Oak Park, Illinois, is a village renowned for its rich architectural history, vibrant arts scene, and deep commitment to community and education. While its public school system is highly regarded, Oak Park also offers a diverse array of private and parochial schools. These institutions provide unique educational philosophies, specialized programs, and close-knit communities that cater to a wide range of learning styles and family values.

This guide explores some of the prominent private schools in Oak Park, offering a look into their distinct missions, programs, and contributions to the community. For families considering educational options beyond the public system, these schools represent a wealth of opportunity.

Fenwick High School

Address: 505 Washington Blvd, Oak Park, IL 60302

Fenwick, a premier Catholic, Dominican, and college preparatory high school, has been a cornerstone of the Oak Park community for nearly a century, offering a rigorous education rooted in faith, tradition, and service. Dedicated to shaping ethical leaders, critical thinkers, and compassionate individuals, Fenwick stands out for its commitment to excellence.

Known for its challenging curriculum, the school offers numerous Advanced Placement (AP) and honors courses, preparing students for top-tier universities nationwide. Guided by the Dominican tradition, Fenwick embraces the four pillars of Prayer, Study, Community, and Preaching, fostering both intellectual and spiritual growth. Beyond academics, Fenwick provides a vibrant student experience with a highly competitive athletics program. The school has a storied history of success, winning state championships in sports like Girls’ Tennis in 2022 and the IHSA Class 5A Football State Championship in 2021. With a variety of clubs, arts, and service opportunities, students are encouraged to explore their passions and develop as well-rounded individuals.

The Children’s School

Address: 820 Ontario St, Oak Park, IL 60302

The Children’s School, with around 200 students from preschool through eighth grade, offers a unique, progressive learning environment built on the belief that children are natural, curious learners. By emphasizing inquiry, exploration, and collaboration, the school nurtures curiosity and critical-thinking skills in a supportive, multi-age setting. What sets The Children’s School apart is its project-based approach, where hands-on, in-depth projects integrate learning across subjects, encouraging students to explore topics from multiple perspectives. Multi-age classrooms foster a strong sense of community, allowing students to collaborate, mentor, and learn from one another. With a balanced focus on social-emotional growth, the school helps students develop empathy, self-awareness, and social responsibility alongside academic excellence, creating a truly holistic educational experience.

St. Giles School

Address: 1034 Linden Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302

As a National Blue Ribbon School, St. Giles has offered a faith-based education to the Oak Park community for over 90 years. This Catholic parish school for students from preschool through eighth grade aims to educate the whole child—mind, body, and spirit. It combines rigorous academics with spiritual formation and a strong commitment to service, preparing students for success in competitive high school environments. St. Giles integrates Catholic values into daily life, with students participating in service projects that instill a sense of compassion and social justice. The school is also distinguished by its deeply rooted and supportive community, with generations of families having attended and an active parent and parish network.

Ascension Catholic School

Address: 601 Van Buren St, Oak Park, IL 60304

Located at 601 Van Buren Street in Oak Park, Ascension Catholic School offers a nurturing, faith-filled environment for students from preschool through eighth grade. As a parish school, its mission is to foster academic excellence while developing students into compassionate, responsible, and faith-driven individuals. With a focus on creating a close-knit community, Ascension offers smaller class sizes that allow for personalized instruction and strong student-teacher relationships. The curriculum is designed to challenge students intellectually while supporting their spiritual and moral growth, grounding the educational experience in Catholic teachings and virtues like kindness, respect, and integrity. To prepare students for a digital world, the school also embraces modern educational tools, integrating technology into the classroom to enhance learning.

Cornerstone Academy

Address: 607 Harvard St, Oak Park, IL 60304

Cornerstone Academy offers a comprehensive educational journey for students from preschool through high school, grounded in a private, non-denominational Christian philosophy. The school partners with parents to foster academic rigor and strong character development, preparing students for college and beyond with a firm moral compass. What elevates Cornerstone Academy is its commitment to integrating a biblical worldview across all subjects, creating a cohesive educational experience where faith and learning are intertwined. The curriculum also incorporates elements of classical education, emphasizing logic, critical thinking, and articulate communication. This robust academic approach is nurtured within an intimate, family-like atmosphere where every student is known personally, ensuring they feel supported as they grow both intellectually and spiritually.

St. Catherine-St. Lucy School

Address: 27 Washington Blvd, Oak Park, IL 60302

Situated on the border of Oak Park and Chicago’s Austin neighborhood, St. Catherine-St. Lucy School is a Catholic institution with a rich history of serving a diverse community of students from preschool through eighth grade. The school is committed to providing a high-quality, faith-based education that empowers every student to achieve their full potential. What students and parents alike love about St. Catherine-St. Lucy School is the multicultural student body and the inclusive environment it fosters, where all backgrounds are celebrated and respected. With a strong focus on developing future leaders, St. Catherine-St. Lucy instills confidence, a love for learning, and a commitment to service, all while maintaining deep ties to its parish and the surrounding neighborhoods. This creates a powerful and supportive network for its families and enriches the student experience through unique programs like its well-regarded music ministry, which integrates artistic expression with spiritual growth.