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Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Early Years, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Introduction
The British International School of Chicago, South Loop serves students aged 3 to 18 as a private K–12 institution aligned with the English National Curriculum. In the Primary Years, the school combines the English National Curriculum with the International Primary Curriculum, while the Middle and High Schools offer IGCSE examinations and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. The campus features a 9,000-square-foot gymnasium and a technology-enhanced learning environment underpinned by metacognition and a Virtual School Experience that supports transitions between classroom and remote learning. Expeditions and global collaborations extend learning beyond the classroom, including trips and partnerships through Nord Anglia Education, UNICEF, and the United Nations SDGs. Signature programs include Juilliard–Nord Anglia collaborations in performing arts and the Global Campus network for cross‑school collaboration. Distinctive opportunities also include a Share A Dream volunteering initiative and international fieldwork such as projects in Tanzania and Switzerland. The school emphasizes citizenship alongside academic study.
British International School of Chicago - South Loop has 800 pupils, typical class sizes of 15, instruction in English.
Location
161 W 9th St, Chicago, IL 60605, United States. The school is in Chicago, Illinois.
Stages
Early Years (ages 3–5); Primary (ages 5–11, Years 1–6); Middle School (ages 11–14, Years 7–9); High School (ages 14–18, Years 10–13).
Type
Private K-12 school. It offers education for ages 3–18.
Pupil Nationality Mix
40+ nationalities represented.
Country affiliation
England (curriculum aligned with the English National Curriculum).
School day structure
Admission hours: School days 8am–5pm; Non-school days 9am–4pm.
Fees
Annual tuition at British International School of Chicago - South Loop ranges from USD 19,415 to USD 47,745 for 2026/27.
TUITION FEES (2026–27 academic year)
- Nursery (part-time): USD 19,170 per year. - Nursery (full-time): USD 31,950 per year. - Reception: USD 34,700 per year. - Years 1–6: USD 39,950 per year. - Years 7–10: USD 43,425 per year. - Year 11: USD 43,750 per year. - Years 12–13: USD 45,750 per year. .
Per-term amounts (three-term academic year)
- The school operates on a three-term (Autumn / Spring / Summer) academic calendar; per-term figures below are calculated as the annual tuition divided by three (equal-term division). - Nursery (part-time) per term: USD 6,390. - Nursery (full-time) per term: USD 10,650. - Reception per term: USD 11,567. - Years 1–6 per term: USD 13,317. - Years 7–10 per term: USD 14,475. - Year 11 per term: USD 14,583. - Years 12–13 per term: USD 15,250. - These per-term figures are calculations based on the annual tuition and the school's three-term calendar.
Annual and recurring additional fees
- Trip fee (all years): USD 180 billed each school year. - Yearbook: USD 65 billed each school year. - Full-time Nursery to Year 9 lunches: USD 2,000 billed each school year. - Year 11 exam costs (annual): USD 1,750. - Year 13 exam costs (annual): USD 1,750. - The items above are billed on an annual basis in addition to tuition.
Application, enrollment and new-student fees
- Application fee (non-refundable): USD 100. - New Student Fee (one-time, non-refundable): USD 2,300 (applied to capital and curriculum investments). - The New Student Fee is due with the signed enrollment agreement.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Tuition and the listed annual fees are presented as amounts for the academic year; the school's calendar runs across three terms (Autumn, Spring, Summer). - New-student fees are due at the time the enrollment agreement is signed. - Specific invoice due dates, available installment options, and any late-payment penalties are set in the school's enrollment agreement and terms and conditions; invoices and billing align with the academic-year structure.
Boarding fees
- Boarding is not applicable for this campus; no boarding fees are listed for the South Loop location.
Other costs and periodic purchases
- Uniforms: available from Tommy Hilfiger and Lands' End (items purchased separately). - PE kit: ordered via the school's online ordering portal. - Optional charges that families commonly pay include before- or after-school care, extracurricular clubs, camps, some class trips, and certain exam or assessment fees beyond those listed above.
Refund information
- The Application Fee and the New Student Fee are non-refundable. - The school's standard terms and conditions provide that refunds (where applicable) are processed by bank transfer and that a school will not refund any portion of a tuition term once that term has commenced. - Parents' contractual obligations for invoiced tuition, notice periods for withdrawal, and the precise refund calculation method (if any) are governed by the school's enrollment agreement and the school's terms and conditions.
Fee adjustments and discounts
- Northwestern University employee discount: 20% tuition discount for benefits-eligible Northwestern University employees. - Sibling discounts: second child receives a 3.5% tuition discount; any additional children receive a 7% tuition discount.
Fee payment options and transaction fees
- Online payment portal is available for electronic payments (school payment portal). - Accepted electronic payment methods and their processing fees: - Credit card payments: assessed a service fee of 2.99%. - Debit card payments: assessed a service fee of 0.99%. - ACH (eCheck / bank transfer): no service fee. - Payments made through the school's online portal are the primary electronic option; the school issues invoices and records payments via its billing system.
Contact for fee queries and payments
- Admissions: admissions@bischicagosl.org; telephone +1 (773) 998 2472. - General inquiries: +1 (773) 599 2472. - The school provides an online payment portal (for electronic payment methods and merchant fees).
Academics
British International School of Chicago - South Loop teaches EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum, IPC (International Primary Curriculum), Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP) for students aged 3 to 18.
Curriculum
The school teaches the National Curriculum for England and the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) in the Primary years; Middle and High School offer IGCSE and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs.
Higher Education Progression
The school paves the way for students to enter prestigious universities worldwide.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Metacognition helps students understand how they learn best. Teachers guide reflection on thinking processes, helping students identify strengths and develop personalized approaches to learning. A focus on student reflection and collaboration ensures every student thrives. The school teaches creativity, collaboration, resilience, critical thinking, and compassion, so students work well with others and respond empathetically to peers.
Mental Wellbeing
Students develop resilience through growth mindset and self-regulation skills. Metacognition helps students reflect on challenges and use strategies to recover from setbacks. This supports mental wellbeing by fostering confidence, independence, and a proactive approach to learning.
Safeguarding
The school has safeguarding measures that are first class.
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions are personalized to families. The process includes contacting us to start your child's journey, joining a school tour or virtual discovery meeting, submitting an application, and financial aid is available.
FAQs
What curriculum does British International School of Chicago follow?
The school teaches the National Curriculum for England and the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) in the Primary years; Middle and High School offer IGCSE and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs.
What are the tuition fees at British International School of Chicago?
Annual tuition fees range from USD 19,415 to USD 47,745 depending on the year group. **TUITION FEES (2026–27 academic year)** - Nursery (part-time): USD 19,170 per year. - Nursery (full-time): USD 31,950 per year. - Reception: USD
What age range does British International School of Chicago serve?
The school serves students aged 3 to 18. Early Years (ages 3–5); Primary (ages 5–11, Years 1–6); Middle School (ages 11–14, Years 7–9); High School (ages 14–18, Years 10–13).
Where is British International School of Chicago located?
161 W 9th St, Chicago, IL 60605, United States. The school is in Chicago, Illinois.
What wellbeing support does British International School of Chicago offer?
Metacognition helps students understand how they learn best. Teachers guide reflection on thinking processes, helping students identify strengths and develop personalized approaches to learning. A focus on student reflection and collaboration ensures every student thrives. The school teaches creativ
What sports facilities does British International School of Chicago have?
The school includes a 9,000-square-foot gymnasium used for fitness activities and team-based learning. The gym is highlighted as a key facility for student wellbeing and school spirit.
How do I apply to British International School of Chicago?
Admissions are personalized to families. The process includes contacting us to start your child's journey, joining a school tour or virtual discovery meeting, submitting an application, and financial aid is available.
How diverse is the student body at British International School of Chicago?
40+ nationalities represented.
What type of school is British International School of Chicago?
British International School of Chicago is a Co-educational school with 800 students. Private K-12 school. It offers education for ages 3–18.
What languages are taught at British International School of Chicago?
Languages taught vary by level. In Primary (Year 1 to Year 6, Kindergarten to Grade 5) and Early Years, Spanish and French are taught. In Middle School and High School, Spanish, French, German and Mandarin are taught.
What extracurricular activities are available?
The school benefits from Juilliard–Nord Anglia collaborations that support the performing arts program through teacher professional development and student opportunities. The school's teachers participate in annual development programs and take courses offered through collaborations with MIT and The
What are the school hours at British International School of Chicago?
Admission hours: School days 8am–5pm; Non-school days 9am–4pm.
