Expat Education Guide: Schools in Chicago

Education Overview

Chicago scores 4.0/5 for education quality and 4.0/5 for family-friendliness. The city has 14 school neighborhoods with international, bilingual, and local options for expat families. Expect approximately 26 education-related costs.

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is the third-largest school district in the United States, serving over 340,000 students. The system is known for its selective enrollment schools, magnet programs, and International Baccalaureate offerings. Chicago offers diverse educational options including traditional neighborhood schools, charter schools, military academies, and prestigious selective enrollment high schools like Walter Payton College Prep and Northside College Prep.

Quick Stats

Education Score

4.0 /5

Family Score

4.0 /5

School Areas

Cost Items

Estimated Costs

One-Time Costs

$8,080

Monthly Costs

$6,073/mo

Sample Costs

Full Breakdown →

One-Time

School Registration $150

Private School Application Fee $125

International School Application Fee $200

Monthly

Tuition Fees Private $1,540/mo

Tuition Fees International $2,333/mo

Transportation Monthly $180/mo

Showing 6 of 26 costs — sign up to see all

Top School Neighborhoods

See All 14 →

Lincoln Park

Density 4/6

Types: Public, private, and charter options

Notable: Lincoln Elementary, Francis Parker School

Gold Coast

Density 4/6

Types: Private schools, selective enrollment options

Notable: Latin School, Catherine Cook School

Lakeview

Density 4/6

Types: Public, charter, and private options

Notable: Hawthorne Scholastic Academy, Blaine Elementary

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Practical Tips

Consider applying to selective enrollment high schools even if you're not in the top tier

the second round of applications often has more availability as families decline offers

You could use the Chicago Public Library's homework help program at branches like Sulzer or Logan Square

they provide free tutoring and computer access that many families don't utilize

Aim to enroll children in CPS schools by late spring or early summer

securing placement early provides more options for classroom assignments and programs

Explore diverse magnet or open enrollment schools beyond the top-tier selective ones

many offer unique programs and may have different admission pathways or shorter waitlists

Useful Links

Chicago Public Schools

Official school district website for enrollment, school finder, academic programs, and student services information.

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City Colleges of Chicago

Official community college system offering degree programs, workforce training, ESL classes, and continuing education.

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University of Chicago

Prestigious private research university offering undergraduate, graduate programs, and community educational resources.

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University of Illinois Chicago

Major public research university providing diverse academic programs, professional schools, and student support services.

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Illinois State Board of Education

State education agency providing school information, academic standards, special education services, and educational resources.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago has 14 neighborhoods with excellent school options. The best areas depend on whether you need international, public, or private schools. Check ReloPlanner for detailed school density scores per neighborhood.

International school tuition in Chicago varies widely by school and grade level. Create a free ReloPlanner account to see detailed education cost breakdowns personalized to your family size.

There are approximately 26 education-related costs to consider when moving to Chicago, including both one-time and recurring expenses. Create a free ReloPlanner account to see the full personalized cost breakdown.

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Data verified: March 2026

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