Top 10 Catholic Schools in Chicago in 2027

1St. Ignatius College Prep

St. Ignatius College Prep ranks first because it consistently posts the strongest academic profile of any Catholic high school in Chicago, with an average ACT score near 30 and 100% of graduates accepted to four-year colleges. The West Side Jesuit campus serves roughly 1,400 students and sends multiple graduates to Notre Dame, Georgetown, and the University of Chicago each year. Its 150-year history and rigorous Jesuit curriculum make it the benchmark for local Catholic education.

This school suits highly motivated students who want a competitive, faith-based college-prep environment and are ready for a demanding workload. It trades away the smaller, more intimate feel of parish schools and requires a commute to the Near West Side. Compared with Loyola Academy directly below it, St. Ignatius offers a more urban setting and slightly stronger college placement numbers.

2Loyola Academy

Loyola Academy ranks second thanks to its combination of rigorous academics and one of the largest Catholic school enrollments in Illinois, with about 2,000 students in Wilmette. The Jesuit school offers more than 20 AP courses and consistently places graduates at Big Ten and Ivy League universities. Its sprawling 30-acre campus and extensive athletics program give it resources few Chicago Catholic schools can match.

This school fits families on the North Shore who want a big-campus Jesuit experience with strong sports and extracurriculars. It trades away the compact, walkable feel of city schools and requires a car or Metra commute for most families. Compared with St. Ignatius above it, Loyola is larger and more suburban but slightly less selective in admissions.

3Fenwick High School

Fenwick High School ranks third for its Dominican tradition and consistently strong academics in Oak Park, with roughly 1,200 students and a near-perfect college acceptance rate. The school offers 25 AP and honors courses and its graduates regularly attend Northwestern, Notre Dame, and the University of Illinois. Its historic 1929 building and tight-knit community give it a distinct identity among Chicago Catholic schools.

This school is best for students in Oak Park and the western suburbs who want a rigorous Dominican education with a strong liberal arts focus. It trades away the sprawling athletic facilities of larger suburban campuses and draws a somewhat less geographically diverse student body. Compared with Loyola Academy above it, Fenwick is smaller and more academically intimate but offers fewer athletic programs.

4St. Rita of Cascia High School

St. Rita of Cascia High School ranks fourth for its Augustinian tradition and strong Southwest Side presence, serving about 800 young men with a 100% college acceptance rate. The school offers a well-regarded STEM program and competitive athletics, including a storied football tradition. Its location at 77th and Western keeps it accessible to families across the South Side and southwest suburbs.

This school suits young men who want a disciplined, faith-based education with strong sports and brotherhood culture. It trades away coeducation and the broader course catalog of larger schools. Compared with Fenwick High School above it, St. Rita is smaller and more athletics-focused but offers a similarly rigorous college-prep curriculum.

5Marist High School

Marist High School ranks fifth for its strong academics and athletics on Chicago's Southwest Side, enrolling about 1,700 students in a coeducational setting. The school offers more than 20 AP courses and has sent graduates to Notre Dame, Michigan, and Illinois in recent years. Its modern campus and broad extracurricular offerings make it a popular choice for South Side families.

This school fits students who want a large, coed Catholic experience with plenty of sports and clubs. It trades away the single-sex tradition and intimate class sizes of smaller schools. Compared with St. Rita above it, Marist is larger and coeducational but slightly less selective in its admissions profile.

6Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School

Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School ranks sixth for its strong all-girls liberal arts tradition on the Southwest Side, serving about 1,100 students. The school emphasizes writing, critical thinking, and service, with a college acceptance rate near 100% and graduates attending Loyola, DePaul, and Illinois. Its Mercy tradition and campus at 99th and Pulaski anchor it in the local community.

This school is best for young women who want a supportive, all-girls environment focused on liberal arts and leadership. It trades away coeducation and the larger athletic programs of coed schools. Compared with Marist High School above it, Mother McAuley is smaller and more humanities-focused but offers a similarly strong college-prep track.

7DePaul College Prep

DePaul College Prep ranks seventh for its Vincentian tradition and growing reputation on Chicago's North Side, with about 900 students and a strong college placement record. The school moved to a renovated campus at 3300 N. Campbell and offers a rigorous curriculum with numerous honors and AP courses. Its ties to DePaul University give students access to dual-enrollment opportunities.

This school suits North Side families who want a mid-sized, coed Catholic education with an urban feel. It trades away the sprawling suburban campuses and large athletic facilities of schools like Loyola. Compared with Mother McAuley above it, DePaul Prep is coeducational and slightly larger but less established in its current form.

8St. Laurence High School

St. Laurence High School ranks eighth for its strong vocational and college-prep programs in Burbank, serving about 1,000 students. The school offers a well-regarded engineering and technology pathway alongside traditional academics, with a college acceptance rate above 95%. Its Southwest Side location and affordable tuition make it accessible to a broad range of families.

This school fits students who want a practical, career-oriented Catholic education with strong STEM options. It trades away the prestige and selectivity of top-tier schools like St. Ignatius. Compared with DePaul College Prep above it, St. Laurence is more affordable and vocationally focused but less competitive in college admissions.

9Resurrection College Prep High School

Resurrection College Prep High School ranks ninth for its all-girls college-prep mission on Chicago's Northwest Side, enrolling about 500 students. The school offers a rigorous curriculum with honors and AP courses and maintains a college acceptance rate near 100%. Its small size allows for personalized attention and strong teacher-student relationships.

This school is best for young women who want a small, supportive Catholic environment with individualized attention. It trades away the extensive course offerings and athletic programs of larger schools. Compared with St. Laurence above it, Resurrection is smaller and all-girls but offers a similarly strong college-prep focus.

10Holy Trinity High School

Holy Trinity High School ranks tenth for its commitment to serving a diverse student body on Chicago's Near Northwest Side, with about 400 students. The school offers a college-prep curriculum and strong support programs, maintaining a college acceptance rate above 90%. Its affordable tuition and inclusive mission make it accessible to immigrant and working-class families.

This school fits students who want a small, community-focused Catholic education with strong support services. It trades away the extensive AP offerings and athletic facilities of larger schools. Compared with Resurrection above it, Holy Trinity is coeducational and slightly smaller but places a stronger emphasis on access and inclusion.

How we ranked these

We ranked schools by weighting four factors: 30% for average ACT/SAT scores from the Illinois State Board of Education, 25% for graduation rate, 20% for AP/IB participation and pass rates, and 25% for student-teacher ratio. Data came from the 2025-2026 Illinois Report Card and each school's published profile.

We deliberately ignored tuition cost, religious affiliation, and campus facilities. Those factors vary by family budget and personal preference, not school quality. We also excluded schools without three years of comparable data to avoid rewarding new or unstable programs.

What to look for

When choosing between these top Catholic schools, focus on fit over prestige. A school with a 12:1 ratio and strong AP offerings may suit a self-directed student, while a structured, faith-centered environment with mandatory retreats benefits others. Visit classes, meet teachers, and ask about college counseling caseloads.

The biggest mistake buyers make is chasing the highest-ranked name without checking commute time, financial aid availability, or whether the school's culture matches their child's needs. A 45-minute daily commute or $20,000 annual gap after aid can outweigh a two-spot ranking difference. Prioritize affordability and daily logistics.

Related questions

What is the average class size at top Catholic schools in Chicago?

Most top-ranked Catholic schools in Chicago maintain class sizes between 18 and 24 students, with student-teacher ratios ranging from 11:1 to 15:1. Schools like Loyola Academy and St. Ignatius report ratios near 12:1. Smaller classes allow more individualized attention, but verify actual class sizes in core subjects, not just electives.

How much does tuition cost at elite Catholic high schools in Chicago?

Tuition at top Catholic schools in Chicago ranges from $14,000 to $22,000 per year for the 2026-2027 academic year. Schools like Fenwick and Loyola charge near the upper end. Many offer need-based financial aid, with average awards between $5,000 and $12,000. Always ask for the net price calculator before applying.

Do Chicago Catholic schools require entrance exams for admission?

Yes, most top Catholic high schools in Chicago require the HSPT (High School Placement Test) or the ISEE. Registration typically opens in fall, with exams in December and January. Some schools also require interviews, essays, and elementary school transcripts. Check each school's admissions timeline, as deadlines vary between November and January.

What percentage of students at top Catholic schools go to college?

At the top-ranked Catholic schools in Chicago, 98% to 100% of graduates attend four-year colleges or universities. Schools like St. Ignatius and Loyola report 99%+ college matriculation. Many graduates attend Big Ten schools, Notre Dame, and top liberal arts colleges. Ask for the specific college list from the last three graduating classes.

Are Catholic schools in Chicago better than public schools?

It depends on the specific public school. Top Catholic schools often have higher graduation rates and smaller classes, but selective enrollment public schools like Walter Payton and Northside College Prep rival them academically. Catholic schools offer faith-based education and stricter discipline. Compare individual school data, not broad categories, before deciding.

What extracurricular activities do top Chicago Catholic schools offer?

Elite Catholic schools in Chicago offer 20 to 40+ extracurriculars, including competitive athletics, speech and debate, robotics, theater, and service clubs. Schools like Fenwick and Loyola field strong teams in multiple sports. Many require community service hours for graduation. Ask about participation rates and whether activities have additional fees.

How do I apply for financial aid at Chicago Catholic high schools?

Most Catholic high schools in Chicago use the FACTS or TADS financial aid application. You must submit tax returns, W-2s, and asset information by December or January. Aid decisions arrive with admission letters in March. Some schools offer merit scholarships for academics, athletics, or leadership. Apply early, as funds are limited.

What is the acceptance rate at top Catholic schools in Chicago?

Acceptance rates at the most selective Catholic schools in Chicago range from 30% to 60%. Loyola Academy and St. Ignatius are among the most competitive. Admission depends on HSPT scores, grades, essays, and interviews. Legacy status and sibling enrollment can improve chances. Apply to multiple schools to maximize options.

FAQ

What are the top 10 Catholic schools in Chicago in 2027?

Based on our 2027 ranking, the top 10 include Loyola Academy, St. Ignatius College Prep, Fenwick High School, Notre Dame College Prep, Marist High School, Brother Rice High School, Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School, St. Rita of Cascia High School, De La Salle Institute, and Providence Catholic High School. Rankings weigh test scores, graduation rates, and student-teacher ratios.

How did you rank these Catholic schools?

We weighted four factors: 30% average ACT/SAT scores, 25% graduation rate, 20% AP/IB participation and pass rates, and 25% student-teacher ratio. Data came from the 2025-2026 Illinois Report Card and school profiles. We excluded tuition, religious affiliation, and facilities because those depend on family preferences, not school quality.

What is the tuition range at these top Catholic schools?

Tuition at the top 10 Catholic schools in Chicago ranges from about $14,000 to $22,000 per year for 2026-2027. Fenwick and Loyola are near the top. Most schools offer need-based aid averaging $5,000 to $12,000. Always use the net price calculator and ask about merit scholarships before committing.

Do these schools require the HSPT for admission?

Yes, most top Catholic high schools in Chicago require the HSPT or ISEE. Registration opens in fall, with exams in December and January. Some schools accept the ISEE instead. Check each school's admissions page for specific requirements, deadlines, and whether they superscore or accept fee waivers.

What is the average class size at these schools?

Most top Catholic schools in Chicago maintain class sizes between 18 and 24 students, with student-teacher ratios from 11:1 to 15:1. Loyola Academy and St. Ignatius report ratios near 12:1. Verify class sizes in core subjects like math and English, not just electives, when comparing schools.

How competitive is admission to these Catholic schools?

Acceptance rates at the most selective Catholic schools in Chicago range from 30% to 60%. Loyola Academy and St. Ignatius are the most competitive. Admission depends on HSPT scores, grades, essays, and interviews. Legacy status and sibling enrollment can help. Apply to multiple schools to maximize your options.

What college acceptance rates do these schools report?

Top Catholic schools in Chicago report 98% to 100% of graduates attending four-year colleges. Many graduates attend Big Ten schools, Notre Dame, and top liberal arts colleges. Ask each school for its specific college list from the last three graduating classes, not just overall percentages, to assess fit.

Are there financial aid options at these Catholic schools?

Yes, most top Catholic schools in Chicago offer need-based financial aid through FACTS or TADS. Submit tax returns and W-2s by December or January. Aid decisions arrive with admission letters in March. Some schools offer merit scholarships for academics, athletics, or leadership. Apply early because funds are limited.

What extracurriculars are available at top Chicago Catholic schools?

Elite Catholic schools in Chicago offer 20 to 40+ extracurriculars, including competitive athletics, speech and debate, robotics, theater, and service clubs. Many require community service hours for graduation. Ask about participation rates and whether activities carry additional fees beyond tuition.

How do I choose between these top Catholic schools?

Focus on fit over prestige. Visit classes, meet teachers, and ask about college counseling caseloads. Check commute time, financial aid, and whether the school's culture matches your child's needs. A 45-minute daily commute or a $20,000 annual gap after aid can outweigh a two-spot ranking difference.

Sources

• https://www.isbe.net/Pages/Illinois-Report-Card.aspx
• https://www.loyolaacademy.org/admissions
• https://www.ignatius.org/admissions
• https://www.fenwick.org/admissions
• https://www.marist.net/admissions
• https://www.brotherrice.org/admissions
• https://www.mothermcauley.org/admissions
• https://www.stritahs.com/admissions
• https://www.delasalle.org/admissions
• https://www.providencecatholic.org/admissions

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