Compare IB Curriculum International Schools in Chicago, United states

161 W 9th St, Chicago, IL 60605, United States. The school is in Chicago, Illinois.

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).

Private K-12 school. It offers education for ages 3–18.

40+ nationalities represented.

England (curriculum aligned with the English National Curriculum).

Admission hours: School days 8am–5pm; Non-school days 9am–4pm.

Part of the Nord Anglia Education family.

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.

The school paves the way for students to enter prestigious universities worldwide.

Metacognition helps students understand how they learn best. Teachers guide reflection on thinking processes, helping students identify strengths and develop personalized approaches to learning. A focus on student reflection and collaboration ensures every student thrives. The school teaches creativity, collaboration, resilience, critical thinking, and compassion, so students work well with others and respond empathetically to peers.

Students develop resilience through growth mindset and self-regulation skills. Metacognition helps students reflect on challenges and use strategies to recover from setbacks. This supports mental wellbeing by fostering confidence, independence, and a proactive approach to learning.

The school has safeguarding measures that are first class.

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.

1726 W Berteau Ave, Chicago, IL 60613. Located in Chicago's Ravenswood neighborhood.

Preschool through Grade 9; Preschool, Elementary School, Middle School, and High School; bilingual German-English instruction.

IB World School (Authorized for the PYP)

40+ nationalities represented; 64% international families

Germany; Official German School Abroad (DAS) in the U.S. Midwest

Lunch is provided through the Yay Lunch program; families can register at yaylunch.com to view the daily menu and place orders. The school schedules two daily 40-minute breaks for K–8 students during which they snack and have lunch; meals are eaten outdoors when weather permits, inside if temperatures drop below 45°F.

The school is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation governed by its Board of Trustees.

GISC is an IB World School authorized for the Primary Years Programme (PYP) offering a German-English bilingual education from Preschool through Grade 9. The majority of subjects are taught in German, and there is full German immersion from Day 1. It is a bilingual program spanning Preschool–Grade 9, with IB credentials and an emphasis on international education.

6.5:1

Fast Track German Language Program (FTGLP) is open to gifted students in Grades 3-6.

SEL is integrated into classroom practice with a Counseling Resource Teacher who collaborates with teachers to implement social-emotional learning, mental health support, and anti-bullying initiatives, ensuring every student feels safe, respected, and valued.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion supports neurodiverse students; staff participate in professional development on inclusion to promote equity and create more supportive learning environments for neurodiverse learners.

Become Bilingual provides English Language Learner (ELL) support; new students in grades K-2 without German fluency join the Become Bilingual Program as German Language Learners, and students with limited English knowledge receive tutoring through BBP as English Language Learners.

The Counseling Resource Teacher supports mental health and social-emotional learning, promoting a positive, supportive environment and anti-bullying initiatives.

The school maintains a Student Bullying Prevention Policy; safety reminders for drop-off and pick-up; all doors are locked during the day with the Front Office as the only access and a visitor sign-in sheet; a state-of-the-art intercom system provides immediate communication and drills for fire, inclement weather, and lockdown.

The school offers a personalized bilingual and international education from Preschool through Grade 8, with High School Grade 9 launching in 2026-2027 and first graduates expected in 2030. It is currently enrolling Preschool to Grade 9. The Expat Brochure describes a full-day preschool through 8th grade program with flexible after-school care until 6:00 pm and extracurricular opportunities for children aged 3 to 14. Classes are taught in German and English, combining German and US curricula within the International Baccalaureate framework. Students in Grade 8 take the DSD I exam. GISC supports a seamless enrollment process through a personalized admissions path and reserves spots in every class for expat families to avoid the stress of a waitlist. GISC accepts new students at any time during the school year.

Expat families have reserved spots in every class to avoid the uncertainty of a waitlist.

615 W Kemper Place, Chicago, IL 60614, in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. EFAC is integrated with the Chicago Public Schools system through partnerships with Abraham Lincoln Elementary School and Lincoln Park High School to serve Kindergarten through 12th grade.

Kindergarten through 12th grade.

French-American bilingual program integrated within the Chicago Public Schools (CPS).

Affiliation with the French Ministry of National Education.

EFAC participates in the Chicago Public Schools lunch program. EFAC students attend Abraham Lincoln Elementary School (ALES) and Lincoln Park High School (LPHS) as part of the CPS integration, and lunch is provided free at these CPS schools.

EFAC is governed by a Board of Trustees, following NAIS best practices. EFAC is a non-profit educational association established in 1979 under the laws of Illinois; its statutes are filed with the Illinois Secretary of State.

The French American School of Chicago (EFAC) offers a seamless bilingual education from Kindergarten through 12th grade, accredited by the French Ministry of Education for K–5. The program blends Chicago Public Schools curricula with French educational standards in collaboration with Abraham Lincoln Elementary School and Lincoln Park High School. Curriculum highlights include: courses taught entirely in French across language, literature, mathematics, history and the arts; as students advance, emphasis on literature, history and geography; and a bilingual International Baccalaureate prepared to support study at international universities.

Offers a bilingual International Baccalaureate to prepare students for success at international universities.

The school does not require any English fluency. Students are fully immersed in English in the CPS system and learn progressively and naturally. A three-year English as a New Language program is offered for non-English-speaking students to achieve fluency in both languages. Three years are expected to be sufficient for fluency in written and oral communication in both French and English. The program is part of EFAC within the CPS framework, with certification through the French CM2 level and the option to take the French section of the French Baccalauréat.

1. Eligibility. Eligibility is determined by three criteria. Residency must be within the Abraham Lincoln Elementary School boundaries (K–8) or Lincoln Park High School boundaries (9–12) and the student must be registered at ALES or LPHS. The student and parent meet with the EFAC Director for an interview to assess proficiency in French and home support in French, with report cards and prior assessments requested to verify performance. There must be an available seat in the desired grade; the program is bilingual within CPS and English fluency is not required.

French Government Scholarships: If your child is a French citizen residing in the Chicago area with at least one parent, you may be eligible for financial aid from the French government. These scholarships, known as Bourses Scolaires, are designed to support the education of French children abroad and are submitted through the Consulate General of France in Chicago; for deadlines and details, visit the French Consulate site. EFAC Financial Aid: EFAC offers financial aid based on individual needs and family income. We are committed to making education accessible and affordable to all our students. Contact for Assistance: For more details or to discuss the specific terms of our financial aid options, mathieu.cladidier@efachicago.org.

Admission priority order when eligibility criteria are met: Siblings of students already enrolled and children of EFAC teachers; Lincoln families currently enrolled and previously registered with EFAC (waitlist); New families, based on meeting all requirements and space availability in the desired grade.

The school is located in the Lincoln Square neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. The address is 4910 N. Claremont Ave, Chicago, IL 60625.

PK3-8th grade. The school offers a Preschool Program, Grades K-5 Program, and a Middle School IB Programme.

Catholic PK3-8 school offering International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes; National Blue Ribbon School in Illinois.

Diverse Learners Support provides services including Push-In/Pull-Out Support, IDEA Reading and Math, Title 1 Reading and Math, Academic Coaching, Counseling (United Stand), Private OT, and IEP/504 Speech Services. Lead: Emily Moss, Director of Inclusive Services.

Catholic

Arrival: 7:50 am first bell; 8:00 am final bell (late arrivals after 8:00 am are marked tardy). Dismissal: 3:00 pm for PK; 3:10 pm for K-8; Wednesday: 1:50 pm (PK), 2:00 pm (K-8).

Uniforms are required. Every day is a dress day in uniform, with gym uniforms worn on PE days.

Hot lunch is available; orders are placed online via FSP/BOONLI, with monthly menus; the ordering platform opens from the 1st to the 15th of each month.

The core subjects in grades K-5 are Math, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, and Religion. Special classes in grades 6-8 include World Language (French and Spanish), Physical Education, Library, Art, Music, and STEM Lab Technology. Each student receives an SMS-issued Chromebook and has a Technology class once a week. The school conducts field trips throughout the year, including an eighth-grade trip to Washington, D.C.

St. Matthias provides an IB World education for PreK3–8. The Primary Years Programme (PYP) focuses on developing the whole child, including academic, social and emotional well-being, with emphasis on international-mindedness and personal values. The Middle Years Programme (MYP) develops 6th–8th grade students into active, internationally minded learners who think creatively and critically. A licensed School Counselor delivers individual and group counseling, social-emotional lessons, and support for executive functioning and friendships. The Diverse Learners team provides reading and math interventions, academic coaching, and counseling to students who need extra help.

St. Matthias has a Diverse Learners Support team of five professionals. Approximately 25% of students receive support through services such as Push/In-Pull out, IDEA Reading and Math, Title 1 Reading and Math, Academic Coaching, Counseling - United Stand, Private OT, and Speech services. Denise Sikorski is the Director of Inclusive Services and coordinates 1:1 and small-group interventions in the Learning Lab, progress monitoring, testing accommodations and universal design for learning. The team also supports students with 504 plans and IEPs and collaborates with families and outside providers.

A licensed School Counselor provides mental health support including individual and group counseling and executive functioning coaching. Social-emotional lessons are delivered in the classroom; counseling supports include friendship skills and conflict resolution training, with connections to outside resources as needed.

St. Matthias values ethnic and economic diversity and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The mission emphasizes welcoming everyone and developing faith-centered, service-oriented global citizens.

St. Matthias School is the only PK3-8 Catholic, International Baccalaureate (IB) World, National Blue Ribbon School in Illinois, located in the Lincoln Square neighborhood of Chicago. Admissions priorities are current students and their siblings; Queen of Apostles Parishioners and/or participants in the Little Wonders Toddler Classes. For the 2026-2027 school year, applications are due by January 31, 2026. The school offers PreK 3 and PreK 4 options with several schedules: PreK 3 includes 3 half-days (8:00 am–11:40 am), 3 full-days (8:00 am–3:00 pm), 5 half-days (8:00 am–11:40 am), or 5 full-days (8:00 am–3:00 pm); PreK 4 includes 5 half-days (8:00 am–11:40 am) or 5 full-days (8:00 am–3:00 pm). Wednesdays have a 2:00 pm dismissal with aftercare available. Kindergarten–5th grade require a 5th birthday by September 1 of the entering year; registration is possible throughout the year if space permits. Middle School comprises 6th–8th grade, and a shadow day is strongly recommended. The Admissions Statement of Equality affirms that the school values ethnic and economic diversity and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Open House dates for 2025–2026 include October 8, 2025; November 12, 2025; December 10, 2025; January 25, 2026 (Catholic Schools Week); February 25, 2026; March 25, 2026; April 15, 2026; and May 13, 2026, with reservations via the Prospective Family Inquiry Form. Private school tours can be scheduled beginning November 4, 2025 after submitting the Prospective Family Inquiry Form; contact Jill Hotek for details. Tuition and Fees (2024–2025) include Preschool 3 half days $8,000; Preschool 3 full days $8,700; Preschool 5 half days $9,100; Preschool 5 full days $9,700; 1 child Kindergarten–8th $8,900; 2 children $15,100; 3 children $21,000; registration and IB/technology fees apply; annual registration is nonrefundable; payments run July–April; changes to preschool programming incur a $150 administrative fee. Registration fees: $200 per family (returning by December 1 $200, after $300); new families $500; IB materials/books $300 per student; technology $50 per student.

The main campus is at 1929 West Wilson Avenue, Chicago, IL 60640. Transit options include the Damen Brown Line El stop, CTA bus routes 50 Damen, 22 Clark, and 81 Lawrence near Wilson, and the Ravenswood UP-N Metra line within walking distance. Ravenswood Garage (entrance off Damen Ave) provides parking. The school offers bilingual instruction in French and English.

Pre-elementary | Pre-K to K; Elementary | Grades 1 to 5; Middle School | Grades 6 to 8; High School | Grades 9 to 12.

International school.

AEFE-affiliated; listed on the AEFE roster of French Schools in Foreign Countries; part of the French Ministry of Education network worldwide.

Morning Bus Program with three routes (North, West, South). North Route serves Wilmette, Evanston, Rogers Park and West Ridge; West Route serves West Town, Wicker Park, Bucktown and Logan Square; South Route serves Hyde Park, Streeterville, Lincoln Park and Lakeview. For details and registration, email operations@lyceechicago.org.

The school has a cafeteria on site.

Part of the AEFE network; listed on the AEFE roster.

The Lyce9e Frane7ais de Chicago offers an immersion-based curriculum with two diploma tracks: the French Baccalaureate (BFI American Section) and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, for students from pre-K through grade 12. Instruction is primarily in French, with English provided through English-language BFI courses and English-language components within the IB track. The American Section of the French Baccalaureate, the BFI, is bilingual and bicultural, combining French bac rigor with American inquiry-based learning to provide a university entrance qualification valid in the US and France. The school is an International Baccalaureate World School, offering the IB Diploma Programme in grades 11412 and the IB Middle Years Programme in grades 910, with Bilingual Diploma (BD) and Advanced Bilingual Diploma (ABD) options. Graduates typically earn a US high school diploma and either the French Baccalaureate or the IB Diploma, with CNED courses available for additional options.

Baccalaureate examination results show a consistent 100% pass rate from 2021 to 2025. Honors at LFC range from 94% to 100% over these years, with honors in North America ranging from 89% to 94%. The data reflect strong performance across both the French Bac and the IB track.

100% of LFC students go on to higher education after graduation, most frequently in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and France.

The LFC adopts a holistic approach from Pre-K through 12, prioritizing social and emotional development alongside academics. It does not teach to tests but teaches to learn, emphasizing growth beyond exams. There is extensive after-school programming, athletics, arts, and clubs to help students develop interests and talents inside and outside the classroom. Core values include Respect and Responsibility, guiding interactions and community life. Language immersion and international exposure foster empathy, cross-cultural understanding, and a global perspective. Center for the Arts, LFCextra, and other student-life offerings support social engagement and personal growth, contributing to the development of the whole child.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) recognizes diverse learning abilities and includes strategies to support inclusion. Inclusion and equity are central to LFC's mission and core values, fostering a safe and belonging-rich environment. DEI in Action includes a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager and a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. The school admits students into its programs without distinction on the basis of race, religion, sex, national origin, or gender identity, in accordance with applicable laws. The DEI framework also supports socio-economic diversity and ongoing student initiatives to promote inclusion and equity. Inclusion is designed to create a safe, nurturing environment for all members of the community.

French-English bilingual immersion is offered from pre-K to Grade 8. No background in French or English is required for primary or high school. A third language option becomes available beginning in Grade 4. Through the bilingual+ curriculum, language immersion and international exposure, students are prepared for global opportunities. The program emphasizes bilingualism and multilingual development as part of the international education experience. Language learning is integrated across grade levels to support ongoing language acquisition and cultural competence.

Mental wellbeing is supported through access to social work services, counseling, and school psychological services. The school provides social-emotional skill-building, counseling, and community-based support as part of addressing student needs. Investigations and safeguarding processes respect confidentiality and involve appropriate professionals to support students and families. Parents/guardians are kept informed and engaged when concerns arise, with timelines and appropriate interventions outlined. The school emphasizes restorative measures and other interventions to promote student wellbeing, and the safeguarding policies are reviewed and updated periodically.

Bullying and harassment are prohibited at Lycée Français de Chicago. Reporting is encouraged to the Primary or Secondary Directors or to other designated staff, and anonymous reports are accepted. Investigations are conducted by the Dean or a designated administrator and aim to be thorough and impartial, with confidentiality maintained and a typical timeline of up to 10 school days. Parents/guardians are informed and invited to participate in discussions about investigations and actions taken, including social work, counseling, or other interventions as needed. The policy also addresses sexual harassment and a charter against abuse, with mandatory reporting obligations to authorities (e.g., DCFS) and compliance with applicable laws; the policy is revised periodically (Revised: August 2025).

1. Your LFC journey starts with understanding entry points. The main entry points are pre-elementary (pre-K to K) and Grade 9 IB, and inquiries are welcome at all grade levels, subject to space availability. In primary school, non-French speakers may enroll from pre-K to Grade 5 through the Welcoming Language Program, depending on space availability. The high school IB program is taught in English and welcomes non-French-speaking students from Grades 9–12.

2. Submit the online application. Applications open October 1 of the preceding year, and there is a $155 application fee paid upon submitting the online application. If you are unable to pay the application fee, contact the Admissions Office. Rolling admissions apply for 2026-2027, and admissions decisions are issued on a rolling basis once the application is complete.

3. Provide supporting materials and complete assessments. Upload report cards from the past three school years where available, and ensure the current teacher submits a recommendation form via the application platform. Register for a group assessment or an individual assessment, and schedule a parent interview with the admissions team. For daycare families applying to Pre-K, there are benefits including a waived first application fee and prioritized admission, along with the Pre-K welcome pass that supports before-school and after-school arrangements.

4. Notes on dates, deadlines, and timelines. Online applications open on October 1 of the preceding year; for September 2026 entry, PK-8 applications are due December 31 and Grades 9-12 applications are due January 15. Re-enrollment opens January 15 for current families, with additional admissions assessments for PK-8 in January–February. New student acceptance notifications for Pre-K through 12th-grade applicants are issued on February 27, 2026, with enrollment decisions due March 9, 2026; the school also notes a French Bourse deadline in March. General admissions for 2026-2027 indicate rolling admissions and space-based inquiries.

5. Decisions and enrollment. Admissions decisions are communicated by email, and for certain grade bands these decisions are issued in mid-March or on a rolling basis depending on space and the timeline. The school reserves the right to request additional information or an in-person interview for candidates at any grade level. For questions or to initiate the process, use the inquiry channel or contact the Admissions Office directly.

6. Final note. The school welcomes inquiries at all grade levels and emphasizes space availability when considering applications and enrollments. Financial aid and other supports are described separately in the Tuition & Financial Aid section.

Financial aid is available, and twenty percent of LFC students receive financial aid; more than $2.3 million in financial support is awarded each year to eligible families. Financial aid uses FACTS to assess need; FACTS provides a needs analysis and a recommended contribution, while the school's Financial Aid Committee reviews the completed applications. Deadlines for new families include FACTS aid applications opening November 1, 2025 and closing December 31, 2025, with tax documents due February 9, 2026 and preliminary awards targeted by February 27, 2026, followed by final awards by April 28, 2026; current families have similar but slightly different timelines.

French Government Scholarships may be available for French citizens living in the Chicago area; applications are submitted to the Consulate General of France in Chicago. The Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund (DMSF) is a partner that offers high school scholarship assistance to Chicago students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds; the DMSF application deadline is October for current 8th graders and is conducted through DMSF's website. Donations to the LFC Fund and La Soirée support financial aid.

In addition to need-based aid, the school provides external scholarship pathways (e.g., DMSF) and government scholarships where applicable; eligibility depends on family circumstances and program rules. Applicants should plan to submit the required documents and information on time to ensure consideration for aid alongside admissions.

Mailing Address: 3333 N. Rockwell Street, Chicago, IL 60618. Main Entrance & Parking: 3300 N. Campbell Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618. Located in Chicago, Illinois.

Grades 9-12 (high school).

Catholic, co-ed, college-prep high school.

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.

United States

Catholic (Vincentian Catholic Identity).

Uniforms are required and must be purchased from Tommy Hilfiger. Lands' End pieces are grandfathered for current students, but new students must buy Tommy Hilfiger items. All uniform clothing is purchased from the Tommy Hilfiger Website, and official outerwear must be DePaul Prep apparel (Tommy Hilfiger, Spirit Shop, or team athletic shop) with a school ID badge worn visibly at all times.

Food services are provided by Quest Food Services. Students can add funds to MyMealTime lunch accounts online, and use their DePaul Prep ID badge to purchase items in the cafeteria. Parker Kokowicz is the Food Service Director and can address dietary needs; nutrition information is available online.

The school is governed by a Board of Directors, including President Mary A. Dempsey and Life Directors, as listed on the Board page. The school maintains a university partnership with DePaul University.

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.

14 to 1

77% of IB Full Diploma Programme graduates earned the IB Diploma in 2025.

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.

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.

The Counseling program fosters the holistic development of each student within DePaul College Prep's Vincentian Catholic framework. In partnership with families, faculty, and the broader community, it provides a data-driven counseling approach that emphasizes academic achievement, college and career readiness, and social-emotional well-being. Guided by the core values of Faith, Respect, Excellence, Service, and Health, the program creates an inclusive environment where students develop independence, resilience, and moral responsibility. School counselors address students' academic, personal/social, and college/career needs through individual counseling. They support self-management and emotional regulation, and connect students with outside resources when appropriate. The goal is for students to become confident self-advocates and compassionate leaders.

DePaul College Prep provides support for diverse learners with diagnosed learning differences. Learning specialists offer targeted strategy support in reading comprehension, written expression, math, and executive functioning, with instructional support provided inside and outside the classroom. They manage classroom and testing accommodations to ensure students receive needed supports, while maintaining close communication with teachers, parents, and outside professionals. The program also focuses on developing independent learners by teaching the success attributes of self-awareness, proactivity, perseverance, goal setting, use of support systems, and emotional coping strategies. Eligibility requires a diagnosed learning disability and/or ADHD documented in an IEP, 504 plan, or private evaluation, with documentation submitted by August 1 to receive additional support. Depending on the student, support may include structured study halls, one-on-one meetings, or co-taught classes, with the aim of reducing support as independence grows.

Mental wellbeing is integrated into the counseling program as part of the school's holistic approach. School counselors address emotional regulation, self-management, and other personal/social needs, and connect students to outside supports when appropriate. The team includes a school social worker who collaborates with counselors and families to support students. A range of immediate supports is available, including a 24-hour crisis helpline and the DePaul Prep hotline for emergencies. Additional crisis and mental health resources are listed within the school's community resources, including access to neuropsychological evaluations and local therapy providers as needed. The overall aim is to help students navigate challenges with resilience and timely support.

Safety is prioritized. The Safety Reporting Form allows any member of the school community to report safety concerns, including harassment or bullying, with a school official following up on all reports. In emergencies, call 911.

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.

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.

Evanston, Illinois. Address: 1574 Sherman Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201. Located in the heart of Evanston, Beacon Academy is set within a city environment with direct access to cultural institutions, businesses, and community resources.

High school (Grades 9-12).

Independent high school.

Beacon Academy is governed by a Board of Trustees. The Board is comprised of parents, alumni parents, and community members, and always includes at least one Montessori educator. It is governed by bylaws, sets long-range strategic plans, and oversees the fiscal health of the school. The Board's key responsibilities include the selection, support, and evaluation of the Head of School, as well as Head of School succession planning. The Board collaborates with the administration, faculty, and community of students and families to advance Beacon Academy's values as a Montessori high school that is at the forefront of reimagining a 21st century high school education.

Core Curriculum (9-12); International Baccalaureate (IB) for 11-12; and XP (11-12) based on the IB model, designed with business school educators to provide professional experiences and skills.

IB diploma candidate pass rate: 100%. 11% of Class of '25 were National Merit scholarship recipients or Semifinalists.

100% of students matriculate to one of their top three colleges.

Beacon Academy emphasizes social-emotional learning as a core element of student development. The environment is described as safe and inclusive, with strong student/faculty connections that support belonging, respect, and open dialogue. The advisory program provides one-on-one guidance to support personal growth, and community meeting practices foster leadership, collaboration, and reflection.

Beacon Academy fosters inclusion and diversity as core values, creating a safe, accepting environment for all learners. The Equity & Inclusion work includes the Student Inclusion Council and affinity groups to address diverse needs and experiences, and a culture that challenges oppression and demeaning behaviors.

The language of instruction is English; all content areas are taught in English, with English as a Second Language support available as needed. Students must complete two years of a world language (or reach third-level proficiency) to graduate; Arabic, French, and Spanish are offered, with Hebrew, Italian, and Mandarin studied via online platforms where available.

Mental wellbeing is supported through a safe climate and strong adult–student relationships. The advisory program and student life practices foster belonging and personal growth, while equity and inclusion work promotes brave space for discussing experiences and identities.

Beacon Academy maintains a Bullying Prevention Policy (updated September 15, 2025) and an inclusive climate that protects students from harassment, with DEI initiatives and a safe-space culture supporting safeguarding across the school community.

1. Application & Shadow Day. The admissions process uses Ravenna; create or log in to Ravenna, select Beacon Academy, and pay the application fee. Shadow Days allow applicants to attend Beacon classes after submitting the application; Shadow Days are scheduled on designated days from November 2025 through January 2026 via Ravenna.

2. Parent Interview. The Parent/Guardian Interview is required and may be held in person or via Zoom; it is scheduled after the application is submitted in Ravenna to help the school learn about the family and for parents to learn more about Beacon.

3. Letters of Recommendation. Letters of recommendation are required from the student's current English and math teachers and from an advisor or school administrator; provide names and emails for each recommender in Ravenna; the deadline is January 5 for sibling applicants and January 31 for new applicants.

4. School Records. Provide the report card or progress report from the prior academic year and the official transcript (if available); upload documents into Ravenna or have the current school email them to Admissions; deadlines are January 5 for sibling applicants and January 31 for new applicants.

5. Standardized Test Scores. Provide a copy of recent standardized test results; ISEE is not required; MAP or other standardized tests are accepted; if a student has not taken a test, contact the Admissions Office.

6. IEP/504/Learning Support Plan. If the student receives learning support services or accommodations, provide a copy of the 504/IEP/Learning Plan and neuropsychological evaluation; upload documents as PDF in Ravenna.

7. Gift Acceptance Policy. The school has a Gift Acceptance Policy preventing gifts that could influence admissions decisions; no gift will be accepted from any affiliated or non-affiliated person or donor if given with the intention of influencing an admission outcome; while an application is pending, gifts are not accepted from non-affiliated applicant family members or their representatives.

8. Nondiscrimination. Beacon Academy does not discriminate against prospective students or their families in its admissions or financial aid policies on the basis of listed characteristics such as race, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, political and social values, culture, gender identity, religion, physical ability, family structure, and learning style.

Beacon Academy partners with the Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund and HFS Chicago Scholars to provide academic and financial support to high achieving, under-resourced students in the Chicagoland area. Informational flyers are available in English and Spanish. Tuition for 2026-2027 is $41,413; Activity Fee: $1,750, which covers registration for clubs, athletics, and after-school activities (Outdoor Club, Model UN, I-Term Activity Fees or I-Term Travel are not included). The Tuition Assistance application for 2026-27 is now open; Returning families and sibling applicants should apply by December 15, 2025; Tuition Assistance applications for new family applicants are due January 31, 2026. Download the FACTS tuition assistance flyer in English or Spanish.