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
270 Schools
# Students
745 Students
106,591 Students

Academics and Faculty

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

Academic Programs

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

Academic Performance

This State (IL)
US
Avg. SAT Score
n/a
1270
Avg. ACT Score
n/a
27
Avg. Acceptance Rate
n/a
59%

Tuition and Finances

This State (IL)
US
Avg. Tuition (Boarding)
n/a
$64,477
Avg. Tuition (Day)
n/a
$38,040
Avg. Tuition (International)
n/a
$62,455
Avg. Financial Aid Rate
n/a
42%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
n/a
$26,973
Avg. Endowment
n/a
$83 MM

Student Diversity

This State (IL)
US
% Students of Color
n/a
30%
% International Students
n/a
27%
% Boarding Students
n/a
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.

Recent Articles

5-Day vs. 7-Day Boarding: Which Schedule Fits?
5-Day vs. 7-Day Boarding: Which Schedule Fits?
Compare 5-day vs. 7-day boarding schedules, including weekends, family time, costs, travel, independence, activities, and student fit, to determine which boarding arrangement best suits your family’s needs today.
Before Paying the Enrollment Deposit: 15 Questions
Before Paying the Enrollment Deposit: 15 Questions
Before paying a boarding school enrollment deposit, review these 15 essential questions about contracts, costs, financial aid, academics, residential life, student support, travel, and your child's readiness to enroll.
Your Second Boarding School Visit: Final Decision Guide
Your Second Boarding School Visit: Final Decision Guide
A second boarding school visit can reveal what the first tour missed. Learn what to examine, ask, compare, and verify before your family makes a final enrollment decision.

Featured Schools