Lake Forest Academy Photo - Everyone at LFA belongs to one of four houses: Bird, Lewis, Sargent, or Welch. The four Houses compete in a series of mini competitions throughout the year, and the House that earns the most points wins!

Best Illinois Boarding Schools (2026-27)

For the 2026-27 school year, there are 2 college-prep and junior boarding schools serving 745 students located throughout Illinois.

Historical Statistics Overview

This State (IL)
US
# Schools
2 Schools
# Students
745 Students
107,111 Students

Academics and Faculty

This State (IL)
US
Average Student-Teacher Ratio
9:1
8:1
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
69%
69%

Academic Programs

This State (IL)
US
Avg. AP Courses
16
22
Avg. IB Courses
n/a
28
Avg. Class Size
15
13

Academic Performance

This State (IL)
US
Avg. SAT Score
1385
1270
Avg. ACT Score
29
27
Avg. Acceptance Rate
57%
59%

Tuition and Finances

This State (IL)
US
Avg. Tuition (Boarding)
$50,488
$64,480
Avg. Tuition (Day)
$30,750
$38,054
Avg. Tuition (International)
$18,750
$62,481
Avg. Financial Aid Rate
32%
42%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$3,000
$26,973
Avg. Endowment
$56 MM
$83 MM

Student Diversity

This State (IL)
US
% Students of Color
31%
30%
% International Students
18%
27%
% Boarding Students
32%
59%

Top Illinois Boarding Schools (2026-27)

School
Location
Quick Facts
Lake Forest Academy
Lake Forest Academy Photo - Lake Forest Academy's 452 students are from over 19 states and 40 countries. Our student body includes 22% international students, 43% domestic students of color, and 34% of students receive financial aid.
(2)
1500 West Kennedy Road
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 615-3267
Gr: 9-12, PG | 452 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Avg. class size: 12 students Acceptance rate: 34% Tuition listed
Saint Bede Academy
Saint Bede Academy Photo - With an average student population of 300, our small class sizes offer students one-on-one interaction with their instructors.
(Catholic)
24 W US Highway 6
Peru, IL 61354
(815) 250-0285
Gr: 9-12 | 293 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Avg. class size: 18 students Acceptance rate: 80% Tuition listed

Frequently Asked Questions

How many boarding schools are located in Illinois?
There are 2 college-preparatory boarding schools located in Illinois.
What is the oldest boarding school in Illinois?
Lake Forest Academy, founded in 1857, is the oldest boarding school in Illinois.

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