For the 2026 school year, there are 2 college-prep and junior boarding schools serving 745 students located throughout Illinois.
You can also browse our full boarding school directory or specify additional search criteria.
Top Illinois Boarding Schools (2026)
School
Location
Quick Facts
1500 West Kennedy Road
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 615-3267
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. 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
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.
Recent Articles
What Boarding School Is Like in 2026: Life, Costs, Trends
Learn what boarding school life is like in 2026, including costs, routines, policies, trends, and planning tips for parents and students.
Famous Boarding School Alumni and What They Teach Parents (2026 Update)
Updated 2026 guide to notable boarding school alumni, trends in costs and enrollment, and what families should know when planning for boarding school.
How to Visit a Boarding School Campus: Parent Checklist
A step-by-step 2026 parent checklist for visiting a boarding school campus, from planning to post-visit evaluation.



