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International Schools in Chicago, United States

Compare 16 international schools in Chicago, United States. Filter by curriculum, fees (average USD 18,869), location, and more to find the right international school now.

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Schools listed
16
Curricula
13
Average annual fee
USD 18,869
Fee range
USD 100 – 47,745
More school facts
Most common curriculum
IB (DP) (9 schools)
Average school size
557 pupils
Largest by enrolment
British International School of Chicago - South Loop
Oldest
The Ogden International School of Chicago - Jenner Campus (1857)
About international schools in Chicago, United States

Chicago’s international schools tend to cluster around a few distinct models: private schools that deliver International Baccalaureate programmes alongside campuses that follow the English National Curriculum or a national curriculum (for example the French system) and a small number of bilingual German-English or language-specialist schools. Instruction is usually in English, with robust world-language options - most commonly French, Spanish, Mandarin and German - and many schools offer dual-language pathways or bilingual diplomas. Tuition varies widely depending on age and programme, with typical annual fees for international private schools in Chicago generally in the low-to-mid tens of thousands of US dollars (published figures commonly sit around US$22 - 24k, with many schools charging between roughly US$8k and US$28k). Admissions follow the standard academic-year cycle: expect priority application windows in the autumn/winter with many schools issuing offers and taking deposits in late winter or spring, although rolling admissions and waitlists are common; families arriving from abroad should also check visa/SEVP (I-20) status if a student visa will be needed.

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FAQs for United States

What international curricula are offered in Chicago and how do they differ?
You will find International Baccalaureate (PYP, MYP and DP) alongside schools that use the English National Curriculum (sometimes with the International Primary/Primary Curriculum and Cambridge examinations) and a French curriculum school that follows France’s national programme. The IB is student-centred and internationally standardised across ages; English-curriculum schools follow UK year structures and subject stages; national programmes (for example French) maintain their country’s syllabus and assessment models. Choose the model that best matches your family’s future transfer plans, language goals and preferred assessment style.
What languages are commonly taught and are fully bilingual options available?
English is the primary language of instruction at most international schools, and French, Spanish, Mandarin and German are the most commonly taught additional languages. Several schools run bilingual streams or offer strong dual-language pathways that lead to bilingual diplomas or recognised language qualifications, so ask each school about the percentage of time spent in each language and how pupils are assessed in both languages.
How much should relocating families budget for tuition and extra costs?
Published annual tuition at Chicago’s international private schools varies by age and programme; typical figures quoted are in the low-to-mid tens of thousands of US dollars, with many schools’ published tuitions lying between roughly US$8,000 and US$28,000. Families should also budget for application and enrolment fees, school uniforms, electives, after-school care, transport and activity or capital levies, which can add several thousand dollars per year depending on the school and the child’s activities.
When should we apply and what does the admissions process usually involve?
Most schools run an academic-year admissions cycle with priority deadlines in autumn or winter and offers or deposit deadlines in late winter or spring, though many accept applications year-round and operate rolling admissions with waitlists. The process commonly includes an online application, academic records, interviews or student visits, age-appropriate assessments for entry grades and references; international applicants should allow extra time for document translation and visa paperwork if needed.
Does an international student need a visa to attend school in Chicago?
International students who are not US residents may require an F-1 student visa to attend a private K-12 school and the school must be SEVP-certified to issue a Form I-20; public school attendance by F-1 students is subject to federal limits. Families should confirm directly with a school whether it can issue an I-20 and consult official US government guidance or an immigration adviser about visa steps, required financial documentation and timing before making travel or enrolment commitments.