2024 Best High Schools in the Peoria Area

• Peoria, IL•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.43 out of 5  7 reviews

Sophomore: The school provides a unique approach where children learn basic subjects while incorporating Islamic values into each lesson. Students receive instruction in Arabic language, Quranic studies, and Islamic history. The school environment is supportive and inclusive, promoting kindness, respect, and social responsibility among students. Students receive instruction in the Arabic language, Quranic studies, and Islamic history. This approach offers students an education that is both well-rounded and focused, providing a strong foundation for their future academic pursuits and spiritual development.The school's foundational Islamic values are evident in the students' positive behavior, which is reflected in their academic performance and social interactions. In conclusion, I believe this Islamic school is an excellent institution that promotes both academic excellence and spiritual development, offering a dynamic learning environment for students... Read 7 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 206

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Dunlap Community Unit School District No. 323, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  211 reviews

Senior: I would argue that one of my best experiences at Dunlap occurred during a speech class during our downtime. We were discussing topics which we could argue when the subject of macaroni and cheese came up. Eating macaroni with a fork or a spoon was soon brought up. Immediately the classroom was split into two, some siding with spoons and most with forks. Opinions were being tossed back and forth until it was nothing but loud shouting. This lasted for most of the class period and it was hilarious. Ironically, I can also call it one of my worst experiences. The first few people to make their decision known chose forks, and soon others followed. I, however, was not one of them because I sided with spoons. The silence was deafening. It was the worst part of that entire debate for me, just being met with absolute silence and confused/judgmental stares. Regarding changes, I say the price of prom should be lowered. Sixty-five dollars for cafeteria grade food should not be allowed.... Read 211 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,355

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Peoria School District No. 150, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  296 reviews

Junior: I enjoy Richwoods immensely. While not my first choice in school due to growing up on a different side of town, I have come to enjoy most of what they offer. I have thrived in my experiences so far as in academics, extracurriculars, and sports (the two years in which I was a member of the Lady Knights basketball team). One difficulty I would say I am facing in my years attending Richwoods is this stigma that only certain kids were interested in certain clubs, which was not true. It was less within the teacher's mindsets being that I have always been welcomed with open arms, but more of the students. Richwoods is an IB school and most of the clubs are inhabited by IB students, giving them this hierarchy that they have to be the leaders/main facilitators, when in reality that's not the case. Every day I have to fight to show these kids that not only IB kids want to have a good education and take school seriously, but I won't let those who do view us like that prohibit me from my goals.... Read 296 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,496

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Congerville-Eureka-Goodfield CUSD #140, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  114 reviews

Junior: Every high school will have its ups and downs, but I can proudly say that Eureka High School is the only high school I wish to complete my high school career in. There is a personal connection and trust between the faculty and students at Eureka High School. I can confidently say that I feel educated and safe within these walls. The student body as a whole is respected and respectful towards each other. Rare as they may seem in our school, there are issues, sometimes severe, that come up, but our administration and faculty always do their best to diminish those problems as quickly as possible. For being a small town school, there are a lot of clubs, sports, and extracurriculars to be a part of. For example, I am a part of marching band, concert band, jazz band, color guard/winterguard, a Junior Class Officer, APAC, Key Club, Best Buddies, and National Honor Society. Eureka High School is a great environment to learn and be a part of. I am proud to call myself an Eureka Hornet!... Read 114 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 451

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Brimfield Community Unit School District No. 309, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  35 reviews

Senior: Brimfield High School has a bunch of amazing faculty and staff who are there to support you through your high school journey. Although it is a very small school, it has great programs and clubs to prepare its students for further education. My experience in volleyball, student council, and drama club have all prepared me for my future career!... Read 35 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 211

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Morton Community Unit School District No. 709, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  163 reviews

Senior: Throughout my time at Morton High School I have been able to throughly increase and better my education. I have also been able to grow in my athletic abilities between the two sports I have participated in during high school. While there have been a couple teachers who I feel did not adequately prepare my peers and I for true success in their classes, almost all of my teachers have set us up for success. I feel very prepared for college with the help of my counselor. With the cheer team I have been able to accomplish skills I would have never dreamed of doing.... Read 163 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,065

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Washington, IL•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  152 reviews

Senior: With full honesty, I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Washington Community High School. Even through the COVID-19 Pandemic, I feel as though the school had done its best to reach every student. Once more restrictions from the pandemic had been lifted, WCHS didn't hesitate to jump right back into old, cherished traditions. For example, the WCHS community always came together for school events, including massive student sections on game days, community-made parades, spirit weeks, and especially when a Panther family member was lost. Not only does the community-aspect makes students feel secure and excited for their education, but the school also offers various programs that get the students more involved, such as Unified PE programs, teaching preschoolers, EMT + CNA training, etc. I honestly could not imagine, nor do I wish, to have attended any other high school than WCHS, and I can confidently state that I am proud to be a Panther!... Read 152 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,498

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Peoria, IL•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  158 reviews

Alum: The academics at Peoria Notre Dame High School are excellent!There are many advanced courses and programs that allow students to go above and beyond with their academic endeavors.My biggest struggle at PND, however, was the social aspect of it—there is A LOT of student bias from teachers which may make many students who have no previous connection to the school feel unheard, unseen, or unappreciated in general (myself being one of those students).You can certainly distinguish teachers who will put in their effort to make class a positively enriching experience, and those who will do what appears to be the bare minimum just to pass time (yes, I have experienced both types of teachers).One thing I did not appreciate during my time at PND was the lack of organization with the administration—follow-ups on mandatory college requirements for seniors needed to be worked on, however, it wasn’t until my senior year (this past year) that I received immense college help from a new counselor.... Read 158 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 755

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Princeville Community Unit School District No. 326, IL•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  21 reviews

Senior: Princeville High school is an amazing small town school. If you like one on one interactions with teachers, Princeville is an amazing school. However, being a small school has its downfalls. For one, the classes aren’t weighted. Also, we don’t have any advanced placement classes at our school and only offer one language. Princeville is a very friendly community and focus on academics. Being a small school, the cliches aren’t as noticeable and you can join more than one club. You could be on the football team and in the musical and it’s normal. Overall, Princeville is an amazing school to go to.... Read 21 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 351

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Elmwood Community Unit School District No. 322, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  15 reviews

Alum: While for the most part, Elmwood High School does well in preparing students for future after graduation. The school and surrounding area are a safe and comfortable environment, but because it is such a small school/town, there is a lack of diversity and attempts at modernization can be clumsily executed.... Read 15 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 170

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Tremont Community Unit School District No. 702, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.18 out of 5  51 reviews

Senior: My experience at Tremont High school has been really good! The only thing I would like to see in the future is more funds toward our school since we are so small. It would be very beneficial if we got a little bit of more money to go towards things at the school.... Read 51 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 326

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Metamora, IL•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  172 reviews

Junior: I love Metamora a lot! The teachers are very nice, and they taught me so much! The school is starting to focus more on vocational education, and there is a new addition to the votech wing. Sports, mainly football, is very important. The classes are not very difficult, even the honors classes, so this school might not be challenging enough for some students. There is also little diversity in the school. Still my experience so far at this school has been great!... Read 172 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 958

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Roanoke Benson Community Unit School District No. 60, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  12 reviews

Junior: The teachers genuinely care about getting to know you along with guiding you towards success. The smaller classes are a lot easier to learn in.... Read 12 reviews

• grade B

• Students 134

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Deer Creek-Mackinaw Community Unit School District No. 701, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  29 reviews

Senior: I liked my school because of the size and the individual help I was given. I have Dyslexia and most of my teachers were helpful. I plaid both football for 3 years and basketball for Four years. I learned a lot from you coaches especially the last 2 years. My coach taught me a lot about life and what to expect in the outside world. With out my coaches I would not be moving on to college.... Read 29 reviews

• grade B

• Students 293

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Illinois Valley Central School District No. 321, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  49 reviews

Sophomore: The school has a very welcoming atmosphere that permeates the entire building. All of the teachers say "hello" to students in the building as they walk by, and almost all of them seem to make a conscious effort to make students feel as if they belong at IVC. The students themselves are often very friendly and come together as one when necessary. The only "worst part" of IVC that I would like to see change in is the quality of the food provided by the school. There is very little variation, and the food is not very appetizing.... Read 49 reviews

• grade B

• Students 644

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Delavan Community Unit School District No. 703, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.27 out of 5  11 reviews

Senior: This school is very good in every aspect. The school has very high standards for each student. The teachers are not just there to help with school work, the teachers here are to help you with life problems. They want to see you succeed and become the best you are. The school is very safe and has camera almost everywhere to keep us safe. I was glad to be here all 4 years and wouldn't change it at all. I'm glad to be called a Delavan Panther.... Read 11 reviews

• grade B

• Students 146

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Peoria Heights Community Unit School District No. 325, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.33 out of 5  27 reviews

Senior: The classes were small and I got to know my teachers. It had a family feel. The classes were great, and i feel they worked hard to get us all ready for college. Our school has an open concept and was built back in the 70's. The school is in a circle and the classrooms walls were actually just like dividers. It was thought with the open concept kids could learn better. I'm not sure if it was ever proven to be helpful or hurtful, but going there all 4 years it was normal to me. Our school is for a small district and even though it is small it offers sports. With this being said, the students have the option to play and no try outs are necessary. I am grateful for Peoria Heights and what the school has given me for my future.... Read 27 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 213

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• East Peoria, IL•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  80 reviews

Junior: Throughout my time at East Peoria High School, my teachers have always been very supportive, and most of my classes have helped me learn and grow as a student and individual. We have a very good band program, and our band instructor is the best! Marching Band is always a lot of fun, and I really enjoy it. Our school offers many different classes, and this is nice because you can choose electives based on your interests and goals. Apart from the required classes, I was able to take multiple foods classes, a piano class, a zoology class, AP classes, dual credit classes, and band. I enjoyed being around the other kids in my classes, and I formed good relationships with other students and teachers. Overall, I had a very good experience at East Peoria High School.... Read 80 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 961

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Peoria, IL•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  77 reviews

Parent: We sent our son to PCS because we want to be a Deuteronomy 6:5-9 household and love God with everything that we are. We want to bring our son up knowing that love and Peoria Christian has helped us teach him all about Jesus and his sacrificial love for us. The love of Jesus is evident in the school, staff, teachers, students, and parents. They have wonderful, caring teachers and staff that keep Christ the center of everything. Great education at a Blue Ribbon School. Lots of opportunities to participate in sports, band, art, and other extracurricular activities. Couldn't say more about this awesome school!... Read 77 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 629

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Pekin, IL•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  227 reviews

Alum: Pekin was a wonderful educational experience. It offers such a vast array of experiences with elective opportunities prior to heading into college. You would be able to take anything from electrical, wood shop, welding, mechanics, CNA/healthcare, to childcare, and even graphic design. What other high schools offer such experiences early on so that you are better equipped with tools and skill that you enjoy prior to college. I also loved the fact that we had swim as a physical education option at the school. Also, having a school that was large enough to were I had to walk from building to building in enough time was a great precursor to what it would be like to have to walk to class on a large college campus.... Read 227 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 1,847

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Farmington Central Community Unit School District No. 265, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.16 out of 5  58 reviews

Senior: My experience with Farmington Central has been great! The staff is outstanding, the curriculum is great, and the extracurricular offered are phenomenal! Definitely have loved every minute!... Read 58 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 364

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Lowpoint-Washburn Community Unit School District No. 21, IL•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  30 reviews

Senior: Lowpoint Washburn changed my life. I always participated in sports and activities. I always tried to find something to do and it always turned out great. The faculty is also very excellent. They always will help with home work, even if it's not their class, and help with social issues too. I have been going to this school since kindergarten and I wouldn't change anything for the world. I have made good friends that will last a long time. The school is well kept with maintenance and always clean. I have gotten personal bonds with teachers because they are the ones who are always promoting school spirit. During class games we have sponsors that are teachers and they play the games way harder than any student... Read 30 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 143

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Limestone Community High School District No. 310, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.38 out of 5  102 reviews

Senior: Limestone is a small school with many different classes to choose from. The Rockets won the state baseball championship in 2015 and continue to encourage athletes. Limestone also has connections with Illinois Central College to provide college credits to eager students. However if Limestone is known for anything it would be the one million dollars it has raised for easter seals. If I could change something about Limestone it would be the lack of students. Limestone could use more students in clubs, and helping with the easter seals programs.... Read 102 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 949

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Illini Bluffs Community Unit School District No. 327, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.38 out of 5  34 reviews

Senior: I moved from Georgia to Illinois and transferred to Illini bluffs high school. I am one of the few black students in a all white school. Majority of the students are welcoming to me. The teachers & facility are very considerate. At first i thought the school was going to be a hard adjustment & it still is but the friends that i have made have definitely made it easier.... Read 34 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 263

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Midwest Central Community Unit School District No. 191, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.14 out of 5  44 reviews

Senior: I loved going to school here. The teachers and administrators are very good about making a personal connection with each student. I was able to get all the help I needed with literally anything. Great place!... Read 44 reviews

• grade C

• Students 280

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1