2019 Best STEM High Schools in the Chicago Area

Best for STEM

117 results

Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Public School
Aurora, IL
10-12
251
#1 Best High Schools for STEM in Chicago Area
Senior: Wonderful experience! I loved going to IMSA for the past three years. Although the academics are very challenging, and many late nights will be spent studying, the teachers care about the students and want to see them grow and succeed. The opportunities here are endless, including a wonderful SIR (Student Inquiry Research) program which allows the students to spend their Wednesdays researching. The school has also had many new renovations, including new science labs, study areas, and much more. The school is also so diverse, and students are encouraged to share their opinions and life stories. What a wonderful place to study!
Read 251 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
647 Students
12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Northside College Preparatory High School
Chicago Public Schools, IL
9-12
517
#3 Best High Schools for STEM in Chicago Area
Senior: Northside College Prep is an amazing school! Teachers here are good and counselors really help you prepare for college since it is a college preparatory high school. There are a lot of extracurricular activities like dance clubs and sports to join. However, we do not have a football team, but if you don't mind, it's okay! Since our school is part of the selective enrollment process in Chicago and is usually top in ranking, things can be competitive sometimes in terms of academics. However, this competitiveness can be encouraging and motivating you to do better and keep up your grades!
Read 517 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,069 Students
18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Walter Payton College Prep
Chicago Public Schools, IL
9-12
329
#4 Best High Schools for STEM in Chicago Area
Junior: Walter Payton College Prep is an amazing Liberal Arts school from which students leave ready to tackle the challenges of today. Here, you can play the trombone in front of hundreds of students. Here, you can swing swords and climb mountains. Here, you can do challenging math way above your pay grade. Here, you will learn about the history of our country from a multitude of perspectives, and read substantive essays from magnificent authors. The teachers at Walter Payton College Prep never cease to pique your curiosity. Faculty, in its entirety, has a great spectrum of wisdom and is a pillar of support for everyone who seeks their aid. And the students, from the 1st day freshman wondering the halls to the senior taking his last glance of the school, have a burning passion to learn and play 'till the bell strikes 3:30P.M.everyday. We can't wait to meet with you, share with you, and learn from you here at Walter Payton College Prep!
Read 329 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
977 Students
18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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British International School of Chicago, Lincoln Park
Private School
Chicago, IL
PK, K-6
1
Parent: This school has a straight forward academic approach that works. We transferred from a school that was considered a top ranking school in Chicago because the curriculum was more a focus on social causes than academic learning. Some of the top ranked schools are surviving on reputation only. When a student from British would transfer into our old school they were years ahead of all the other students. That should tell you something. Do your research.
Read 1 Review
NG
Overall Niche Grade
590 Students
7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Adlai E. Stevenson High School
Public School
Lincolnshire, IL
9-12
1,068
#5 Best High Schools for STEM in Chicago Area
Senior: The school itself is able to provide its students with a wide range of opportunities. They also have the financial capabilities to have a wide range of clubs, classes, and passionate faculty to encourage students to pursue any career path. However, the atmosphere is uber competitive and can be very stressful at times. My biggest piece of advice to fully enjoy the school is focus on doing what you like, because you're bound to find your niche (no pun intended!) at this school!
Read 1,068 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
4,028 Students
14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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New Trier Township High School
New Trier Township High School District No. 203, IL
9-12
477
#6 Best High Schools for STEM in Chicago Area
Alum: New Trier is well known in the Chicagoland area for its stellar academics, famous alumni, amazing sports teams, and performing arts program. New Trier does an amazing job of preparing students for college, although there is a price to pay. New Trier has a high stress atmosphere that encourages cut throat competition between peers and can sometimes see students as nothing more than an ID number. In addition, New Trier has an elitist attitude due to the upperclass, wealthy populations that attend. For students who live below the average income of the surrounding area, transitioning to New Trier may be difficult and prove a difficult place to gain friends and respect. For wealthy students, it is the perfect place to prepare for Ivy league educations and opportunities.
Read 477 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
4,057 Students
17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Whitney M. Young Magnet High School
Chicago Public Schools, IL
7-12
986
#7 Best High Schools for STEM in Chicago Area
Senior: Whitney Young is amazing at most aspects! You learn so much here academically and about the world in general. There are plenty of opportunities to join sports and clubs that build relationships which can last a lifetime. Most of all my teachers were amazing and care about their jobs, you do get those teachers that are lazier but they not common at all at least for me. Also, they are making improvements in the athletics facilities at our school like a new track, football field, baseball/softball field which was something that was needed. Overall Whitney is a great school with some lows but some amazing highs I would recommend to any other prospective students thinking of coming here.
Read 986 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
2,153 Students
19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Hinsdale Central High School
Hinsdale Township High School District No. 86, IL
9-12
312
#10 Best High Schools for STEM in Chicago Area
Senior: Hinsdale Central is an amazing and very diverse school. Central does a wonderful job accommodating to the needs and likes of all the students. There are over four hundred clubs and activities that are opened to all and it is very easy to start your own club. I did! The only thing that I would change is the stigma that students at Hinsdale Central have to excel in their studies and sports. Many students have a lot of stress to get into the top-tier universities and not let their parents down by not getting all A's. If I could go back and change one thing, I would make sure that all the students knew that they shouldn't worry as much about grades and schools, instead to have fun and relax because high school only happens once in your lifetime.
Read 312 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
2,767 Students
15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Vernon Hills High School
Community High School District No. 128, IL
9-12
299
#12 Best High Schools for STEM in Chicago Area
Parent: We are a new family at Vernon Hills High School. I am greatly impressed by the excellent education my kids are receiving at Vernon Hills High School. I am extremely happy with what my son is learning in Math and Science. What my daughter learned in her Health class is amazingly helpful. Also, she has a wonderful Spanish teacher. Her math teacher not only teaches students about math but also how to conduct themselves properly in speech. She likes all her teachers at VHHS. People are friendly and helpful. Keep up your good work, Cougars!
Read 299 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,335 Students
14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Libertyville High School
Community High School District No. 128, IL
9-12
406
#13 Best High Schools for STEM in Chicago Area
Sophomore: I absolutely loved my time at Libertyville High School. The teachers are well learned and very approachable. They're flexible with their timing and willing to accommodate with my schedule... and were extremely nice! The clubs are good all around and suitable for many different personalities from debate club for the hardworking, ambitious kind to ultimate frisbee club for the chill, athletic kids. Everyone looks out for one another and the students are encouraged to be friendly as to follow the WIldcat Way. Overall, my years at LHS were amazing. There will always be a part of me connected to the school. Once a wildcat always a wildcat.
Read 406 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,937 Students
14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Barrington High School
Barrington Community Unit School District No. 220, IL
9-12
405
#15 Best High Schools for STEM in Chicago Area
Junior: BHS is a very good school academic-wise! Although, it seems to be a school in which it funds certain clubs/activities over others. It also isn't quite diverse, which influences certain individuals to have a negative attitude towards those who aren't the white majority, which is very discouraging to witness. Other than this, the academics prepare students very well for college!
Read 405 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
3,004 Students
17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Naperville North High School
Naperville Community Unit School District No. 203, IL
9-12
438
#17 Best High Schools for STEM in Chicago Area
Senior: I love NNHS! These four years are great. NNHS has tons of club and during the senior year, we are able to create our own club. Since I played the piano since I was four, and picked up violin at age of 14, I joined school musical and orchestra. Teachers and students are fantastic! They are all nice, friendly, and hard working. As a senior who participated in the musical for three years, I am proud to say that our music culture has been part of NNHS culture!
Read 438 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
2,742 Students
15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Jones College Prep High School
Chicago Public Schools, IL
9-12
598
#18 Best High Schools for STEM in Chicago Area
Senior: I am a senior at Jones College Prep, and it has been a joy to be here all 4 years of high school. Jones offers a rigorous academic environment, but also allows for students to get involved in lots of activities and interact with wonderful teachers. Situated in the south loop in downtown Chicago, there are plenty of ways to get to school with public transportation, and tons of great restaurants and activities for students to enjoy! I would reccommend it to anyone looking for a great high school experience!
Read 598 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,815 Students
20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Naperville Central High School
Naperville Community Unit School District No. 203, IL
8-12
494
#20 Best High Schools for STEM in Chicago Area
Senior: There are so many ways to be involved at Naperville Central. There is a large variety of sports, clubs, and activities! Naperville Central's students have outrageous school spirit supporting so many sports games. The teachers at Naperville Central are always there to help you succeed.
Read 494 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
2,851 Students
15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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William Fremd High School
Township High School District No. 211, IL
9-12
537
#21 Best High Schools for STEM in Chicago Area
Senior: People pay more to live Fremd's district for a reason! I've loved all of my teachers and you can tell they are passionate about what they do. There are a lot of different clubs and activities to choose from, and cool events like Writer's Week, Variety Show, and Operation Snowball. People assume that everyone at Fremd is snobby and rich but that is not the case- there are students from all different cultural and financial backgrounds.
Read 537 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
2,687 Students
17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Lane Tech College Prep High School
Chicago Public Schools, IL
7-12
2,859
#23 Best High Schools for STEM in Chicago Area
Senior: Everyones high school experience varies depending on what you make of it. Lane Tech is one of the biggest high schools in Chicago therefore they have a lot to offer. I joined a dance club, Guatemalan Club, and that has truly shaped me into a different person and changed my course in life. This club made me want to pursue dance, not necessarily as a profession but as a lifetime hobby. There are many more clubs just like the one I'm in. They all advocate for diversity. Lane Tech as a whole is very diverse. All of the teachers are helpful with helping their students learn the coursework and making sure they aren't behind; they really go the extra mile. I took so many courses I was interested in like photography and graphic design at the college level. Lane is understanding that every individual student is different and offers something for everyone. Whether it be a sport, a movie night, various music classes, etc. I truly loved my experience at Lane Tech. Go! Lane! Go!
Read 2,859 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
4,194 Students
21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Glenbrook North High School
Glenbrook High Schools District 225, IL
9-12
395
#24 Best High Schools for STEM in Chicago Area
Senior: My fellow students and I had a positive experience at Glenbrook North, which can be attributed to the outstanding teachers and resources available to us. Each year, I was fortunate to learn under intelligent, caring teachers who often devoted their time to help struggling students. The support I received from a few key teachers improved my high school experience.

Despite these positives, I hit a few bumps during high school. As a hard-of-hearing student, I have a 504 plan and specific accommodations (the use of an Assistive Listening Device, closed captioning, etc). Despite the overall wonderful staff, I met harsh resistance against my accommodations from certain staff members. These obstacles made my high school experience rougher than it would have been otherwise. When I leave GBN this upcoming Spring, I sincerely hope the effort I have put into creating a school-wide awareness of the Deaf community will allow future disabled students to have an easier experience.
Read 395 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
2,010 Students
14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Highland Park High School
Township High School District No. 113, IL
9-12
235
#26 Best High Schools for STEM in Chicago Area
Freshman: I am attending Highland Park High School currently as a freshman and I already love the school! They have so much variety put into their clubs and activities. We have a big art festival called FOCUS that happens every two years and it was truly a breathtaking experience, getting to pick the classes you want and pursuing those things. They also have things for the Hispanic side of the school. They have clubs specifically for exploring more about Hispanic culture and we have a Latin dance club as well that I am in. The security guards are super friendly and not always on your back about things, they're like your local adult friends that you see in the halls occasionally. I also love that the effort that comes from teachers and staff is almost equally matched with the effort from the students. During our annual charity Drive, our whole school saved 142,430 dollars for a sexual abuse center,The Zacharias Center. I feel blessed to be in this school.
Read 235 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
2,040 Students
14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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York Community High School
Elmhurst School District No. 205, IL
9-12
478
#28 Best High Schools for STEM in Chicago Area
Alum: This high school truly cares about its students. There are so many ways to get involved, sports, clubs, music, theater, etc. The teachers work extremely hard to prepare you for college and know how to teach. Teachers work with you to help you succeed in the class and the future. Classmates all work together and are always there for you. Go DUKES!
Read 478 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
2,734 Students
16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Lyons Township High School
Public School
La Grange, IL
9-12
608
#29 Best High Schools for STEM in Chicago Area
Senior: I know high school can be a nightmare for some people, but all in all I had a pretty good experience at Lyons Township. I think my satisfaction comes from the fact that each class has over a thousand students in it. With so many kids, it creates so many opportunities. There actually is something for everyone here. From amazing academics to athletics. As a theatre kid; however, I do wish they'd give us a little more attention, it does seem like we get pushed to the side for the sake of the athletics department more often than not. My high school places a large focus on athletics, and while that's fine I do wish they tried to make the non-athletic students feel a little more included. My high school is amazing though when it comes to dealing with students one on one. Personally, I've struggled with depression for years, and our counselors got me the help I needed immediately. All in all, I'll always remember Lyons Township fondly. Go LT!
Read 608 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
3,981 Students
16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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James B. Conant High School
Township High School District No. 211, IL
9-12
453
#30 Best High Schools for STEM in Chicago Area
Alum: I especially liked the friendships I developed with my teachers. Even though I have already graduated, I keep in touch with many of my high school teachers. Conant has a very supportive and friendly learning environment. Each time I go back to visit, I think about how amazing my high school experience was!
Read 453 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
2,313 Students
16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Neuqua Valley High School
Indian Prairie Community Unit School District No. 204, IL
9-12
960
#32 Best High Schools for STEM in Chicago Area
Freshman: I love Neuqua! As you may know, Neuqua has two buildings, the Main Building (Main) and the Birkett Freshman Center (BFC). The BFC is unique to Neuqua because of it's large and distinct population. The purpose of the BFC is to make a large school small. It is very good at accomplishing that goal. There is some classes at the Main building for freshman, and there is also some classes at the BFC for upperclassmen. There is a shuttle that links both buildings. I am in couple of after-school activities myself, I have Marching Band and Pep Band. They both help with time management because they take up a lot of time and you need to schedule your time to do it well. I am also in Muslim Student Association (MSA). If you are a Muslim, it doesn't matter if you are Shia or Sunni or you go to a different mosque or masjid or if you wear a hijab or not, still attend. I go to a different mosque than everyone else. I would say to join as many clubs as possible. But not too many!
Read 960 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
3,698 Students
17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Deerfield High School
Township High School District No. 113, IL
9-12
279
#34 Best High Schools for STEM in Chicago Area
Alum: Alum here. As an adult have realized what a superior education Deerfield provides. I also appreciate the variety of extra curricular options. I was not a sports person and never felt pressured to be, the arts are very highly regarded here. The school is very safe, Deerfield is generally a safe city. The school does a lot to involve parents as well, and to encourage students to connect with one another. The teachers all are either working on or already have their masters, so the quality of education is top notch.
Read 279 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,633 Students
14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Lake Zurich High School
Lake Zurich Community Unit School District No. 95, IL
9-12
335
#35 Best High Schools for STEM in Chicago Area
Senior: Great school, great people. A lot of teachers aren’t very good and continue to hold a job because of tenure. Math resource center is a great feature the school has. Don’t forget, great athletics!
Read 335 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,924 Students
15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Wheaton Warrenville South High School
Community Unit School District No. 200, IL
9-12
471
#36 Best High Schools for STEM in Chicago Area
Parent: I have two kids at South and they both love it. The curriculum is challenging and you can customize it with honors/AP as fits your abilities. One of my kids is in sports and the coaches are excellent, encouraging values and pushing the kids in academics too. The arts programs are also excellent such as show choir and speech team. There's something for everyone!
Read 471 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
2,009 Students
16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Hinsdale South High School
Hinsdale Township High School District No. 86, IL
9-12
160
#37 Best High Schools for STEM in Chicago Area
Junior: My experience with Hinsdale South so far has been pretty decent. The school itself has an abundance of school spirit and pride. You'll hear the words "South... PRIDE!" a lot and trust me; it will never get annoying. Attending events such as football games, soccer games, and basketball games its quiet customary among the students. Personally, I feel the football and basketball games are extremely fun to attend. Its basically a themed party in the stands and everyone is your friend! Education wise, the school offers many opportunities to excel in each class. You Just have to put in the effort and the teachers will be sure to recognize your potential.
Read 160 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,507 Students
13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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BASIS Independent McLean
Private School
McLean, VA
PK, K-12
13
Parent: Our son is currently in the 2nd grade. He has been at the school for two years, and it has been a wonderful experience. The enthusiasm of the teachers, who are truly experts in the subjects they teach, is infectious. They consistently set high standards for all students at every stage of their academic career. This is a school that prioritizes academics and the students themselves; it is targeted to students with intellectual curiosity and a strong work ethic. We are very happy here!
Read 13 Reviews
NG
Overall Niche Grade
375 Students
6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Guerin College Preparatory High School
Private School
River Grove, IL
9-12
83
Parent: My child is currently a sophomre. She had no problems transitioning from a public grade school to Guerin. She is taking honors/AP classes that definatly challenge her. Teachers have been available to encourage and offer help when needed. Scholarships are awarded to students in the Nolan program and financial aide is also available to apply for. I have been told the sports programs/teams did not have a good reputation a few years ago but the team my daughter plays on is thriving. I absolutly Love this coaching staff (they may be new). Thus far they all have been very commited in seeing that the girls get the training they need and have fun as a team. I also see that many other Guerin teams have been accomplishing great things. My daughter is at school more than she is at home due to clubs, sports, or volunteering. The school is very diverse and exactly what she was looking for. She has made friends with kids of different cultures and interests.
Read 83 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
301 Students
9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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1 of 5

Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

Northside College Preparatory High School

Walter Payton College Prep

British International School of Chicago, Lincoln Park

Adlai E. Stevenson High School

New Trier Township High School

Whitney M. Young Magnet High School

Hinsdale Central High School

Vernon Hills High School

Libertyville High School

Barrington High School

Naperville North High School

Jones College Prep High School

Naperville Central High School

William Fremd High School

Lane Tech College Prep High School

Glenbrook North High School

Highland Park High School

York Community High School

Lyons Township High School

James B. Conant High School

Neuqua Valley High School

Deerfield High School

Lake Zurich High School

Wheaton Warrenville South High School

Hinsdale South High School

BASIS Independent McLean

Guerin College Preparatory High School