British International School of Chicago - South Loop vs DePaul College Prep

	B British International School of Chicago - South Loop Chicago, United States	D DePaul College Prep Chicago, United States
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year $19,415 - 47,745	Fees / year $21,150
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 14 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum, IPC (International Primary Curriculum), Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP)	Curriculum Advanced Placement (AP), IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils 800	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size 15	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2001	Opened 2014
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location 161 W 9th St, Chicago, IL 60605, United States. The school is in Chicago, Illinois.	Location Mailing Address: 3333 N. Rockwell Street, Chicago, IL 60618. Main Entrance & Parking: 3300 N. Campbell Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618. Located in Chicago, Illinois.
Stages	Stages Early Years (ages 3–5); Primary (ages 5–11, Years 1–6); Middle School (ages 11–14, Years 7–9); High School (ages 14–18, Years 10–13).	Stages Grades 9-12 (high school).
School type	School type Private K-12 school. It offers education for ages 3–18.	School type Catholic, co-ed, college-prep high school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix 40+ nationalities represented.	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support Learning specialists provide curricular support for diagnosed learning differences; targeted strategy support in reading comprehension, written expression, math, and executive functioning. Instructional support is provided inside and outside the classroom. Learning specialists manage classroom and testing accommodations and communicate with teachers, parents, and outside professionals. They help students develop independence through self-awareness, proactivity, perseverance, goal setting, support networks, and emotional coping strategies.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation England (curriculum aligned with the English National Curriculum).	Country affiliation United States
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation Catholic (Vincentian Catholic Identity).
School day structure	School day structure Admission hours: School days 8am–5pm; Non-school days 9am–4pm.	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details TUITION FEES (2026–27 academic year) - Nursery (part-time): USD 19,170 per year. - Nursery (full-time): USD 31,950 per year. - Reception: USD 34,700 per year. - Years 1–6: USD 39,950 per year. - Years 7–10: USD 43,425 per year. - Year 11: USD 43,750 per year. - Years 12–13: USD 45,750 per year. . Per-term amounts (three-term academic year) - The school operates on a three-term (Autumn / Spring / Summer) academic calendar; per-term figures below are calculated as the annual tuition divided by three (equal-term division). - Nursery (part-time) per term: USD 6,390. - Nursery (full-time) per term: USD 10,650. - Reception per term: USD 11,567. - Years 1–6 per term: USD 13,317. - Years 7–10 per term: USD 14,475. - Year 11 per term: USD 14,583. - Years 12–13 per term: USD 15,250. - These per-term figures are calculations based on the annual tuition and the school's three-term calendar. Annual and recurring additional fees - Trip fee (all years): USD 180 billed each school year. - Yearbook: USD 65 billed each school year. - Full-time Nursery to Year 9 lunches: USD 2,000 billed each school year. - Year 11 exam costs (annual): USD 1,750. - Year 13 exam costs (annual): USD 1,750. - The items above are billed on an annual basis in addition to tuition. Application, enrollment and new-student fees - Application fee (non-refundable): USD 100. - New Student Fee (one-time, non-refundable): USD 2,300 (applied to capital and curriculum investments). - The New Student Fee is due with the signed enrollment agreement. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition and the listed annual fees are presented as amounts for the academic year; the school's calendar runs across three terms (Autumn, Spring, Summer). - New-student fees are due at the time the enrollment agreement is signed. - Specific invoice due dates, available installment options, and any late-payment penalties are set in the school's enrollment agreement and terms and conditions; invoices and billing align with the academic-year structure. Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable for this campus; no boarding fees are listed for the South Loop location. Other costs and periodic purchases - Uniforms: available from Tommy Hilfiger and Lands' End (items purchased separately). - PE kit: ordered via the school's online ordering portal. - Optional charges that families commonly pay include before- or after-school care, extracurricular clubs, camps, some class trips, and certain exam or assessment fees beyond those listed above. Refund information - The Application Fee and the New Student Fee are non-refundable. - The school's standard terms and conditions provide that refunds (where applicable) are processed by bank transfer and that a school will not refund any portion of a tuition term once that term has commenced. - Parents' contractual obligations for invoiced tuition, notice periods for withdrawal, and the precise refund calculation method (if any) are governed by the school's enrollment agreement and the school's terms and conditions. Fee adjustments and discounts - Northwestern University employee discount: 20% tuition discount for benefits-eligible Northwestern University employees. - Sibling discounts: second child receives a 3.5% tuition discount; any additional children receive a 7% tuition discount. Fee payment options and transaction fees - Online payment portal is available for electronic payments (school payment portal). - Accepted electronic payment methods and their processing fees: - Credit card payments: assessed a service fee of 2.99%. - Debit card payments: assessed a service fee of 0.99%. - ACH (eCheck / bank transfer): no service fee. - Payments made through the school's online portal are the primary electronic option; the school issues invoices and records payments via its billing system. Contact for fee queries and payments - Admissions: admissions@bischicagosl.org; telephone +1 (773) 998 2472. - General inquiries: +1 (773) 599 2472. - The school provides an online payment portal (for electronic payment methods and merchant fees).	Fee details Application fees - There is no separate application fee listed. A non-refundable Registration Fee of USD 550 is charged for all students and is billed through the school's tuition management system. Tuition by school year (amounts shown per academic year and per installment option) - 2026/2027 (All students) - Tuition (annual): USD 20,600. - Registration Fee (non-refundable): USD 550. - Total at initial billing (tuition + registration): USD 21,150. - Payment-plan breakdowns (based on the full total before any scholarships, discounts, or credits): - Annual (pay in full): USD 21,150 due on the single due date. A 2% discount on tuition is applied if the tuition portion is paid in full by the annual due date. - Semi-annual (2 payments): two equal installments of USD 10,575 (1st installment due July; 2nd installment due December). - Quarterly (4 payments): four equal installments of USD 5,287.50 (due July, October, January, April). - Monthly (10 payments): ten equal installments of USD 2,115 (July through April). - 2025/2026 (All students) - Tuition (annual): USD 19,825. - Registration Fee (non-refundable): USD 550. - Total at initial billing (tuition + registration): USD 20,375. - Payment-plan breakdowns (based on the full total before any scholarships, discounts, or credits): - Annual (pay in full): USD 20,375 due on the single due date. A 2% discount on tuition applies if the tuition portion is paid in full by the annual due date. - Semi-annual (2 payments): two equal installments of USD 10,187.50 (1st installment due July; 2nd installment due December). - Quarterly (4 payments): four equal installments of USD 5,093.75 (due July, October, January, April). - Monthly (10 payments): ten equal installments of USD 2,037.50 (July through April). - Note on calculations: the installment amounts above divide the total annual charge (tuition plus the one-time registration fee) evenly according to the selected plan. Actual installment amounts shown on a family's FACTS account will reflect net tuition after any scholarships, sibling discounts, or other credits, and will include any FACTS enrollment fee where applicable. Additional, course‑specific and one‑time fees - Graduation fee (seniors): USD 275 (one-time). - International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme fee (Juniors and Seniors in the IB Diploma Programme): USD 1,800 payable over the two years of the program. - International Baccalaureate individual course fee (for students taking individual IB courses): USD 220 per course. - One-time, non-refundable school-issued iPad fee for the indicated cohort (Class of 2030): USD 800 (the fee may be payable through the regular payment plans). - Sibling discount: USD 500 per sibling (applied as a credit). - Families should budget additionally for books, one‑to‑one technology costs (where applicable), uniforms, meals, school parking (if used), transportation, AP/IB exam fees, summer school, retreats, and other incidental charges. Many of these incidental charges are billed through the school's incidental billing system. - Uniforms: official uniform pieces are required to be purchased from the school's approved vendor (Tommy Hilfiger / Global Schoolwear partner code). Uniforms are ordered through the vendor; uniform prices are set by that vendor. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition collection and billing cycle: payment plans begin in July and run through April for the academic year. The school finalizes tuition payment plan terms in the FACTS tuition management system between May 1 and mid‑June. Families must enroll and maintain a valid FACTS account for tuition and incidental billing. - Specific due dates by plan (examples shown for the 2025–2026 cycle; equivalent monthly/quarterly timing applies in the 2026–2027 cycle with the July–April collection window): - Annual (pay in full): payment due July 15 (2% tuition discount if paid by this date). - Semi‑annual: 1st installment in July; 2nd installment in December. - Quarterly: installments in July, October, January, and April. - Monthly: ten monthly installments from July through April. - FACTS enrollment fee: a one‑time per school‑year payment plan fee (assessed by FACTS when the payment plan is finalized) is charged; amounts vary by payment frequency and do not exceed USD 50 currently. Returned payment fee: FACTS automatically assesses a USD 30 returned payment fee when a scheduled payment fails. Families are responsible for keeping their FACTS payment method current. Payment methods and how payments are processed - All tuition and fees are billed and collected through the FACTS tuition management system. Families must attach a valid payment method to both the Tuition Payment Plan and the Incidental Billing account in FACTS. FACTS will attempt scheduled withdrawals on the payment dates shown in the plan; banks may show withdrawals as pending before the displayed date. The school and FACTS will provide notice when charges are placed. Credit cards and scheduled electronic withdrawals are used for payments; a payment failure for insufficient funds or an invalid credit card will trigger FACTS returned‑payment procedures and fees. Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable. DePaul College Prep is a Catholic, co‑educational, college‑preparatory high school serving grades 9–12; the school does not operate a boarding program. Other incidental or optional charges - Incidental Billing covers items such as bus fees, AP exam fees, IB program/course fees (when applicable), summer school, retreats (e.g., Kairos), annual registration, and other incidental charges. Families are notified in advance through FACTS before any incidental charge is processed. Parking fees, team or club fees, and meal plans (if used) are typically billed and collected through FACTS or incidental billing. Refund information - Monthly payments that have been made are not refunded if a student withdraws or is dismissed during the July–May period. If tuition has been paid in full, semi‑annually, or quarterly, a prorated tuition refund may be issued at the school's discretion. All outstanding balances must be paid in full to complete student transfers. Important administrative notes relevant to fees and billing - Financial aid and merit scholarships appear as credits in the FACTS tuition account once awards are verified. Outside scholarships and grammar school awards must be submitted to the school for verification so the award can be credited to the FACTS account. - Incidental charges will never be processed in a family's FACTS account without prior email notice. Disputes about charges are handled through the school's Tuition and Financial Aid office. If you require the exact installment amounts displayed on a family account, or need amounts after applying a specific scholarship, sibling discount, or the 2% full‑pay tuition discount, those figures will be calculated and shown in the family's FACTS account when the plan is finalized.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The school teaches the National Curriculum for England and the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) in the Primary years; Middle and High School offer IGCSE and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs.	Curriculum details The school is an International Baccalaureate World School offering the IB Diploma Programme with two enrollment paths: the Full Diploma Programme and an Individual Course Pathway. IB course offerings cover Group 1 to Group 6 and the IB Core (Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, CAS). Students enroll in two-year IB courses as sophomores and may earn college credit whether or not they complete the IB Diploma. In addition to IB, the school offers sixteen Advanced Placement courses beginning in 9th grade (starting in 2024-2025) and summer dual credit and dual enrollment courses at DePaul University beginning in 11th grade. The STEAM-focused program uses interdisciplinary learning with state-of-the-art technology, ten science labs, four maker spaces, an organic garden, and a greenhouse, including robotics, visual and fine arts, film production, computer programming, engineering, and design. The school maintains an 80-minute block schedule to support personalized instruction and includes a robust post-secondary planning program through a DePaul University partnership for dual enrollment and college-credit opportunities.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio 14 to 1
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results 77% of IB Full Diploma Programme graduates earned the IB Diploma in 2025.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression The school paves the way for students to enter prestigious universities worldwide.	Higher education progression Graduates enroll at a broad range of colleges and universities, including DePaul University, Columbia University, Carnegie Mellon University, Boston College, Bucknell University, Butler University, Denison University, Drake University, Elmhurst University, Elon University, and more.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented Advanced learners have access to AP and IB coursework, plus Dual Enrollment at DePaul University. The E.D.G.E. Program, delivered through Superior Chicago Tutoring, offers tutoring and academic coaching for eligible students.
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning —
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview —
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History —
Community	Community —	Community —
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Admissions are personalized to families. The process includes contacting us to start your child's journey, joining a school tour or virtual discovery meeting, submitting an application, and financial aid is available.	Admissions The school invites prospective students and families to learn about the student experience, contact the admissions team, apply to DePaul Prep, and explore financial aid and related information. The admissions process seeks to understand each student's strengths, weaknesses, talents, interests, and values to determine fit within the DePaul Prep community. Fall 2025 admissions and recruitment details include the on-campus Entrance Exam held December 6, 2025; eighth graders who register for the Entrance Exam and test in person receive first preference for admission to the Class of 2030; students who test at another Catholic high school will not be notified of admission unless scores are officially sent to DePaul Prep; students who test at DePaul Prep receive preference for consideration. For the application and supporting materials, submit the last three years of grades/report cards (6th–8th), most recent standardized test scores, the discipline report, birth certificate, and the online application. The Class of 2030 Admissions Application opens December 6 at 8:00 AM and closes December 19 for regular applicants. Required documents include birth certificate; 8th-grade, 7th-grade, and 6th-grade report cards; most recent standardized test scores; discipline report; the most updated IEP/504 plan (if applicable); private evaluation (if available); and a completed Diversity Learning Needs template if applicable. Shadow Days include 8th-grade shadow days for the 25-26 school year which have concluded; 7th-grade shadow day registration is now open. Virtual campus tours are available to sign up, and a Prospective Student Info Card provides ongoing information. Open Houses were held in Fall 2025 (Open House #1 on October 9, 2025; Open House #2 on November 2, 2025). The admissions application is open, and the admissions team can be reached at 773-539-3600 for information.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships DePaul College Prep offers financial aid and several internal and external scholarship opportunities. Financial aid applications for the 26-27 school year opened October 1, 2025 and closed December 31, 2025.
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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