Edited by Nik Higgins · Co-founder & CEO
Chicago has 10 schools in the affordable category, providing families with focused options.
Compare 8 Affordable international schools in Chicago, United states. Filter by curriculum, fees (average USD 12,917), location, and more to find the right international school now.
EFAC, The French American School of Chicago, is a bilingual French-American program located in Lincoln Park, integrated within the Chicago Public Schools through partnerships with Abraham Lincoln Elementary School and Lincoln Park High School. Founded in 1981 within ALES, the school expanded to LPHS in 1995-1996 and now serves Kindergarten through 12th grade. The French Ministry of National Education accredits the program for K–5 as CM2, while the middle and high school follow the CNED curriculum, with the option to pursue the French Baccalauréat, including the French section. The curriculum blends CPS curricula with French standards, featuring courses taught entirely in French across language, literature, mathematics, history and the arts, with deeper emphasis on literature, history and geography as students advance. The school also offers a bilingual International Baccalaureate framework to support study at international universities. EFAC benefits from the facilities and extracurricular opportunities of its CPS partners for students.
Intercultural Montessori Language School in Chicago provides a dual-language education for students from age two through eighth grade. Families select an immersion track in either Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, or Japanese, where students learn core subjects directly in the target language. The Chicago campus, located in the West Town neighborhood, utilizes the Montessori method, featuring classrooms equipped with specialized tactile materials that allow children to progress through lessons at their own pace. A unique feature of the program is "Peace Education," which incorporates specific lessons on conflict resolution and global awareness into the daily schedule. Additionally, elementary students participate in "Going Out" excursions—student-organized trips into the city to conduct independent research. These programs are designed to build practical life skills alongside bilingual proficiency. The school is co-educational and serves as a day school without boarding facilities, focusing on creating a community where different cultures and languages are part of the everyday learning experience.
Intercultural Montessori Language School in Oak Park provides a dual-language immersion program combined with the Montessori method for children aged 2 through 6th Grade. Students spend a significant portion of their day interacting with native-speaking teachers in Spanish, Japanese, or Mandarin Chinese. The curriculum focuses on self-directed learning within multi-age classrooms, where students use specialized tactile materials to master mathematics, literacy, and cultural studies. The Oak Park campus features dedicated spaces for music and art, along with an outdoor play area designed for physical development. A unique feature of the school is its "Global Citizens" approach, which integrates cultural festivals and traditions from the target language regions directly into the daily schedule. This ensures that students develop phonetic and conversational proficiency alongside their core academic subjects. By maintaining a dual-language environment from the toddler years through elementary school, the program fosters bilingualism and cross-cultural understanding within a community-focused suburban setting.
St. Matthias School is a PreK3–8 Catholic International Baccalaureate World School in Chicago, part of the Archdiocese of Chicago, located at 4910 N. Claremont Avenue. It educates students aged 3 to 14 in the Primary Years Programme (PK-5) and Middle Years Programme (6–8). The IB framework uses inquiry-based units with a global-minded perspective. The core curriculum includes religion, language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, technology and physical education, with additional classes in art, library, music and world language (Spanish). PK-5 classrooms are self-contained; 6–8 are departmental. Students receive a Chromebook and have a weekly Technology class. Extended Care and an After School Enrichment Program offer activities such as chess, Irish dance, guitar, sports, science and drawing. The school lists field trips, including an eighth-grade trip to Washington, D.C., and a strong athletics program (cross country, volleyball, basketball). It is the only wall-to-wall Catholic IB World School in Chicago for families.
German International School Chicago (GISC) is a Preschool–Grade 9 school in Chicago's Ravenswood area offering a German–English bilingual education within the IB framework. The 30,000 sq ft campus serves roughly 200 students from 64 international families representing 40+ nationalities, with 25+ languages spoken. GISC is officially designated as a German School Abroad (DAS) in the U.S. Midwest and was recognized in 2024 for ties to the German education system. The school is an IB World School authorized for the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and provides a German-English bilingual curriculum, with the majority of subjects taught in German and full immersion from Day 1 in Preschool. The first high school class is planned to graduate in 2030 under the Strategic Plan 2024–2030. Facilities include a Large Nature Playground and a 6.5:1 student–teacher ratio, enabling small-group learning. The school offers after-school care, World Camp language immersion, and a library serving multiple languages.
The Ogden International School of Chicago is a public IB World School within the Chicago Public Schools system. It offers a continuous IB program from the Primary Years Programme (K–5) on East Campus, the Middle Years Programme (6–10) at Jenner Campus, and the Diploma Programme (11–12) at West Campus, serving students from ages 3 to 18. English is the primary instructional language, with Spanish available at East and Jenner and both Spanish and French offered at West, alongside Mandarin at the PYP level. A Language Policy provides mother-tongue support and bidirectional language development, with eighth graders able to switch Language Acquisition between French and Spanish when advancing. Honors courses begin in 6th grade across core subjects. The school operates campuses with Ogden Gardens—edible gardens that donate produce to families and participate in CPS Eat What You Grow. Extracurriculars include arts, languages, service, and sports, with emphasis on inquiry and collaboration.
The Ogden International School of Chicago is a public IB World School within the Chicago Public Schools system. It offers a continuous IB program from the Primary Years Programme (K–5) on East Campus, the Middle Years Programme (6–10) at Jenner Campus, and the Diploma Programme (11–12) at West Campus, serving students from ages 3 to 18. English is the primary instructional language, with Spanish available at East and Jenner and both Spanish and French offered at West, alongside Mandarin at the PYP level. A Language Policy provides mother-tongue support and bidirectional language development, with eighth graders able to switch Language Acquisition between French and Spanish when advancing. Honors courses begin in 6th grade across core subjects. The school operates campuses with Ogden Gardens—edible gardens that donate produce to families and participate in CPS Eat What You Grow. Extracurriculars include arts, languages, service, and sports, with emphasis on inquiry and collaboration.
DePaul College Prep is a Catholic, co‑educational, college‑prep high school in Chicago sponsored by the Vincentians and connected to DePaul University. It serves students aged 14 to 18 and offers an IB World School program with two paths: the Full Diploma and an Individual Course Pathway. IB courses span Groups 1–6 and the Core (Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, CAS); students may earn college credit through IB even if they do not pursue the Diploma. Beginning in 9th grade, the school offers sixteen Advanced Placement courses, and from 11th grade provides summer dual‑credit and dual‑enrollment opportunities with DePaul University. The STEAM & Arts program blends science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, with ten science labs, four maker spaces, an organic garden and greenhouse, plus robotics, film and music production, and design projects. The 17‑acre campus includes the Mary A. Dempsey Academic Center, a Black Box Theater, a 1,500‑seat outdoor stadium, and planned Indoor Athletic Complex. An 80‑minute block schedule and Vincentian service initiatives support robust post‑secondary planning and student growth.
No schools match your filters. Try adjusting your criteria.
Why join for free?
Already have an account? Log In
