Students choose from tons of clubs and sports options like tennis, esports and cheerleading.
Plus, plans for a new, modern student center and auditorium foyer are underway.
4. Fusion Academy Lake Forest (A-)
- Address: 840 S. Waukegan Road, Suite 224, Lake Forest
- Why it stands out: Students with learning differences thrive at Fusion Academy Lake Forest. One-on-one support from educators means students are given a truly personalized education.
Fusion Academy is a hub for personalized learning for grades 6-12. The school focuses on educating students with learning, social or emotional differences.
The school stands out for its commitment to a one-to-one environment. Only one student and one teacher work together at a time, whether in-person or virtually.
The Fusion Academy located in Lake Forest offers one-to-one learning, virtual small groups and self-directed learning.
5. Westlake Christian Academy (B+)
- Address: 275 South Lake Street, Grayslake
- Why it stands out: Westlake Christian Academy develops graduates who are well-rounded and honor Jesus Christ.
Westlake Christian Academy educates its PreK-12 students from a biblical perspective.
Christian families choose Westlake Christian Academy for its commitment to centering Christ and developing the whole child.
Plus, the school offers sports like volleyball, soccer and cross country. Home school students are able to join the sports teams as well.
6. Lake County Christian Academy (B)
- Address: 1550 W. Yorkhouse Road, Waukegan
- Why it stands out: Lake County Christian Academy offers a Christ-centered curriculum and worldview. The small-school environment contributes to a close-knit community.
Lake County Christian Academy is a Baptist school serving grades PreK-12. Students receive a Christ-centered education where church, school and homelife work together to uphold Christian values.
Students take classes in subjects like art, band, choir, coding, sign language and more. The school’s sports program offers volleyball, soccer and basketball and is part of the Illinois Association of Christian Schools.
7. Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep (B)
- Address: 3106 Belvidere Road, Waukegan
- Why it stands out: This school stands out for its commitment to creating graduates who are prepared for the real world. Students are trained in a college prep environment and can gain professional career experience through a Work Study Program.
Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep is a co-ed high school committed to upholding Catholic values.
The school offers 11 Advanced Placement (AP) classes and allows students to earn the Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy, which the state’s public universities will accept as equivalent to two years of Spanish coursework.
Students can also participate in the Work Study Program, where they are placed with local businesses to give them real work experience.
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