Chicago Friends School offers an elementary education that nurtures a child's character, cultivates an intellectual curiosity, and builds a solid foundation for critical thinking.
Differentiated instruction, project-based learning, Integrated arts curriculum; service projects, Daily recess, community garden, Reasonable tuition, and financial assistance available.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked IL School
- Grades: Kindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 48 students
- Yearly Tuition: $14,400
- Acceptance rate: 75%
- Average class size: 15 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Chicago Friends School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Acceptance Rate
Advanced Degrees
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-8
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Dyslexia/Languge-based and Mild Learning Differences
Year Founded
2011
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
48 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
19%
State avg.: 34%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
6 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
8:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
90%
Average Class Size
15 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$14,400
Tuition Notes
First time family, one time fee of $1,000Sibling rate: For families with two or more students in the school, subtract $500.00 from the above rate for each enrolled child.CFS offers before and after care, please contact the school for more info about programs
% on Financial Aid
18%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$4,700
Acceptance Rate
75%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
André Gill
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
2 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Circus Arts
Arts and Music Programs:
Drama Club
Circus Arts
Arts and Music Programs:
Drama Club
School Notes
- Chicago Friends School is a gender inclusive K-8 school in the Edgewater neighborhood.
- We are guided by Quaker principles of peace, equality, simplicity, integrity, community, and service. We welcome Quaker and non-Quaker children of diverse backgrounds.
- We provide an educational environment that meets children`s intellectual, social and emotional needs, nurtures relationships, and that fosters a sense of belonging, social awareness, and personal responsibility.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Chicago Friends School cost?
Chicago Friends School's tuition is approximately $14,400 for private students and $300 for summer students.
What is the acceptance rate of Chicago Friends School?
The acceptance rate of Chicago Friends School is 75%, which is lower than the national average of 90%. Chicago Friends School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Illinois with low acceptance rates.
What is Chicago Friends School's ranking?
Chicago Friends School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for: Lowest average acceptance rates and Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees.
When is the application deadline for Chicago Friends School?
The application deadline for Chicago Friends School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is Chicago Friends School located?
Chicago Friends School is located in the Magnolia Glen neighborhood of Chicago, IL. There are 1 other private schools located in Magnolia Glen.
School Reviews
5 9/15/2023
A wonderful school with a student-teacher ratio that affords individualized attention. We can't be happier with the progression shown by our child since he started attending four years ago. I still remember how crestfallen he was after getting overlooked and lost in a CPS classroom of 35 students. His attitude about school is night and day since. We are very lucky to be at CFS.
5 3/7/2022
"CFS is a warm and nurturing learning community. Project-based learning capitalizes on the student's innate sense of curiosity; simultaneously refining math, reading, science, and art skills. The glue that holds it all together, though, is character development. Do I want my son to learn how to add and subtract? You bet! But, more importantly, I want my son to be KIND. I want him to know what it means to persevere, to understand the power of friendship and community, to learn the art of listening to the voice/light within, to see the good in every person, and to choose what is right over what is easy." I wrote these words (above) back in 2014 when our son was 7 years old. Now he is an 8th grader at CFS and I can confidently say that these words still ring true. The teachers are simply wonderful and the community caring and accepting.
5 2/27/2022
I have two children at the school, one in third grade and one in kindergarten. I have been so impressed with the sense of community at the school. I love that the quaker values I put front and center in the culture of the school and at the curriculum. My kids are learning how to be good people as well as good students. I wish that more people knew about the school. It is affordable and welcoming.
5 8/1/2015
We feel incredibly fortunate to have found this school. We felt that for our child, having small classrooms, no homework pressures, recess daily, differentiated instruction, and project-based learning has been very helpful to his progress. He now loves school and the community aspect they instill has been great socially too.
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