2023 Best Public High Schools in McHenry County

• Community High School District No. 155, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  400 reviews

Senior: Cary-Grove Community High School has made its name known through state and country, tragedy and victory. Memorials for students lost in the past and plaques of students who carried their school to state all but show the school support and spirit that reigns true to this day. Teachers at the school help make learning an enjoyable experience, offering a helping hand whenever needed. Coaches and leaders instill the hard work and dedication needed to triumph in any sport or club. This school may not be as big as others or even have a field house, but it does not matter. The school spirit I am within each day makes me excited to be in school each day, for the community in itself is strong and its support is unbounded. This school gives all Trojans the sword and shields it needs to face whatever hardships come their way and face each new day.... Read 400 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,591

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Community High School District No. 155, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.06 out of 5  372 reviews

Senior: As a soon to graduate student, my time at Prairie Ridge was enjoyable. Everyone has there highs and lows, but that didn’t stop me from not enjoying the opportunities this school had to offer. The best part about this high school was the teachers. They always understood students who had busy lives outside of education and put effort to get to know students. Yet, you always had that one teacher that isn’t the greatest with kids, generally. However, if you show your dedication, they learn to appreciate you. Ultimately, the only down fall to my experience was the online learning. It was clear teachers were not prepared for this. (Of course, no one really was) Yet, these great teachers seemed to struggle to find ways to keep students engaged; especially, for students who began to slip in good grades. Besides the downfall in teachers leadership for a crazy two years, my overall experience was great!... Read 372 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,201

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Community High School District No. 155, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.09 out of 5  251 reviews

Senior: Crystal Lake Central High School feels more like a family rather than a school. Yes everyone is coming there to learn and receive a good education. But the support and relationships that you create throughout those 4 years are incredible. All the teachers and staff go out of their way to make sure you're understanding the content and if you need extra help, they are extremely flexible with your schedule to make time. Currently I am a senior and I can say with confidence that I have made the best group of friends that have supported me, pushed me, and helped me reach my full potential! Athletically I am involved in volleyball and soccer. And the coaches really challenge you in order to get used to feeling uncomfortable and ready for your future beyond high school. With graduation only a few months away I can say I am honestly ready and prepared to face college and the challenges life is ready to throw at me thanks to the amazing high school I attended Crystal Lake Central High School!... Read 251 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,486

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Community High School District No. 155, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  368 reviews

Senior: This school has so much opportunity! Every hallway there's a new unique class and fun opportunity to learn. This school has a car garage, wood and metal shop, CNC machines, 3D printers, AP Computer Science course, AP history courses, and so so much more. The schools student services division is also extremely helpful and passionate about assisting you! All around, this is a phenomenal school!... Read 368 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,410

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Huntley Community School District No 158, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  604 reviews

Senior: Huntley High School welcomes students with an inclusive atmosphere. There is something for everyone at Huntley High School, and I mean it. There are nearly 80 extracaricular activites avaliable for students at Huntley High. There are also various academies at Huntley; we have the engineering academy, medical academy, fine arts academy, and the global academy. These acadamies focus their circiculums around helping students gather the exipierence and material they need to proceed in their post-college activities.... Read 604 reviews

• grade A

• Students 3,064

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Woodstock Community Unit School District No. 200, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  167 reviews

Senior: My high school experience was very positive. I would say Woodstock High School is surrounded by a great community, filled with people who are willing to contribute in ways they can. The school itself is old, but in a more positive way, historic. There are memories pasted on the walls throughout the whole building, remembering those that have made their mark at the school in the past. From hands pasted on the walls in paint from graduating classes, to banners hanging on the upper track from sports wins, to faces and names documented on the walls outside the gym of those that made a difference. Woodstock High School is historic, it is safe, and it is welcoming.... Read 167 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,022

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Community Unit School District No. 300, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  598 reviews

Junior: Jacobs High school has provided me with incredible academic opportunities, such as a Spanish for Spanish-speakers program, a great staff, an AVID program, and even gave me the chance to go to Elgin Community College full-time as a dual credit student. Jacobs high school is part of a united district that pushes their students to be the best versions of themselves. Without Jacobs, I would not be in the academic position that I'm in today. Along with the academic successes at Jacobs, their athletic programs have given their students a space to discover their talents. The girls swim team and softball team at Jacobs have given me wonderful experiences and memories that I will forever cherish. Jacobs High School has provided our every academic and athletic need, and has given me more than I could want.... Read 598 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,075

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Woodstock Community Unit School District No. 200, IL•

• 8-12

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  160 reviews

Alum: If I ever lived in the Northwest suburbs again, I guarantee you that this is the only high school I would send my children to. The dual language program is incredible, their program for students with disabilities is outstanding, and the level of diversity here for a school in the northwest burbs is impressive. I have never been very fond of the upper-administration at the high school, but the teachers here are great! There are so many clubs, organizations, and programs offered that provide students with endless opportunities for involvement.... Read 160 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 932

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Richmond, IL•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  201 reviews

Junior: My experience at RB was, overall, one that helped me grow as a person. I changed a lot in my time there and I hope to take some of the knowledge I gained there and use it beyond those walls. Being a typical highschooler though, I wouldn't say it was perfect, but there's also nothing I particularly disliked. Some of my teachers were very good and helped me out, either by being a good person to talk to or encouraging me. So thank you to them!... Read 201 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 583

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Marengo, IL•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  186 reviews

Senior: While the education I received from most of the teachers at MCHS was amazing, some of the teachers blatantly show favoritism. There were always good opportunities for seniors and the school provides resources for everyone if need be. I overall enjoyed being at MCHS, but sometimes the way things would be done was questionable.... Read 186 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 673

• Student-teacher ratio —

• McHenry Community High School District No. 156, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  265 reviews

Senior: The teachers were amazing. I played basketball and baseball, and their coaches will always be important to me. I went through some tough times with my family during high school. The teachers and coaches were with me through it 100% of the time. I always knew I could rely on them for their support. I also have a great group of friends. I hope these friends will keep in touch with me for the rest of our lives. The education was good too. They offer a lot of classes and options. I think the kids going there in the next few years will have so many new opportunities. They are building a huge addition and expanding what the offer. It was a really great school and I am going to miss it!... Read 265 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,537

• Student-teacher ratio —

• McHenry Community High School District No. 156, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.35 out of 5  234 reviews

Alum: Overall, this school was an amazing experience. I'm glad I was given the opportunity to attend this high school for my 4 years. I had a great experience with the students and teachers. The only thing I would like to see change is the handling of incidents whether inside and in the parking lot of the school. I have had multiple people cause damage to my car and reported it, but the school said they would get back to and never did. Towards the end of the year, fights would break out maybe every week or every other week. Besides the need of them to gain better control, it was a great school to attend.... Read 234 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 649

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Johnsburg Community Unit School District No. 12, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.13 out of 5  153 reviews

Alum: Johnsburg is a small town in northern Illinois. I attended the only school district the town has. I had a memorable experience with the district, especially during my last four years of high school. I have built strong bonds with my educators and coaches that will last with me forever. The building is remodeled, very up to date, and comforting. It is a very small school with a graduating class of 150 in 2022. I have gone to school with most of the students in my grade since kindergarten. I have seen the same faces all my life, which I found comforting knowing I am aware of everyone in my school. I am very grateful that I was given such a good education for a small town. There are many great opportunities to offer at Johnsburg high school. There are many hometown events to attend through the high school that have left amazing memories with me.... Read 153 reviews

• grade B

• Students 597

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Alden Hebron School District No. 19, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.25 out of 5  4 reviews

Senior: Alden Hebron High School is a wonderful school. All of the staff strives to get to know each student and do what it takes to make them succeed. Going to a smaller school gives the students an advantage to work individually with teachers and get extra help they need. The Academic Adviser works to prepare all students for college and help them get to where they want to go. I feel important and cared about at AHHS.... Read 4 reviews

• grade C+

• Students 104

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Harvard Community Unit School District 50, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.29 out of 5  55 reviews

Junior: As a current student of Harvard High School (Junior), I believe that my school has changed my life in a positive way. While attending my school, I've noticed that I've grown so much. The great diversity of my school allowed me to appreciate the people's differences. Although my school is very diverse, we do not perform as well academically. My school is situated in a very low income community so a lot of my peers don't have the resources necessary to make doing their school work practical. To help improve my school's culture, I have helped create an "Agents of Change" group that focuses on spreading positivity throughout the halls of my school. I rated my school as a 4/5 because I believe that it along with learning regular school subjects, my school teaches us how to get along with one another even through our differences. Here at Harvard High School we embrace individuality, and value hard work and helping people.... Read 55 reviews

• grade C

• Students 777

• Student-teacher ratio —