Chicago is home to one of the largest school districts in the USA. The standard of education and schools in Chicago is variable, with some schools being excellent while others fall below the average. Nevertheless, you can choose from a wide range of options when it comes to educating your children in the Windy City.
There are public, private, and international schools in Chicago. Each family's choice of school will depend on many factors, including budget, proximity to a particular school or neighbourhood, and the specific educational needs of the child.
Public schools in Chicago
Public schools in Chicago are free to attend. Admission is based on school zones, decided by address. The better public schools tend to be in the city's more affluent areas, and choosing the right neighbourhood in relation to good public schools is a crucial aspect of a move to Chicago.
You can also send your children to a charter or magnet school in Chicago. These schools have more flexibility in terms of their academic programmes and curricula. They also have their own admission requirements, which may differ from mainstream public schools. In most cases, they are also not subject to the same attendance boundaries, so enrolment is open to children from all over the city. If there are more applications than places available, attendance is often determined by lottery.
Best Areas and Suburbs in Chicago
Private schools in Chicago
Many new arrivals send their children to private schools in Chicago, which generally offer a better standard of education than their public counterparts. There are many private schools to choose from, and you won't be restricted to your neighbourhood when deciding on a private school in Chicago.
Private schools are sometimes religiously affiliated, while others use alternative educational philosophies such as Montessori or Waldorf. Some private schools have a specific focus area, such as the arts or science.
Unlike public schools, which are free, private schools charge fees. Tuition can be high. In some cases, financial aid or scholarships may be an option – don't be afraid to ask prospective schools about this to find out what's available.
International schools in Chicago
International schools in Chicago are a popular option for locals, new arrivals, and expats alike. These schools follow a non-US curriculum, usually one based on the education system of a foreign country, such as the UK, France or Germany. The globally minded International Baccalaureate is also a popular offering.
As with private schools, fees at international schools can be high. That said, they offer a good option for those living in Chicago for the short term, or for families from abroad who want their children to continue their home curriculum.
Top-rated international schools are highly competitive, and securing a spot for enrolment can be challenging. Applications should be made as early as possible.
Best International Schools in Chicago
Special educational needs in Chicago
Chicago's education system is well equipped to provide for students with learning and developmental disabilities. There are multiple federal laws in place in the US to ensure that children with disabilities have fair access to quality education at no cost, regardless of state.
Both public and private schools usually have programmes in place to support students with learning difficulties. In cases where a child's disability is too severe for them to benefit from mainstream education, there are special education facilities that are able to offer students a special-needs programme tailored to meet their specific requirements.
Tutors in Chicago
Whether a child has fallen behind in maths class or needs additional support to excel in their college entrance exams, there are plenty of private tutors available to assist children with their learning in Chicago.
It's wise to start by asking the child's school or other parents in the area for a recommendation. Alternatively, you could utilise the services of established tutoring companies. These companies offer an array of packages, from subject-specific intensive programmes to one-on-one home tuition and small group sessions.
Enlisting the services of a private tutor is an excellent opportunity for students to address any gaps in their knowledge, excel at a particular subject, or simply build confidence in their new environment.