Pilgrim Lutheran School, located on the Northside of Chicago, is committed to providing a strong faith-based academic environment to students from preschool through 8th grade.
Pilgrim combines safe and nurturing surroundings with progressive programs and high academic standards.The school uses a "whole child" approach, focusing on academic, spiritual, emotional, social, and physical development based on the total well being of the child.
Small class sizes along with enthusiastic and caring teachers allow for students to explore their unique interests and gifts. Pilgrim is fully accredited by the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association and has earned recognition by the Illinois State Board of Education.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked IL School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 144 students
- Yearly Tuition: $7,887
- Average class size: 18 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Pilgrim Lutheran School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
School History
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Year Founded
1921
Student Body
Total Students
144 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
9%
State avg.: 34%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
11 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
13:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
50%
Average Class Size
18 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Clean, neat, presentable
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Church member and multiple child discounts available.
% on Financial Aid
5%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$850
Admissions Director
Halley Williams
Sports
Total Sports Offered
4 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
8 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Art, Band, Chess Club, Choir, Dance, German Club, Guitar Classes, Science Club
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Pilgrim Lutheran School cost?
Pilgrim Lutheran School's tuition is approximately $7,887 for private students.
What sports does Pilgrim Lutheran School offer?
Pilgrim Lutheran School offers 4 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Track and Field and Volleyball.
What is Pilgrim Lutheran School's ranking?
Pilgrim Lutheran School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for: Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Pilgrim Lutheran School?
The application deadline for Pilgrim Lutheran School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is Pilgrim Lutheran School located?
Pilgrim Lutheran School is located in the North Center neighborhood of Chicago, IL. There are 4 other private schools located in North Center.
School Reviews
5 7/19/2024
Pilgrim Lutheran School is a wonderful school! Our kids attended from Pre-k thru 8th and are going to excellent high schools! The environment is very caring and they offer a high quality education. The older kids partner with the KG and Pre-K kids and are very kind and thoughtful to the younger ones. The main reason we chose Pilgrim was the high number of students going on to selective enrollment high schools in the city. Pilgrim really prepares its students for the future. Another reason we chose Pilgrim is that it has many extra activities for the kids, particularly a band program which was important to us. (It was frustrating that our neighborhood CPS school didn't offer band) The after-care program is terrific the best! The also have an early birds program if you need it. The school is very inclusive and nurturing. We are not Lutheran but, Pilgrim is welcoming of everyone.Do not be detracted by the smallness of the school. There is a lot going on academically, atheletically and socially.
5 5/22/2022
Pilgrim is such a warm, welcoming, inclusive community. We have two children at the school and it has been such a great place for our kids to thrive and receive personalized attention that they were not getting at CPS previously. The class sizes are small (under 20), I love the project-based curriculum that allows for kids' creativity and intellectual curiosity to flourish, and the social-emotional learning that all grades receive with the full-time social worker is so wonderful and needed in these pandemic times! When we were considering whether or not to send our kids to Pilgrim, the small size was initially a concern, but after being here for 2 years now, it has proven to be an incredible asset - all the kids know each other in the various grades, I feel like my kids are in a safe, caring environment where everyone looks out for each other. One of my children identifies as LGBTQ and the teachers/administrators have been so proactive, kind, and caring advocates for my child all along the way. I really feel like Pilgrim is a hidden gem in the city.
5 5/20/2022
Pilgrim School has been such a huge blessing for our family! We have had at least one child attending Pilgrim for at least 10 years now. Pilgrim is a very positive, academically excellent, and nurturing community that sets up students for success! The teachers are fantastically experienced, focused on instruction, and dedicated. They do a great job focusing on each student through their "whole child" approach and we love their emphasis on service learning. Our kids have also grown spiritually and the social-emotional components woven into the curriculum have been very beneficial. If you are looking for a school, we highly recommend Pilgrim!
5 5/19/2022
Having a child here for 11 years has been the best decision we've made for school. Over the years, my child was nurtured, encouraged, and challenged to reach their highest potential. My son will be moving to the North Side this year and I know this will be a big change but I'm thankful he had this school experience.
5 5/19/2022
This school has been a refuge from the lack of attention that my kids received in their neighborhood CPS school. The teachers are engaged, creative and resourceful and teach to the individual. Pilgrim also recognizes and supports learning differences and makes room for kids to learn in a way that suits their needs. I wish we had made the switch earlier but I am grateful for the gains I have seen in the past year and look forward to seeing my children's continued growth.
5 8/5/2020
Pilgrim is a nurturing community devoted to educating every child. The small classes (one class of 18-20 per grade) allows for personalized attention. A rigorous academic program that never feels rigorous because of the supportive teachers.
5 7/28/2014
Pilgrim is an awesome school... from the small class sizes, to the rigorous academics, to the supportive community of parents... it has been a perfect atmosphere in the city for my kids
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