Compare Affordable International Schools in Chicago, United states

1726 W Berteau Ave, Chicago, IL 60613. Located in Chicago's Ravenswood neighborhood.

Preschool through Grade 9; Preschool, Elementary School, Middle School, and High School; bilingual German-English instruction.

IB World School (Authorized for the PYP)

40+ nationalities represented; 64% international families

Germany; Official German School Abroad (DAS) in the U.S. Midwest

Lunch is provided through the Yay Lunch program; families can register at yaylunch.com to view the daily menu and place orders. The school schedules two daily 40-minute breaks for K–8 students during which they snack and have lunch; meals are eaten outdoors when weather permits, inside if temperatures drop below 45°F.

The school is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation governed by its Board of Trustees.

GISC is an IB World School authorized for the Primary Years Programme (PYP) offering a German-English bilingual education from Preschool through Grade 9. The majority of subjects are taught in German, and there is full German immersion from Day 1. It is a bilingual program spanning Preschool–Grade 9, with IB credentials and an emphasis on international education.

6.5:1

Fast Track German Language Program (FTGLP) is open to gifted students in Grades 3-6.

SEL is integrated into classroom practice with a Counseling Resource Teacher who collaborates with teachers to implement social-emotional learning, mental health support, and anti-bullying initiatives, ensuring every student feels safe, respected, and valued.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion supports neurodiverse students; staff participate in professional development on inclusion to promote equity and create more supportive learning environments for neurodiverse learners.

Become Bilingual provides English Language Learner (ELL) support; new students in grades K-2 without German fluency join the Become Bilingual Program as German Language Learners, and students with limited English knowledge receive tutoring through BBP as English Language Learners.

The Counseling Resource Teacher supports mental health and social-emotional learning, promoting a positive, supportive environment and anti-bullying initiatives.

The school maintains a Student Bullying Prevention Policy; safety reminders for drop-off and pick-up; all doors are locked during the day with the Front Office as the only access and a visitor sign-in sheet; a state-of-the-art intercom system provides immediate communication and drills for fire, inclement weather, and lockdown.

The school offers a personalized bilingual and international education from Preschool through Grade 8, with High School Grade 9 launching in 2026-2027 and first graduates expected in 2030. It is currently enrolling Preschool to Grade 9. The Expat Brochure describes a full-day preschool through 8th grade program with flexible after-school care until 6:00 pm and extracurricular opportunities for children aged 3 to 14. Classes are taught in German and English, combining German and US curricula within the International Baccalaureate framework. Students in Grade 8 take the DSD I exam. GISC supports a seamless enrollment process through a personalized admissions path and reserves spots in every class for expat families to avoid the stress of a waitlist. GISC accepts new students at any time during the school year.

Expat families have reserved spots in every class to avoid the uncertainty of a waitlist.

615 W Kemper Place, Chicago, IL 60614, in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. EFAC is integrated with the Chicago Public Schools system through partnerships with Abraham Lincoln Elementary School and Lincoln Park High School to serve Kindergarten through 12th grade.

Kindergarten through 12th grade.

French-American bilingual program integrated within the Chicago Public Schools (CPS).

Affiliation with the French Ministry of National Education.

EFAC participates in the Chicago Public Schools lunch program. EFAC students attend Abraham Lincoln Elementary School (ALES) and Lincoln Park High School (LPHS) as part of the CPS integration, and lunch is provided free at these CPS schools.

EFAC is governed by a Board of Trustees, following NAIS best practices. EFAC is a non-profit educational association established in 1979 under the laws of Illinois; its statutes are filed with the Illinois Secretary of State.

The French American School of Chicago (EFAC) offers a seamless bilingual education from Kindergarten through 12th grade, accredited by the French Ministry of Education for K–5. The program blends Chicago Public Schools curricula with French educational standards in collaboration with Abraham Lincoln Elementary School and Lincoln Park High School. Curriculum highlights include: courses taught entirely in French across language, literature, mathematics, history and the arts; as students advance, emphasis on literature, history and geography; and a bilingual International Baccalaureate prepared to support study at international universities.

Offers a bilingual International Baccalaureate to prepare students for success at international universities.

The school does not require any English fluency. Students are fully immersed in English in the CPS system and learn progressively and naturally. A three-year English as a New Language program is offered for non-English-speaking students to achieve fluency in both languages. Three years are expected to be sufficient for fluency in written and oral communication in both French and English. The program is part of EFAC within the CPS framework, with certification through the French CM2 level and the option to take the French section of the French Baccalauréat.

1. Eligibility. Eligibility is determined by three criteria. Residency must be within the Abraham Lincoln Elementary School boundaries (K–8) or Lincoln Park High School boundaries (9–12) and the student must be registered at ALES or LPHS. The student and parent meet with the EFAC Director for an interview to assess proficiency in French and home support in French, with report cards and prior assessments requested to verify performance. There must be an available seat in the desired grade; the program is bilingual within CPS and English fluency is not required.

French Government Scholarships: If your child is a French citizen residing in the Chicago area with at least one parent, you may be eligible for financial aid from the French government. These scholarships, known as Bourses Scolaires, are designed to support the education of French children abroad and are submitted through the Consulate General of France in Chicago; for deadlines and details, visit the French Consulate site. EFAC Financial Aid: EFAC offers financial aid based on individual needs and family income. We are committed to making education accessible and affordable to all our students. Contact for Assistance: For more details or to discuss the specific terms of our financial aid options, mathieu.cladidier@efachicago.org.

Admission priority order when eligibility criteria are met: Siblings of students already enrolled and children of EFAC teachers; Lincoln families currently enrolled and previously registered with EFAC (waitlist); New families, based on meeting all requirements and space availability in the desired grade.

The school is located in the Lincoln Square neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. The address is 4910 N. Claremont Ave, Chicago, IL 60625.

PK3-8th grade. The school offers a Preschool Program, Grades K-5 Program, and a Middle School IB Programme.

Catholic PK3-8 school offering International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes; National Blue Ribbon School in Illinois.

Diverse Learners Support provides services including Push-In/Pull-Out Support, IDEA Reading and Math, Title 1 Reading and Math, Academic Coaching, Counseling (United Stand), Private OT, and IEP/504 Speech Services. Lead: Emily Moss, Director of Inclusive Services.

Catholic

Arrival: 7:50 am first bell; 8:00 am final bell (late arrivals after 8:00 am are marked tardy). Dismissal: 3:00 pm for PK; 3:10 pm for K-8; Wednesday: 1:50 pm (PK), 2:00 pm (K-8).

Uniforms are required. Every day is a dress day in uniform, with gym uniforms worn on PE days.

Hot lunch is available; orders are placed online via FSP/BOONLI, with monthly menus; the ordering platform opens from the 1st to the 15th of each month.

The core subjects in grades K-5 are Math, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, and Religion. Special classes in grades 6-8 include World Language (French and Spanish), Physical Education, Library, Art, Music, and STEM Lab Technology. Each student receives an SMS-issued Chromebook and has a Technology class once a week. The school conducts field trips throughout the year, including an eighth-grade trip to Washington, D.C.

St. Matthias provides an IB World education for PreK3–8. The Primary Years Programme (PYP) focuses on developing the whole child, including academic, social and emotional well-being, with emphasis on international-mindedness and personal values. The Middle Years Programme (MYP) develops 6th–8th grade students into active, internationally minded learners who think creatively and critically. A licensed School Counselor delivers individual and group counseling, social-emotional lessons, and support for executive functioning and friendships. The Diverse Learners team provides reading and math interventions, academic coaching, and counseling to students who need extra help.

St. Matthias has a Diverse Learners Support team of five professionals. Approximately 25% of students receive support through services such as Push/In-Pull out, IDEA Reading and Math, Title 1 Reading and Math, Academic Coaching, Counseling - United Stand, Private OT, and Speech services. Denise Sikorski is the Director of Inclusive Services and coordinates 1:1 and small-group interventions in the Learning Lab, progress monitoring, testing accommodations and universal design for learning. The team also supports students with 504 plans and IEPs and collaborates with families and outside providers.

A licensed School Counselor provides mental health support including individual and group counseling and executive functioning coaching. Social-emotional lessons are delivered in the classroom; counseling supports include friendship skills and conflict resolution training, with connections to outside resources as needed.

St. Matthias values ethnic and economic diversity and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The mission emphasizes welcoming everyone and developing faith-centered, service-oriented global citizens.

St. Matthias School is the only PK3-8 Catholic, International Baccalaureate (IB) World, National Blue Ribbon School in Illinois, located in the Lincoln Square neighborhood of Chicago. Admissions priorities are current students and their siblings; Queen of Apostles Parishioners and/or participants in the Little Wonders Toddler Classes. For the 2026-2027 school year, applications are due by January 31, 2026. The school offers PreK 3 and PreK 4 options with several schedules: PreK 3 includes 3 half-days (8:00 am–11:40 am), 3 full-days (8:00 am–3:00 pm), 5 half-days (8:00 am–11:40 am), or 5 full-days (8:00 am–3:00 pm); PreK 4 includes 5 half-days (8:00 am–11:40 am) or 5 full-days (8:00 am–3:00 pm). Wednesdays have a 2:00 pm dismissal with aftercare available. Kindergarten–5th grade require a 5th birthday by September 1 of the entering year; registration is possible throughout the year if space permits. Middle School comprises 6th–8th grade, and a shadow day is strongly recommended. The Admissions Statement of Equality affirms that the school values ethnic and economic diversity and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Open House dates for 2025–2026 include October 8, 2025; November 12, 2025; December 10, 2025; January 25, 2026 (Catholic Schools Week); February 25, 2026; March 25, 2026; April 15, 2026; and May 13, 2026, with reservations via the Prospective Family Inquiry Form. Private school tours can be scheduled beginning November 4, 2025 after submitting the Prospective Family Inquiry Form; contact Jill Hotek for details. Tuition and Fees (2024–2025) include Preschool 3 half days $8,000; Preschool 3 full days $8,700; Preschool 5 half days $9,100; Preschool 5 full days $9,700; 1 child Kindergarten–8th $8,900; 2 children $15,100; 3 children $21,000; registration and IB/technology fees apply; annual registration is nonrefundable; payments run July–April; changes to preschool programming incur a $150 administrative fee. Registration fees: $200 per family (returning by December 1 $200, after $300); new families $500; IB materials/books $300 per student; technology $50 per student.

Mailing Address: 3333 N. Rockwell Street, Chicago, IL 60618. Main Entrance & Parking: 3300 N. Campbell Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618. Located in Chicago, Illinois.

Grades 9-12 (high school).

Catholic, co-ed, college-prep high school.

Learning specialists provide curricular support for diagnosed learning differences; targeted strategy support in reading comprehension, written expression, math, and executive functioning. Instructional support is provided inside and outside the classroom. Learning specialists manage classroom and testing accommodations and communicate with teachers, parents, and outside professionals. They help students develop independence through self-awareness, proactivity, perseverance, goal setting, support networks, and emotional coping strategies.

United States

Catholic (Vincentian Catholic Identity).

Uniforms are required and must be purchased from Tommy Hilfiger. Lands' End pieces are grandfathered for current students, but new students must buy Tommy Hilfiger items. All uniform clothing is purchased from the Tommy Hilfiger Website, and official outerwear must be DePaul Prep apparel (Tommy Hilfiger, Spirit Shop, or team athletic shop) with a school ID badge worn visibly at all times.

Food services are provided by Quest Food Services. Students can add funds to MyMealTime lunch accounts online, and use their DePaul Prep ID badge to purchase items in the cafeteria. Parker Kokowicz is the Food Service Director and can address dietary needs; nutrition information is available online.

The school is governed by a Board of Directors, including President Mary A. Dempsey and Life Directors, as listed on the Board page. The school maintains a university partnership with DePaul University.

The school is an International Baccalaureate World School offering the IB Diploma Programme with two enrollment paths: the Full Diploma Programme and an Individual Course Pathway. IB course offerings cover Group 1 to Group 6 and the IB Core (Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, CAS). Students enroll in two-year IB courses as sophomores and may earn college credit whether or not they complete the IB Diploma. In addition to IB, the school offers sixteen Advanced Placement courses beginning in 9th grade (starting in 2024-2025) and summer dual credit and dual enrollment courses at DePaul University beginning in 11th grade. The STEAM-focused program uses interdisciplinary learning with state-of-the-art technology, ten science labs, four maker spaces, an organic garden, and a greenhouse, including robotics, visual and fine arts, film production, computer programming, engineering, and design. The school maintains an 80-minute block schedule to support personalized instruction and includes a robust post-secondary planning program through a DePaul University partnership for dual enrollment and college-credit opportunities.

14 to 1

77% of IB Full Diploma Programme graduates earned the IB Diploma in 2025.

Graduates enroll at a broad range of colleges and universities, including DePaul University, Columbia University, Carnegie Mellon University, Boston College, Bucknell University, Butler University, Denison University, Drake University, Elmhurst University, Elon University, and more.

Advanced learners have access to AP and IB coursework, plus Dual Enrollment at DePaul University. The E.D.G.E. Program, delivered through Superior Chicago Tutoring, offers tutoring and academic coaching for eligible students.

The Counseling program fosters the holistic development of each student within DePaul College Prep's Vincentian Catholic framework. In partnership with families, faculty, and the broader community, it provides a data-driven counseling approach that emphasizes academic achievement, college and career readiness, and social-emotional well-being. Guided by the core values of Faith, Respect, Excellence, Service, and Health, the program creates an inclusive environment where students develop independence, resilience, and moral responsibility. School counselors address students' academic, personal/social, and college/career needs through individual counseling. They support self-management and emotional regulation, and connect students with outside resources when appropriate. The goal is for students to become confident self-advocates and compassionate leaders.

DePaul College Prep provides support for diverse learners with diagnosed learning differences. Learning specialists offer targeted strategy support in reading comprehension, written expression, math, and executive functioning, with instructional support provided inside and outside the classroom. They manage classroom and testing accommodations to ensure students receive needed supports, while maintaining close communication with teachers, parents, and outside professionals. The program also focuses on developing independent learners by teaching the success attributes of self-awareness, proactivity, perseverance, goal setting, use of support systems, and emotional coping strategies. Eligibility requires a diagnosed learning disability and/or ADHD documented in an IEP, 504 plan, or private evaluation, with documentation submitted by August 1 to receive additional support. Depending on the student, support may include structured study halls, one-on-one meetings, or co-taught classes, with the aim of reducing support as independence grows.

Mental wellbeing is integrated into the counseling program as part of the school's holistic approach. School counselors address emotional regulation, self-management, and other personal/social needs, and connect students to outside supports when appropriate. The team includes a school social worker who collaborates with counselors and families to support students. A range of immediate supports is available, including a 24-hour crisis helpline and the DePaul Prep hotline for emergencies. Additional crisis and mental health resources are listed within the school's community resources, including access to neuropsychological evaluations and local therapy providers as needed. The overall aim is to help students navigate challenges with resilience and timely support.

Safety is prioritized. The Safety Reporting Form allows any member of the school community to report safety concerns, including harassment or bullying, with a school official following up on all reports. In emergencies, call 911.

The school invites prospective students and families to learn about the student experience, contact the admissions team, apply to DePaul Prep, and explore financial aid and related information. The admissions process seeks to understand each student's strengths, weaknesses, talents, interests, and values to determine fit within the DePaul Prep community. Fall 2025 admissions and recruitment details include the on-campus Entrance Exam held December 6, 2025; eighth graders who register for the Entrance Exam and test in person receive first preference for admission to the Class of 2030; students who test at another Catholic high school will not be notified of admission unless scores are officially sent to DePaul Prep; students who test at DePaul Prep receive preference for consideration. For the application and supporting materials, submit the last three years of grades/report cards (6th–8th), most recent standardized test scores, the discipline report, birth certificate, and the online application. The Class of 2030 Admissions Application opens December 6 at 8:00 AM and closes December 19 for regular applicants. Required documents include birth certificate; 8th-grade, 7th-grade, and 6th-grade report cards; most recent standardized test scores; discipline report; the most updated IEP/504 plan (if applicable); private evaluation (if available); and a completed Diversity Learning Needs template if applicable. Shadow Days include 8th-grade shadow days for the 25-26 school year which have concluded; 7th-grade shadow day registration is now open. Virtual campus tours are available to sign up, and a Prospective Student Info Card provides ongoing information. Open Houses were held in Fall 2025 (Open House

1 on October 9, 2025; Open House 2 on November 2, 2025). The admissions application is open, and the admissions team can be reached at 773-539-3600 for information.

DePaul College Prep offers financial aid and several internal and external scholarship opportunities. Financial aid applications for the 26-27 school year opened October 1, 2025 and closed December 31, 2025.

The school operates two campuses in Illinois: Chicago Campus in the West Loop at 114 S Racine Ave, Chicago, IL 60607, and Oak Park Campus at 301 S Ridgeland Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302. The Oak Park campus is the original location, and the Chicago Campus serves the West Loop and surrounding neighborhoods. Intercultural also operates inter-campus transportation via a minibus to connect Oak Park and Chicago campuses for certain students.

Toddlers; Early Childhood; Elementary; Middle School

Private nonprofit Montessori school with dual-language immersion (501(c)(3))

United States

Toddler hours: Half-day 8:00am–12:30pm; Full-day 8:00am–3:00pm; Extended-day 8:00am–5:30pm.

Intercultural operates a minibus that departs from the Oak Park campus each morning to transfer Elementary students to the Chicago campus, with return trips to Oak Park in the afternoon.

The school is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization governed by a Board of Trustees which provides fiscal oversight, strategic planning, policy guidance, and evaluation of the Head of School.

Intercultural Montessori uses the Montessori method with self-directed, hands-on learning guided by trained educators across Toddler through Middle School. The dual-language curriculum immerses students daily in English plus a target language, with language tracks in Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, and Arabic. The Early Childhood program focuses on Practical Life, Sensorial Exploration, Language Development, Mathematics, and Cultural Studies within a structured yet flexible Montessori environment. The Elementary program aligns with Common Core and integrates Mathematics, Science, Technology, Art, Culture, and dual-language learning, delivered through mixed-age classrooms and hands-on inquiry. The Middle School program combines hands-on learning with interdisciplinary projects, citywide travel, and community service, aligned with Illinois Common Core standards, emphasizing independence, collaboration, and goal-setting as students prepare for high school and beyond.

MAP Percentile Scores (2024-25) for 3rd through 7th grade: Mathematics 91st percentile and Language Arts 87th percentile. 86% of tested students achieved the Global Seal of Biliteracy.

Graduates have gained admission to Chicago high schools such as Lane Tech College Prep, Jones College Prep, Whitney Young Magnet High School, British International School of Chicago, Latin School of Chicago, and Lycée Français de Chicago. Alumni have attended universities including Cornell University, Northwestern University, University of Texas, Howard University, and Purdue University.

The school's Montessori educators nurture independence, empathy, and curiosity in every child. Language-immersion classrooms foster intercultural understanding and global awareness. The elementary program emphasizes social and emotional growth, with a focus on respect, responsibility, and community-building. The dual-language program supports collaboration and intercultural understanding as part of daily learning. The school is an accredited member of the American Montessori Society, upholding trusted standards for authentic Montessori education.

The school's dual-language Montessori program uses Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, and Arabic as target languages, integrating language learning with the Montessori curriculum. Lower Elementary uses a bilingual model where a target language teacher and an English teacher co-teach and deliver content in both languages. Upper Elementary features intensive target-language instruction in small groups with native-speaking teachers. Languages offered across programs include Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, and Arabic, supporting bilingual proficiency and cultural understanding.

Montessori education supports social and emotional development; the Elementary program emphasizes respect, responsibility, and community-building. Trained teachers nurture independence, empathy, and curiosity, contributing to students' mental wellbeing. Language immersion and intercultural learning foster empathy and global awareness. Social-emotional growth is integrated into the curriculum as a core element of student development.

The school maintains an Anti-Bullying Policy, including a bullying prevention framework. The policy defines bullying, requires reporting to a designated administrator or bullying report manager, and outlines an investigation process with a timeline (including notification to parents within 24 hours and completion within ten school days). The policy also provides for social work services, counseling, and restorative measures as part of handling bullying incidents.

1. Schedule a Tour. The best way to experience Intercultural is to see it in action. Schedule a tour of either our Chicago or Oak Park campus to observe classrooms, meet educators, and learn more about the curriculum. Tours are available by appointment and provide an opportunity to ask questions.

2. Submit an Application. After your tour, you'll receive an application link. We recommend applying early, as spots fill quickly in many of our programs.

3. Family Interview & Child Observation. Once we receive your application, we'll schedule a child observation so our team can meet your child in a relaxed, natural setting. A family interview is part of the process.

4. Enrollment & Next Steps. Once accepted, families will receive enrollment details on next steps, including tuition, program details, and important dates. Our admissions team is available to support you through this transition.

Toddlers program (15 Months and 3-year-olds) and Early Childhood (Preschool–Kindergarten) use a waiting pool when space is not available. We are often able to offer a second-choice language program or location. Enrollment can change quickly, and the school aims not to keep families waiting for long; communications are made as clearly and as often as possible. Elementary and Middle School programs are highly selective, and a space may not be offered if there is limited space or if the Admissions team and teachers feel it is not a good fit.