For the 2026 school year, there are 3 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
900 South Brehm Lane
Carbondale IL, IL 62901
(618) 457-0371
Carbondale IL, IL 62901
(618) 457-0371
Gr: 6-12, PG Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Avg. class size: 6 students Acceptance rate: 100% Tuition listed
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 3 college-preparatory boarding schools located in Illinois.
What is the average tuition cost of boarding school in Illinois?
The average Illinois boarding school tuition cost is $61,582 per year.
What is the oldest boarding school in Illinois?
Lake Forest Academy, founded in 1857, is the oldest boarding school in Illinois.
What boarding school in Illinois has the lowest acceptance rates?
Lake Forest Academy has the lowest boarding school acceptance rate (34%) in Illinois.
What boarding school in Illinois has the highest average SAT scores?
Lake Forest Academy has the highest average SAT scores (1430) in Illinois.
Recent Articles
What Happens During School Breaks for Boarding Students Who Stay on Campus
Learn what happens during school breaks for boarding students who remain on campus, including housing, meals, activities, supervision, and support services.
A Day in the Life of a Dorm Parent: Inside Residential Faculty Life
A day in the life of a dorm parent: how residential faculty support, mentor, supervise, and guide students while building community and shaping the boarding school experience.
How Boarding Schools Assign Dorms, Advisors & Schedules
Learn how boarding schools assign dorm rooms, faculty advisors, and class schedules, and what families should expect before move-in day.