Top 10 Boarding Schools In Illinois And Fees (2025)

When it comes to education, parents in Illinois are increasingly considering boarding schools as an option for their children. Boarding schools combine rigorous academics with structured extracurriculars, leadership opportunities, and a community-based lifestyle that prepares students for college and beyond. Illinois, though not as packed with boarding schools as states like Massachusetts or New York, still has several highly respected institutions.

In this guide, we explore the top 10 boarding schools in Illinois, detailing their unique qualities, academic offerings, boarding environment, and tuition fees. Whether you’re a parent looking for an elite preparatory academy, a faith-based environment, or a specialized program, this list provides the insights you need to make an informed decision.

Top 10 Boarding Schools In Illinois And Fees

1. Lake Forest Academy – Lake Forest, IL

Lake Forest Academy (LFA) is one of Illinois’s most prestigious coeducational boarding and day schools, serving grades 9–12. Founded in 1857, LFA boasts a long tradition of academic excellence and innovation. The school’s mission focuses on preparing students to become responsible global citizens by instilling values of integrity, compassion, and intellectual curiosity.

Academically, Lake Forest Academy offers a robust curriculum with Advanced Placement (AP) and honors courses across multiple disciplines. Students benefit from small class sizes, state-of-the-art facilities, and a faculty dedicated to personalized instruction. Beyond the classroom, LFA has strong programs in the arts, athletics, and community service. Students can participate in competitive sports teams, theater productions, and leadership organizations.

The school is also known for its global perspective. With students from more than 35 countries, LFA provides a culturally diverse environment. This international exposure enriches student life and prepares graduates for college in an increasingly interconnected world.

Fees: Boarding tuition is approximately $75,975 per year for this academic session, which includes room, board, and general fees. Day students pay around $54,950.

2. Brehm Preparatory School – Carbondale, IL

Brehm Preparatory School is a unique institution that specializes in serving students with learning differences such as ADHD, dyslexia, and language-based challenges. Founded in 1982, Brehm focuses on individualized learning plans and small class sizes to ensure every student thrives academically and socially.

The school’s mission is to empower students to recognize and develop their strengths while addressing their specific learning needs. Brehm combines a college preparatory curriculum with therapeutic support, including occupational therapy, counseling, and social skill development. Its highly trained staff maintain close relationships with students, ensuring a supportive environment where they can flourish.

Outside of academics, Brehm encourages students to pursue extracurricular interests ranging from music and art to athletics and community engagement. The school also emphasizes life skills, equipping students to transition successfully to college or the workforce.

Fees: Boarding tuition is approximately $93,000 for 7-day boarding and $84,000 for 5-day boarding. Day tuition is around $56,000 annually. While expensive, the comprehensive support services justify the cost for families seeking specialized education.

3. Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart – Lake Forest, IL

Woodlands Academy is an all-girls Catholic boarding and day school in Lake Forest, part of the international Network of Sacred Heart Schools. Established in 1858, it provides a faith-centered education that emphasizes academic excellence, leadership, and service.

The academic program combines a challenging college preparatory curriculum with opportunities for spiritual and personal growth. With small class sizes, students benefit from personalized attention and access to advanced courses in STEM, humanities, and the arts. The school fosters leadership skills by encouraging students to take active roles in clubs, organizations, and service projects.

Beyond academics, Woodlands Academy provides a nurturing community that empowers young women to grow into confident, socially responsible leaders. Its boarding program is particularly attractive to international students, offering a safe and supportive environment.

Fees: Boarding tuition is about $54,530 per year, while day tuition is approximately $31,900.

4. Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) – Aurora, IL

IMSA is a selective public residential high school serving grades 10–12. Often called the “MIT of high schools,” IMSA is nationally recognized for its rigorous STEM-focused curriculum. Students gain hands-on experience in research, inquiry-based projects, and collaborations with leading universities.

Unlike many private boarding schools, IMSA is state-funded, which makes it more affordable for Illinois residents. The school admits students based on merit, offering them an unparalleled opportunity to engage in advanced coursework in mathematics, science, and technology. Students also take part in entrepreneurship and innovation programs.

Boarding at IMSA builds a strong sense of community and independence. Students live in residence halls with faculty supervision and participate in leadership programs, clubs, and community service.

Fees: Since IMSA is state-funded, tuition is free for Illinois residents. Boarding students may pay room and board fees, typically much lower than private institutions, though exact amounts vary annually.

5. Saint Bede Academy – Peru, IL

Saint Bede Academy, founded in 1890, is a Catholic coeducational boarding and day school that blends faith with academics. Run by Benedictine monks, it emphasizes values like discipline, character, and community service alongside rigorous college preparation.

The school offers a wide array of AP courses and extracurriculars, including athletics, music, and drama. Its small student body ensures close-knit relationships between faculty and students. Saint Bede has a long tradition of excellence in sports, with teams competing in multiple state-level championships.

Boarding students live on campus in a supportive environment that balances academics with personal growth. The school attracts students from the U.S. and abroad, creating a culturally diverse atmosphere.

Fees: Boarding tuition is approximately $25,000 per year, making it one of the most affordable boarding schools in Illinois. Day student tuition is much lower, at about $6,550 annually.

6. Lutheran High School of St. Charles County – Boarding Program

Though primarily a day school, Lutheran High School of St. Charles County offers residential options for international students. It provides a strong academic curriculum rooted in Christian values, preparing students for college while emphasizing spiritual development.

Students benefit from small classes, extracurricular programs, and a supportive environment. The boarding program is designed mainly for international students seeking a U.S. education in a faith-based setting.

Fees: Tuition and boarding costs vary depending on arrangements but typically range from $20,000–$30,000 annually.

7. Rockford Lutheran School – International Student Boarding

Rockford Lutheran School offers boarding options for international students in grades 6–12. It blends rigorous academics with Christian values, creating a safe and welcoming community for local and international learners alike.

The school provides a college preparatory curriculum, AP courses, and extracurricular activities in sports, arts, and leadership. Boarding students live with host families or in supervised housing.

Fees: Tuition and boarding fees combined typically fall between $25,000–$35,000 per year.

8. GCE Lab School Chicago (with Residential Partnerships)

GCE Lab School is a progressive high school in Chicago emphasizing experiential learning, global education, and project-based courses. While not a traditional boarding school, it partners with organizations to provide housing options for students, particularly international learners.

Its unique curriculum focuses on real-world problem solving, community engagement, and interdisciplinary studies. Students participate in internships, fieldwork, and global exchanges.

Fees: Tuition is approximately $25,000–$30,000, with additional costs for housing depending on arrangements.

9. Chicago Hope Academy – Boarding for Athletes & International Students

Chicago Hope Academy is a Christian coeducational high school that offers limited boarding for athletes and international students. Known for its strong athletics and character-driven curriculum, the school emphasizes discipline, faith, and college preparation.

Students live in supervised dormitories or host-family arrangements, enjoying a structured environment conducive to both academics and sports.

Fees: Tuition and boarding typically range between $20,000–$35,000 annually.

10. Mooseheart Child City & School – Mooseheart, IL

Mooseheart is a unique residential facility for children in need, operated by the Loyal Order of Moose. It provides housing, education, and care for students from preschool through high school. The school emphasizes character development, life skills, and academic readiness.

Students live in family-style homes on campus, creating a nurturing community. Mooseheart combines academic instruction with vocational training, preparing students for both college and careers.

Fees: Tuition and boarding are fully funded for eligible students, making Mooseheart one of the most affordable boarding options in Illinois.

Conclusion

Illinois may not have the sheer number of boarding schools found in the Northeast, but it offers a rich variety of options. From elite preparatory institutions like Lake Forest Academy, to specialized schools like Brehm Preparatory School, to affordable faith-based academies like Saint Bede, families have choices to match diverse needs and budgets.

Costs vary widely—from as low as $20,000 for smaller faith-based schools to $90,000+ for therapeutic institutions. Public residential schools like IMSA provide outstanding opportunities at a fraction of the cost, especially for Illinois residents.

When selecting a boarding school, consider not only tuition but also the environment, academic support, extracurricular opportunities, and alignment with your child’s needs. Boarding schools are an investment in a child’s future, and Illinois offers strong options for families seeking quality education and personal growth