For the 2026 school year, there are 2 college-prep and junior boarding schools serving 745 students located throughout Illinois.
You can also browse our full boarding school directory or specify additional search criteria.
Top Illinois Boarding Schools (2026)
School
Location
Quick Facts
1500 West Kennedy Road
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 615-3267
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.]( "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
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
What Happens If You Fail a Class at Boarding School?
Learn what happens if you fail a class at boarding school, including academic probation, support programs, credit recovery, and college implications.
Independent Study and Research Opportunities at Boarding Schools
Explore independent study and research opportunities at boarding schools, including mentorship, capstone projects, and college preparation benefits.
Do Boarding School Students Study More? Daily Schedule Breakdown
Discover how much boarding school students really study with a realistic daily schedule breakdown and comparison to traditional day schools.