2022 Best magnet schools in the Chicago Area

• Chicago Public Schools, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.09 out of 5  404 reviews

Senior: I've been here for all four years and I love this school! Truly, the best part of the school is the teachers. Of course, you'll have a few that aren't your favorite, but I've found teachers I really admire. They are here because they love to teach. The student body as a whole is also really great, at least for my years here. We went through a lot of administration struggles, but what pulled us together was our support for our teachers and the shared values that we have as students. The course load is challenging but manageable, but I also felt really well prepared from my elementary school. All that being said, Payton has many normal issues like any high school (some student drama, mediocre/bad food, people that you like and don't like, etc).... Read 404 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,191

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Chicago Public Schools, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  595 reviews

Senior: Northside is very inclusive and lively. Students are involved in all parts of the school such as the production of a musical, the display of sculptural work, and even the spread of awareness for minority groups. At Northside, the individual is strengthened in personal and academic identity. It’s rigorous tasks and unique class schedules prepare students for college academia. As a fellow Northsider, I can say that there was a difficult adjustment to Northside’s expectations, however, I have found an amazing and supportive community alongside it. If you are considering Northside, I hope you are warmed by it’s strengths in education and community!... Read 595 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,041

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Aurora, IL•

• Public School•

• 10-12

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  346 reviews

Junior: IMSA has great potential with the motto the claim to follow. "To ignite and nurture creative, ethical, scientific minds that advance the human condition." They do offer a challenging education for their students and provide an atmosphere similar to college. The administration, however, has been going downhill. Racial discriminations has been an issue at school but admin doesn't solve anything when they claim they do. College admission has also been a problem at IMSA for some students because admin doesn't know how to solve the issues. The academics are good but in order to perform well at IMSA, you have to be independent in your studies. The teachers at IMSA are mostly there to answer questions rather than teach the entire class, specifically in the Math Department. For this reason, its important to pay attention in class or you'll fall behind very easily. Independence is also important because IMSA is a residential school.... Read 346 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 629

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Chicago Public Schools, IL•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.15 out of 5  1,141 reviews

Sophomore: WY is heavily involved in student life. Either offering or creating offers to accommodate all. A primary example is student sports. However, some sports receive more support than others. But, even when toggling busy sports, many students take college course of any field early on. Their ambition, initiative, and flexibility always shine through and inspire peers. However, some students struggle understanding one another's differences. They try, but it often leads to lengthy, passive (but non-threatening) debates, even transpiring in class. However, teachers always handle the situation with prompt, admirable care, keeping our safety in mind! Their lessons never suffer as a result, either. Although each teacher's teaching styles are often easy to follow along, if not, they always try to help! Perhaps parents seldom involve themselves in school matters because of the quality of the teachers! Administrators are also helpful but only when asked. Overall, I enjoy my time here!... Read 1,141 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,121

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Chicago Public Schools, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  717 reviews

Senior: My experience at Jones was wonderful! Every teacher I had was passionate about their subject and advocated for their students. They did a great job at navigating what high school looks like during a pandemic. If I could go back in time and re-choose where to attend high school, I would still choose Jones in a heartbeat.... Read 717 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,915

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Chicago Public Schools, IL•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  3,146 reviews

Senior: Lane Tech is an amazing school where the students are diverse and the resources are numerous. Students have access to well-qualified teachers and aid. Lane Tech excels in all areas: the sports teams dominate their fields, there are over 100 student-led clubs, our theater productions and choirs are superb. This list can continue endlessly because Lane Tech stops at nothing to succeed and provide its students with as many resources and opportunities as possible. The only problem with Lane Tech is that its students do not always feel heard, thus this year alone Lane Tech has started numerous committees dedicated to voicing the opinions of the student body and bringing problems directly to the administration. I would highly recommend this school to anyone because it serves everyone. My biggest piece of advice is to network and not to prohibit yourself from branching out. Instead, put yourself out there! There will always be a group willing to accept you with open and loving arms.... Read 3,146 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 4,369

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Chicago Public Schools, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  622 reviews

Senior: Arts are everywhere at Lincoln Park High School; We Lions take pride in our programming, whether it be in music, art, drama, writing, inventing, or creating, all who take interest are welcome. There is just about every sport at Lincoln Park - aside from the typical, we have golf, bowling, and pingpong, even! Plus there is always opportunity to start your own club at any point in the school year. As a student in the IB Program, I've had great experiences covering topics and completing in depth projects that cause me to think beyond retaining information, but more into interpreting and connecting that information. Finally, diversity is one of the biggest strong suits at Lincoln Park. It is so nice to walk into a building everyday where no one treats you differently because of the color of your skin and inclusion is a priority. All that being said, at Lincoln Park, you really get what you put into it. Courses are available for every level of rigor and if you try hard, you will succeed!... Read 622 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,149

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Chicago Public Schools, IL•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 4.67 out of 5  3 reviews

Niche User: Hawthorne is the best school I love it. Nice Teachers great Resourcer Aids and more! This school is like the 5th best school. The lunch is awesome, and the park is awesome. if I were you, I would go to this school. And friends at Hawthorne are the best. - Aminata Kamara, A 4th grade student at Hawthorne Scholastic Academy... Read 3 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 566

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Chicago Public Schools, IL•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 3 out of 5  4 reviews

Parent: We are parents with a child at this school from K-4th. Academics are great up to this point - far above avg for CPS. We have had good teachers. Teachers differentiate for kids of different abilities. There is great diversity and very few behavior issues. It is a small school without a lot of after school programs or resources. Great Math, Science and Computer Science classes in particular. Cannot comment on upper grades yet.... Read 4 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 405

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Chicago Public Schools, IL•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 3.39 out of 5  23 reviews

Parent: Great school. They give out free food, and it's very good at that. The teachers are very friendly and caring. A little too easy from K-3 but then it starts getting challenging. I like that because it gives them a few years to take it easy until it becomes challenging. I would give this a very good rating if I were you.... Read 23 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 316

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Chicago Public Schools, IL•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  10 reviews

Parent: Great teachers very involved with students, my daughter improved in homework, confidence, and social skills for preK in Winslow classroom. I wish she could've been accepted into Kindergarten.... Read 10 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 276

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Chicago Public Schools, IL•

• K-7

• •
  Rating 4.4 out of 5  5 reviews

Parent: The school IS aggressive in academics. But with the new principal on board, no homework for k-3rd grade all year. My kids love to go to school and have plenty of happy friends there. There is now so many afterschool programs every day...coding, engineering, cooking, drama, school choir, band, drawing, sports, novel studies, advanced math, running team... The school is so poor...no gym, (used to have no air conditioning!), no lunch room, no 7th and 8th grades...BUT it is amazing a group of teachers and staff can make it such a rich-nurturing learning environment. I bring my kids to any other schools, they go “wow!” but they love Decatur and ALL their teachers...never heard them complaining about the school. Almost all of their teachers are very dedicated and experienced. Staff are super friendly too. The assistant principal had a dance degree so now the school shows are at a new level. They even dedicated a music classroom. For a public school, it has to be an A+.... Read 5 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 287

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Chicago Public Schools, IL•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  442 reviews

Senior: I truly cherish my experiences at Brooks. Some things that I admire about this institution are the boundless amounts of opportunities given to each student, the “second home” like feeling, and the opportunity to find who you are while learning about the world around you. Brooks has too many programs for any one person to name. There are tens of AP classes, hundreds of chances to connect with colleges, lots of scholarship opportunities, many, many academic endeavors and an infinite amount of after school programs to indulge in. These things put together create the “second home” feeling. You really never want to leave Brooks! After a long day of thought provoking school work, you’ll still want to go to a club and catch a basketball game! Through the infinite lists of opportunities provided by my school, there’s no doubt that you can find WHO you are. Whether that is an entrepreneur, a musician, a fencing champion, or a track star. You can learn who you are at Brooks!... Read 442 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 947

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Chicago Public Schools, IL•

• 1-8

• •
  Rating 3.33 out of 5  3 reviews

Parent: The first grade teacher is amazing! We love her! She has made the best out of e-learning. She has a really hard job this year, but my first grader is happy and learning.... Read 3 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 217

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Chicago Public Schools, IL•

• K-8

• grade A minus

• Students 517

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Chicago Public Schools, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  661 reviews

Freshman: This is coming from a freshman at Von Steuben MSC High School, I've seen it and have been experiencing its lifestyle. The school is pretty decent with the education that I need for my career. It provides opportunities from almost every field people wish to major in. It provides rigorous classes for students who want to achieve academic validation to put on their resumes for college. My experience has been great so far as I've met helpful, understanding, and encouraging teachers. I made some amazing friends there which didn't seem like a tough task!... Read 661 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,650

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Chicago Public Schools, IL•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 4.33 out of 5  6 reviews

Niche User: Excellent teaching staff and supportive administration! Academics are challenging and the art programs are great for students.... Read 6 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 566

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Chicago Public Schools, IL•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 4.33 out of 5  3 reviews

Alum: As Alumni from 1969-1978, along with two elder siblings, great school. We all were accepted to Lane Tech, which was a rarity at that time. As a matter of fact, our Military Dad graduated from Lane Tech. I'll state this straight away: For the I find it offensive that the Chicago Teachers' Union got their hands on this amazing school. Mark my words, I am 4th Generation Lincoln Park, My Child, 5th. CTU will destroy this school and it's legacy if Alumini do not fight to protect what WE built. C.A. Virgo... Read 3 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 697

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Chicago Public Schools, IL•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  606 reviews

Senior: Taft is a great school with something to offer everyone! Good, safe location. Large enough to make lots of friends. Good selection of courses and lots of clubs and activities available. Though it is CRAZY to make some students eat lunch at 9:30am.... Read 606 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 4,162

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Chicago Public Schools, IL•

• K-7

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

• grade A minus

• Students 198

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Chicago Public Schools, IL•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  2 reviews

Middle School Student: LaSalle II offers high school Algebra to seventh and eighth graders as a replacement to math if students score a passing grade on the entrance exam, have a passing grade in math in sixth grade, good behavior, and the sixth-grade math teacher believes the student would find the class beneficial. The school also offers a geometry class to the eighth graders that took algebra in the seventh grade at a nearby high school, Roberto Clemente High School, where students get dropped off at the high school at regular school starting time (7:45) and walk back to the school after the period is over to continue classes at LaSalle II. The teachers at the school show their passion for teaching with their efforts to ensure all students have a well understanding of what they are learning. The parents are extremely involved in the school making it a great community with wonderful people.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 547

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Chicago Public Schools, IL•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  4 reviews

Alum: Walt Disney Magnet school have me the readiness education needed for my next step in my education. High school wasn’t easy, but it was a bit less stressful because what Disney prepared me for.... Read 4 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,536

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Chicago Public Schools, IL•

• PK, K-6

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Niche User: Disney II is a supportive environment that allowed students to get personalized learning in many subjects. The teachers encourage creativity and group work to allow students to expand socially.... Read 1 review

• grade A minus

• Students 402

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Chicago Public Schools, IL•

• K-7

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  4 reviews

Parent: My son will be going into 2nd grade at McDade. This school is the only reason we still live in the city. It's small close knit and very intentional about providing an excellent education for kids. When you have generations of parents and grandparents still heavily involved in the school, that speaks volumes. A great school is about more than high test scores, which McDade students have - it's about engaged and involved families, integrity, character, high standards and strong leadership. My son has a growing love for learning and is getting a holistic educational experience at this Chicago Public School; from academics, to learning to play the violin, to stem programs; It's truly a gem.... Read 4 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 181

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Chicago Public Schools, IL•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  4 reviews

Middle School Student: Small school, awesome teachers, my impression about public education change for good when my kids became member of MSA. as a parent of a kid with special education, I am really thankful for the education they have been received.... Read 4 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 549

• Student-teacher ratio —