2025 Best Charter Elementary Schools in Illinois (2024)

  1. #1 Best Charter Elementary Schools in IllinoisCambridge Lakes Charter SchoolCommunity Unit School District No. 300, IL·PK, K-12·Rating 4.43 out of 5 21 reviewsParent: I am grateful for the opportunity to choose Cambridge Lakes Charter School for my children. Since 2016, my children spanning grades preschool through middle school have received differentiated and personalized education that has enabled them to grow beyond expectation. CLCS' vision that all learners will grow through the human experience is evident in the relationships my children build with their peers and teachers. They feel safe, connected, and valued at CLCS, and have become better communicators and problem solvers as a result of their learning environment. Each student at CLCS has a Personalized Learning Plan, which has helped my children set and exceed goals, build confidence, and empowered them to take ownership of their learning. Each child has had an incredible amount of opportunities to discover and explore interests, as well as develop new skills during the extended academic day, extra-curricular activities, and IESA sports. We are thankful to be a part of CLCS!... Read 21 reviewsgradeAOverall Niche GradeStudents 732Student-teacher ratio 15:1Cambridge Lakes Charter School#1 Best Charter Elementary Schools in Illinois. Blue checkmark. Community Unit School District No. 300, IL, PK, K-12. 21 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars. Featured Review: Parent says I am grateful for the opportunity to choose Cambridge Lakes Charter School for my children. Since 2016, my children spanning grades preschool through middle school have received differentiated and... Read 21 reviews. Overall Niche Grade: A, Students: 732, Student-Teacher Ratio: 15 to 1,
  2. #2 Best Charter Elementary Schools in IllinoisPrairie Crossing Charter SchoolGrayslake, IL·Public School·K-8·Rating 3.2 out of 5 5 reviewsAlum: Great infrastructure such that if you get a good teacher, they are given the freedom to give an expansive, personal, innovative, and enjoyable education.... Read 5 reviewsgradeA minusOverall Niche GradeStudents 432Student-teacher ratio 14:1Prairie Crossing Charter School#2 Best Charter Elementary Schools in Illinois. Blue checkmark. Public School, GRAYSLAKE, IL, K-8. 5 Niche users give it an average review of 3.2 stars. Featured Review: Alum says Great infrastructure such that if you get a good teacher, they are given the freedom to give an expansive, personal, innovative, and enjoyable education. Read 5 reviews. Overall Niche Grade: A minus, Students: 432, Student-Teacher Ratio: 14 to 1,
  3. #3 Best Charter Elementary Schools in IllinoisHorizon Science Academy McKinley ParkChicago, IL·Public School·K-12·Rating 4 out of 5 28 reviewsAlum: This school isn't perfect. In fact, from the 10 years that I've been going to HSA I can say that it is very much far from it. From my point of view, any student's experience at HSA will depend on the effort put by said student. If they put time and effort into their classes and extra-curriculars, they'll have an amazing experience. If they don't focus on that, they'll be like the many students who attend her that simply put the blame on the teachers or staff for not having a good learning environment, which really isn't true. All the teachers are willing to help out and be your friend so much as you show that you care. It's as simple as that. The only real gripe that I have had in my time at HSA is that during our high school experience, there were so many times where our college advisor was either really unresponsive or terrible with her timing. As of now with the current advisor, be ready to do a good chunk of college research and paperwork on your own when you really need it.... Read 28 reviewsgradeB+Overall Niche GradeStudents 866Student-teacher ratio 12:1Horizon Science Academy McKinley Park#3 Best Charter Elementary Schools in Illinois. Blue checkmark. Public School, CHICAGO, IL, K-12. 28 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars. Featured Review: Alum says This school isn't perfect. In fact, from the 10 years that I've been going to HSA I can say that it is very much far from it. From my point of view, any student's experience at HSA will depend on the... Read 28 reviews. Overall Niche Grade: B+, Students: 866, Student-Teacher Ratio: 12 to 1,
  4. SponsoredCatholic SchoolHoly Family Catholic Academy--An International Baccalaureate World SchoolPrivate School·INVERNESS, IL·PK, K-8·Rating 4.76 out of 5 45
    SponsoredPrivate SchoolAncona SchoolPrivate School·CHICAGO, IL·PK, K-8·Rating 4.85 out of 5 26
    SponsoredPrivate SchoolForest Bluff SchoolPrivate School·LAKE BLUFF, IL·PK, K-8·Rating 4.52 out of 5 23
  5. CICS - Irving Park CampusChicago Public Schools, IL·K-8·Rating 5 out of 5 1 reviewParent: I can't say enough good things about this school. The sense of community is huge. The teachers and staff know all the kids and the families and kids have a nice community. I would definitely recommend taking a tour of this school, because it will be obvious as soon as you enter the building. My kids have thrived here, even during the pandemic. The teachers are the best! There are also lots of extracurricular opportunities for the kids, and a strong PTO.... Read 1 reviewgradeB minusOverall Niche GradeStudents 533Student-teacher ratio 15:1CICS - Irving Park CampusChicago Public Schools, IL, K-8. 1 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars. Featured Review: Parent says I can't say enough good things about this school. The sense of community is huge. The teachers and staff know all the kids and the families and kids have a nice community. I would definitely... Read 1 reviews. Overall Niche Grade: B minus, Students: 533, Student-Teacher Ratio: 15 to 1,
  6. Acero Charter - Sor Juana Ines De La CruzChicago Public Schools, IL·K-12·Rating 4.2 out of 5 5 reviewsSenior: Acero de la cruz has been helpful to me especially with my sickle cell and social anxiety. I have hard time making friends because of my social anxiety which has made me feel excluded and nervous but when I got to Acero cruz I got the confident to talk and communicate woth people. Acero cruz has made me a better person and they gave me access to Elevator because of my sickle cell which is harmful but being able to ride the elevator has made me energetic and better person. I am grateful to be at Acero cruz because it feels like home and it made me feel very happy.... Read 5 reviewsgradeB minusOverall Niche GradeStudents 513Student-teacher ratio 10:1Acero Charter - Sor Juana Ines De La CruzChicago Public Schools, IL, K-12. 5 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. Featured Review: Senior says Acero de la cruz has been helpful to me especially with my sickle cell and social anxiety. I have hard time making friends because of my social anxiety which has made me feel excluded and nervous but... Read 5 reviews. Overall Niche Grade: B minus, Students: 513, Student-Teacher Ratio: 10 to 1,
  7. Springfield Ball Charter SchoolSpringfield School District No. 186, IL·K-8·Rating 4 out of 5 2 reviewsMiddle School Student: It says the teachers are a C which I completely disagree with I’ve been at this school for a long time and haven’t had any teachers who are a C there are great teachers here.... Read 2 reviewsgradeB minusOverall Niche GradeStudents 384Student-teacher ratio 15:1Springfield Ball Charter SchoolSpringfield School District No. 186, IL, K-8. 2 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars. Featured Review: Middle School Student says It says the teachers are a C which I completely disagree with I’ve been at this school for a long time and haven’t had any teachers who are a C there are great teachers here. Read 2 reviews. Overall Niche Grade: B minus, Students: 384, Student-Teacher Ratio: 15 to 1,
  8. Kipp One AcademyChicago Public Schools, IL·K-8·Rating 4 out of 5 4 reviewsMiddle school student: I Loved/love Kipp. It would be the best thing to ever experience for a middle schooler, they get you ready for high school and being determined to go to college. I would definitely want my kids to go here. They are also making sure that you are well and helping you out in college... Read 4 reviewsgradeB minusOverall Niche GradeStudents 985Student-teacher ratio 11:1Kipp One AcademyBlue checkmark. Chicago Public Schools, IL, K-8. 4 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars. Featured Review: Middle school student says I Loved/love Kipp. It would be the best thing to ever experience for a middle schooler, they get you ready for high school and being determined to go to college. I would definitely want my kids to go... Read 4 reviews. Overall Niche Grade: B minus, Students: 985, Student-Teacher Ratio: 11 to 1,
  9. University of Chicago - North Kenwood/OaklandChicago Public Schools, IL·PK, K-5gradeB minusOverall Niche GradeStudents 299Student-teacher ratio 17:1University of Chicago - North Kenwood/OaklandChicago Public Schools, IL, PK, K-5. Overall Niche Grade: B minus, Students: 299, Student-Teacher Ratio: 17 to 1,
  10. LEARN Charter School - 6 CampusNorth Chicago School District No. 187, IL·K-8·Rating 3.33 out of 5 3 reviewsAlum: Learn is a good school. They work to make sure that student pass to the next grade. There may be some fights at times but it’s still a good school who focuses mostly on academic... Read 3 reviewsgradeC+Overall Niche GradeStudents 500Student-teacher ratio 11:1LEARN Charter School - 6 CampusNorth Chicago School District No. 187, IL, K-8. 3 Niche users give it an average review of 3.3 stars. Featured Review: Alum says Learn is a good school. They work to make sure that student pass to the next grade. There may be some fights at times but it’s still a good school who focuses mostly on academic Read 3 reviews. Overall Niche Grade: C+, Students: 500, Student-Teacher Ratio: 11 to 1,
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  11. Learn 9 - WaukeganWaukegan, IL·Public School·K-8·Rating 5 out of 5 2 reviewsParent: I am certain that my children are receiving rigorous instruction and given opportunities that they did not have in our school district. Thanks to this public charter school my children are being equipped to be college and career ready, already understanding that responsibility is key in preparing their future. Not only are academics top priority, but the wonderful staff and school leaders ensure that students have multiple opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities. They have led activities such as soccer, cross country, game club, volleyball, and even provide after school care through a partnership with the Boys and Girls Club. They also offer enrichment courses throughout the school day such as STEM, theater, and Spanish. I am grateful for having this school in our community and thrilled that my children will have the opportunity to be with such a wonderful team until they graduate middle school.... Read 2 reviewsgradeC+Overall Niche GradeStudents 421Student-teacher ratio 12:1Learn 9 - WaukeganBlue checkmark. Public School, WAUKEGAN, IL, K-8. 2 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars. Featured Review: Parent says I am certain that my children are receiving rigorous instruction and given opportunities that they did not have in our school district. Thanks to this public charter school my children are being... Read 2 reviews. Overall Niche Grade: C+, Students: 421, Student-Teacher Ratio: 12 to 1,
  12. KIPP Academy Chicago CampusChicago Public Schools, IL·K-8gradeC+Overall Niche GradeStudents 606Student-teacher ratio 10:1KIPP Academy Chicago CampusBlue checkmark. Chicago Public Schools, IL, K-8. Overall Niche Grade: C+, Students: 606, Student-Teacher Ratio: 10 to 1,
  13. Acero Charter - SPC Zizumbo CampusChicago Public Schools, IL·K-8gradeC+Overall Niche GradeStudents 551Student-teacher ratio 17:1Acero Charter - SPC Zizumbo CampusChicago Public Schools, IL, K-8. Overall Niche Grade: C+, Students: 551, Student-Teacher Ratio: 17 to 1,
  14. Acero Charter - Rufino Tamayo CampusChicago Public Schools, IL·K-8gradeC+Overall Niche GradeStudents 270Student-teacher ratio 14:1Acero Charter - Rufino Tamayo CampusChicago Public Schools, IL, K-8. Overall Niche Grade: C+, Students: 270, Student-Teacher Ratio: 14 to 1,
  15. A. Locke Charter Elementary AcademyChicago Public Schools, IL·K-8gradeC+Overall Niche GradeStudents 321Student-teacher ratio 13:1A. Locke Charter Elementary AcademyChicago Public Schools, IL, K-8. Overall Niche Grade: C+, Students: 321, Student-Teacher Ratio: 13 to 1,
  16. KIPP Chicago Chrtrs - Ascend AcademyChicago Public Schools, IL·K-8gradeC+Overall Niche GradeStudents 905Student-teacher ratio 9:1KIPP Chicago Chrtrs - Ascend AcademyBlue checkmark. Chicago Public Schools, IL, K-8. Overall Niche Grade: C+, Students: 905, Student-Teacher Ratio: 9 to 1,
  17. Horizon Science Academy BelmontChicago, IL·Public School·K-10·Rating 5 out of 5 12 reviewsWorks Here: One of the most impressive aspects of the school is its rigorous STEM curriculum. Horizon Science Academy Belmont places a strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, preparing students for the challenges of the future. The state-of-the-art facilities and resources available to students are truly remarkable. From well-equipped science labs to advanced computer technology, the school provides an environment where students can explore and excel in these critical areas.Beyond academics, the school offers a variety of extracurricular activities that cater to a wide range of interests. Whether it's sports, arts, or clubs, there is something for every student. These activities not only enrich the students' educational experience but also help them develop important life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and time management.I highly recommend this school to anyone looking for an exceptional educational experience.... Read 12 reviewsgradeC+Overall Niche GradeStudents 833Student-teacher ratio 5:1Horizon Science Academy BelmontBlue checkmark. Public School, CHICAGO, IL, K-10. 12 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars. Featured Review: Works Here says One of the most impressive aspects of the school is its rigorous STEM curriculum. Horizon Science Academy Belmont places a strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics,... Read 12 reviews. Overall Niche Grade: C+, Students: 833, Student-Teacher Ratio: 5 to 1,
  18. CICS - Avalon/South ShoreChicago Public Schools, IL·K-8·Rating 4 out of 5 1 reviewMiddle School Student: I went there 6-8 coming from a different school and they were very welcoming. Their ELA classes are great, top notch.... Read 1 reviewgradeC+Overall Niche GradeStudents 456Student-teacher ratio 19:1CICS - Avalon/South ShoreChicago Public Schools, IL, K-8. 1 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars. Featured Review: Middle School Student says I went there 6-8 coming from a different school and they were very welcoming. Their ELA classes are great, top notch. Read 1 reviews. Overall Niche Grade: C+, Students: 456, Student-Teacher Ratio: 19 to 1,
  19. Passages Charter SchoolChicago Public Schools, IL·K-8·Rating 1.5 out of 5 2 reviewsgradeC+Overall Niche GradeStudents 311Student-teacher ratio 14:1Passages Charter SchoolChicago Public Schools, IL, K-8. 2 Niche users give it an average review of 1.5 stars. Read 2 reviews. Overall Niche Grade: C+, Students: 311, Student-Teacher Ratio: 14 to 1,
  20. Great Lakes Academy Charter Elementary SchoolChicago Public Schools, IL·K-8·Rating 4.5 out of 5 2 reviewsParent: I like that they challenge my children. The teachers and staff are supportive. I wish there were sports and a outside playground.... Read 2 reviewsgradeC+Overall Niche GradeStudents 508Student-teacher ratio 14:1Great Lakes Academy Charter Elementary SchoolBlue checkmark. Chicago Public Schools, IL, K-8. 2 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars. Featured Review: Parent says I like that they challenge my children. The teachers and staff are supportive. I wish there were sports and a outside playground. Read 2 reviews. Overall Niche Grade: C+, Students: 508, Student-Teacher Ratio: 14 to 1,
  21. Acero Charter - Jovita IdarChicago Public Schools, IL·K-8·Rating 1 out of 5 1 reviewgradeC+Overall Niche GradeStudents 521Student-teacher ratio 20:1Acero Charter - Jovita IdarChicago Public Schools, IL, K-8. 1 Niche users give it an average review of 1 stars. Read 1 reviews. Overall Niche Grade: C+, Students: 521, Student-Teacher Ratio: 20 to 1,
  22. Kipp Chicago Chrtrs Bloom CampusChicago Public Schools, IL·K-8·Rating 3 out of 5 1 reviewgradeC+Overall Niche GradeStudents 851Student-teacher ratio 10:1Kipp Chicago Chrtrs Bloom CampusBlue checkmark. Chicago Public Schools, IL, K-8. 1 Niche users give it an average review of 3 stars. Read 1 reviews. Overall Niche Grade: C+, Students: 851, Student-Teacher Ratio: 10 to 1,
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  24. CICS - Basil CampusChicago Public Schools, IL·K-8·Rating 5 out of 5 1 reviewWorks Here: Great love the teachers they support not only the each other but parents as well, speaking as a educator and parent I choose basil for my son because I believe in the mission all children will go to college... Read 1 reviewgradeC+Overall Niche GradeStudents 481Student-teacher ratio 22:1CICS - Basil CampusChicago Public Schools, IL, K-8. 1 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars. Featured Review: Works Here says Great love the teachers they support not only the each other but parents as well, speaking as a educator and parent I choose basil for my son because I believe in the mission all children will go... Read 1 reviews. Overall Niche Grade: C+, Students: 481, Student-Teacher Ratio: 22 to 1,
  25. Acero Charter - Brighton Park CampusChicago Public Schools, IL·K-8gradeC+Overall Niche GradeStudents 534Student-teacher ratio 18:1Acero Charter - Brighton Park CampusChicago Public Schools, IL, K-8. Overall Niche Grade: C+, Students: 534, Student-Teacher Ratio: 18 to 1,
  26. CICS - Bucktown CampusChicago Public Schools, IL·K-8gradeC+Overall Niche GradeStudents 621Student-teacher ratio 13:1CICS - Bucktown CampusChicago Public Schools, IL, K-8. Overall Niche Grade: C+, Students: 621, Student-Teacher Ratio: 13 to 1,
  27. SponsoredPrivate SchoolGEMS World Academy ChicagoPrivate School·CHICAGO, IL·PK, K-8·Rating 4.51 out of 5 49
    SponsoredPrivate SchoolSt. Thomas SchoolPrivate School·MEDINA, WA·PK, K-8·Rating 4.29 out of 5 7
    SponsoredSchool DistrictForest Park School District No. 91School District·FOREST PARK, IL·Rating 5 out of 5 1
2025 Best Charter Elementary Schools in Illinois (2024)
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