The Top Private Schools in Evanston, IL

Selecting the right educational institution is one of the most significant decisions a family can make. For residents of Evanston, Illinois, a city known for its strong community values and commitment to academic excellence, the options for private education are both abundant and distinguished. These institutions offer specialized curricula, smaller class sizes, and unique educational philosophies that cater to a wide range of student needs and aspirations.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the top private schools in Evanston. We will explore each school’s specific programs, grade levels served, campus culture, and notable achievements. This information is intended to serve as a foundational resource for families navigating the educational landscape and seeking an environment that aligns with their child’s academic and personal development goals.

Roycemore School

Address: 1200 Davis St, Evanston, IL 60201

Roycemore School offers a personalized, college-preparatory education within a nurturing and inclusive community. With a history extending over a century, the school is dedicated to inspiring a passion for learning and fostering academic and personal excellence.

• Grades Served: Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12
• Approximate Student Population: 250
• Curriculum Details: Roycemore utilizes a student-centered approach with small class sizes, allowing for individualized attention. The curriculum is rigorous, with a strong emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. The Upper School offers a wide array of Advanced Placement (AP) courses. A standout feature is the January Short Term (J-Term), a three-week immersive program where students explore a single subject in depth through hands-on projects, travel, or internships.
• Awards and Recognition: Roycemore School is consistently ranked among the top private schools in Illinois. It is recognized for its strong academics and commitment to diversity and inclusion. The school has received accolades for its individualized learning programs and its graduates are regularly accepted into highly selective colleges and universities.

Baker Demonstration School

Address: 201 Sheridan Rd, Wilmette, IL 60091 (Note: While located just north of the Evanston border, it serves many Evanston families)

Baker Demonstration School is a leader in progressive education, focusing on experiential, hands-on learning. The school’s philosophy is centered on the belief that children learn best by doing, and its curriculum is designed to cultivate curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning.

• Grades Served: Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 8
• Approximate Student Population: 200
• Curriculum Details: Baker’s curriculum is theme-based and project-oriented. Core subjects like math, science, and literacy are integrated into interdisciplinary studies that connect learning to real-world contexts. Teachers act as facilitators, guiding students through inquiry-based projects. The program also places a strong emphasis on social-emotional learning, arts education, and physical development.
• Awards and Recognition: Baker Demonstration School is nationally recognized for its progressive educational model. It is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS). The school is frequently highlighted as a model for experiential learning, and its faculty are often presenters at national education conferences.

Beacon Academy

Beacon Academy is a Montessori-based high school that extends the principles of independent, self-directed learning to the secondary level. It provides a unique educational model for adolescents, combining rigorous academics with a focus on student agency and real-world application.

• Grades Served: Grades 9 through 12
• Approximate Student Population: 260
• Curriculum Details: The curriculum at Beacon Academy is grounded in Montessori principles and also incorporates the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. This dual approach fosters intellectual curiosity, deep inquiry, and a global perspective. The school’s “Intersession” program allows students to engage in intensive, week-long courses on specialized topics, often involving travel and community engagement.
• Awards and Recognition: As one of a limited number of Montessori high schools in the country, Beacon Academy has garnered national attention. It is an authorized IB World School, a designation that reflects its high standards of teaching and learning. The school is recognized for its innovative approach to secondary education and for preparing students for success in higher education and beyond.

St. Athanasius School

Address: 2510 Ashland Ave, Evanston, IL 60201

St. Athanasius School provides a faith-based education rooted in Catholic traditions, combined with a strong commitment to academic excellence. The school fosters a close-knit community environment where spiritual development, service, and rigorous learning are integrated.

• Grades Served: Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 8
• Approximate Student Population: 350
• Curriculum Details: The academic program at St. Athanasius follows the curriculum guidelines of the Archdiocese of Chicago. It offers a comprehensive education in core subjects, supplemented by instruction in religion, fine arts, technology, and world languages. The school emphasizes differentiated instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners and integrates technology to enhance the learning experience.
• Awards and Recognition: St. Athanasius School has been recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. This prestigious award affirms the school’s status as one of the highest-performing schools in the nation, celebrating its overall academic excellence and progress in closing achievement gaps.

Chiaravalle Montessori School

Address: 425 Dempster St, Evanston, IL 60201

Chiaravalle Montessori School provides an authentic Montessori education that nurtures children’s natural desire to learn. The school environment is carefully prepared to encourage independence, self-discipline, and a deep respect for oneself, others, and the world.

• Grades Served: Toddler (16 months) through Grade 8
• Approximate Student Population: 300
• Curriculum Details: The school’s modern Montessori approach combines traditional philosophy and materials with contemporary, evidence-based educational research, including integrated arts and sciences. Its multi-age classrooms encourage students to learn from and mentor one another through a hands-on process. Using specially designed Montessori materials, children can explore complex concepts at their own pace. The middle school program offers rigorous academic work, challenging adolescents with opportunities for community leadership and entrepreneurship.
• Awards and Recognition: Chiaravalle Montessori School is accredited by both the American Montessori Society (AMS) and the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS). This dual accreditation signifies its commitment to both authentic Montessori principles and high standards of independent school education.