2019 Best Public High Schools in the Peoria Area

Best Schools

35 results

Dunlap High School
Dunlap Community Unit School District No. 323, IL
9-12
169
#1 Best Public High Schools in Peoria Area
Junior: Over the three years that I have attended Dunlap High School, I have learned to love my school. My school offers many great opportunities for academics, sports, clubs, and much more. There is always something to be involved in, no matter what kind of personality the students here have. When I compare Dunlap to the other high schools in my area, I feel beyond grateful to attend the school that I do. Other schools don’t appear to be as inclusive and interactive as Dunlap. Each class is a challenge, but they are preparing me for my future. I feel as if I have thrived here at Dunlap.
Read 169 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,280 Students
20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Richwoods High School
Peoria School District No. 150, IL
9-12
241
#2 Best Public High Schools in Peoria Area
Senior: Richwoods is the best school in the district. The administration is encouraging and welcoming. There is always something to look forward to from sports and pep assemblies to club meetings. Every day is jam-packed with spirit! There is a very active JROTC program where students can learn a lot about what it means to be a Leader. THE Standard of Excellence! 212 degrees! Be P.H.E.A.R.C.E! Check out the Twitter Page!
Read 241 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
1,278 Students
15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Morton High School
Morton Community Unit School District No. 709, IL
9-12
133
#3 Best Public High Schools in Peoria Area
Alum: Morton High School prepared me so well for college! Not only was I prepared on an academic level, far above some of my peers in college, but I knew how to conduct professional interactions with teachers and how to interact with people. Morton has a great faculty who genuinely care about the well-being of each individual student.
Read 133 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
920 Students
15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Saint Bede Academy
Private School
Peru, IL
9-12
70
Parent: Can't say enough about the academics and the preparation for college. So many organizations, clubs to join! There is something for everyone! What a great opportunity for students to study with those from another country. The international boarding program provides a safe environment for students on campus as well as great curriculum and how wonderful to have this interaction with the student population. The spirit of St. Bede touches everyone, everyday!
Read 70 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
297 Students
10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Washington Community High School
Public School
Washington, IL
9-12
103
#4 Best Public High Schools in Peoria Area
Parent: We are so thankful for the outstanding education and enrichment our son received from Washington Community High School. Of course you will hear and read about their athletic programs - and they are outstanding - but, the value that this school and community place on the arts is phenomenal. From theatre to marching band to art to choir to multiple band categories, you name it, the experience is unparalleled in the Peoria area and rivals the best in the state. There truly is something for everyone at Washington. The opportunity to find your passion and grow tremendously in that field is the greatest attribute of this school. We are forever grateful!
Read 103 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
1,212 Students
16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Tremont High School
Tremont Community Unit School District No. 702, IL
9-12
38
#5 Best Public High Schools in Peoria Area
Senior: Tremont High School shows they care about the students, but they seem to care about more less important things. I am graduating this year and don't really feel prepared for college, let alone, life. They only give us a semester of learning about loans, scholarships, rent, etc., when I think obviously it needs to be a more vigorous class. No real life skills are given. Don't get me wrong, the school is nice, people, teachers, etc., but I feel kind of cheated out of life skills and other things because they focus more on basketball or extra circulars or give the students with the hardest classes no study hall the the ones who are taking the easiest up to two study halls.
Read 38 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
282 Students
12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Eureka High School
Eureka Community Unit School District No. 140, IL
9-12
89
#6 Best Public High Schools in Peoria Area
Senior: Eureka High School is surrounded by a loving and safe community. School safety is a top priority. We are a small school, but not uncomfortably small. It is the perfect fit for anyone. Not one student should feel left out. Everyone is friendly and cares about you, including the administration. Their are plenty of clubs, activities, and sports to get involved in. One thing I would change: I wish the teachers would teach us how to think critically for ourselves as a student body. Independent thinking is often an assumption, but a little guidance and coaching could help. Other than that, I would highly recommend this school to anybody. I am proud to graduate this year as a hornet.
Read 89 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
491 Students
16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Metamora High School
Public School
Metamora, IL
9-12
146
#7 Best Public High Schools in Peoria Area
Alum: Great teachers and kind faculty! Some parts of the building were very outdated, though they are working to improve. Safety has improved within the past year! College readiness depends upon the student and their willingness.
Read 146 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
985 Students
16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Elmwood High School
Elmwood Community Unit School District No. 322, IL
9-12
9
#8 Best Public High Schools in Peoria Area
Alum: I loved how everyone, no matter who they were, were involved in an activity after school. With students being busy with activities that lowered the bad behaviors and people being picked on. I also loved how the teachers did an amazing job getting students ready for the real world.
Read 9 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
207 Students
11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Delavan High School
Delavan Community Unit School District No. 703, IL
9-12
10
#9 Best Public High Schools in Peoria Area
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 10 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
136 Students
10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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- 2019 Best Public Middle Schools
- 2019 High Schools with the Best Teachers
- 2019 Best Public High Schools for STEM
Stark County High School
Stark County Community Unit School District No. 100, IL
9-12
32
#10 Best Public High Schools in Peoria Area
Alum: I loved going to Stark County. I was able to be involved in everything and get to know everyone and every member of the faculty, including the janitors. However, if you aren't into sports there isn't much for you, but they are improving. They say that your friends from high school won't last, but from this school, they will. The school is so tight-knit within itself and the community. The school is the heart of this tiny county. We may not have a ton of resources, but the dedicated teachers are always looking for alternatives and looking for ways to prepares us for college and the workforce. Another great thing about this school is that you don't feel pressured that college is the only option. They definitely made trade schools and 2-year degrees a valuable option. I loved this school and I wouldn't trade this experience for anything.
Read 32 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
271 Students
12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Princeville High School
Princeville Community Unit School District No. 326, IL
9-12
17
#11 Best Public High Schools in Peoria Area
Senior: Those teachers are very patient to teach each students, I've always see most of the students have trouble with math, so a teacher let them stay her room to guide them math. I am a second language leaner, so every homeroom time I always walk to my english, he always smile and patient to help me to improve writing, saying, and learn more vocabularies. I like Princeville High School when they separated the schedule into two days ( A & B day). Which mean I will have 4 classes a day and I'll have different class in B day. I also like they add few more classes, such as foods, interior design, child development and etc. I wish they can add few more languages classes instead Spanish, so many students have option to choose what they want to learn.
Read 17 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
241 Students
10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Midland High School
Midland Community Unit School District No. 7, IL
9-12
25
#12 Best Public High Schools in Peoria Area
Niche User: The teachers are very attentive and truly care about their students and their success. The theater department has always worked hard to put on many colorful and diverse productions. Students love the English and Art classes that Midland has to offer. The sports team leadership could use some work, however, as could the music team.
Read 25 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
191 Students
10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Dee-Mack High School
Deer Creek-Mackinaw Community Unit School District No. 701, IL
9-12
23
#13 Best Public High Schools in Peoria Area
Senior: Dee-Mack high school has a tradition of pride. Yes we are small but we all are a family. This high school has taught me so much. I couldn't have asked for better teachers than the ones I have. Honestly if your thinking about moving to Mackinaw do it. You won't regret it!
Read 23 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
333 Students
14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Illinois Valley Central High School
Illinois Valley Central School District No. 321, IL
9-12
41
#14 Best Public High Schools in Peoria Area
Alum: I feel that this school prepared me very well for my time in college. The classes that I took here were equivalent to the lectures I have taken in fairly upper level college classes, especially for the science and mathematics sections. There were not an excessive amount of clubs to join, but I feel that there were fairly enough of them to make my time at the school interesting and entertaining. The teachers were always very caring and were incredibly intelligent. Plus, with all the AP courses offered at the school, the overall academic experience was fantastic.
Read 41 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
630 Students
14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Pekin Community High School
Public School
Pekin, IL
9-12
184
#15 Best Public High Schools in Peoria Area
Senior: I am a senior this year and have absolutely loved being a student at Pekin Community High School for the past four years. My favorite aspect of PCHS is the phenomenal teaching staff that PCHS has! From social studies and mathematics to science and English, I have had teachers who genuinely care about each and every student in their classes and have high expectations for us. PCHS also offers a wide variety of AP classes that do a wonderful job of preparing students for college! I feel well equipped and excited about college as a result of the countless amount of time and energy PCHS pours into paving the way for their students to walk into bright futures.
Read 184 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
2,006 Students
17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Brimfield High School
Brimfield Community Unit School District No. 309, IL
9-12
23
#16 Best Public High Schools in Peoria Area
High School Senior: I love the school, and all the people who attend. Ever since preschool, I have never regretted coming to this school.
Read 23 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
215 Students
12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Peoria Heights High School
Peoria Heights Community Unit School District No. 325, IL
9-12
22
Senior: I have gone to Peoria Heights High School my entire high school career. The structure of the building is very unusual and odd, but i have grown to like it. I have learned to focus although noises are around me, and i have had the ability to talk to everyone at my school because of the smaller size. Also, due to the small size, i have had the chance to go to many different things and be apart of many different organizations and groups.
Read 22 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
225 Students
11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Illini Bluffs High School
Illini Bluffs Community Unit School District No. 327, IL
9-12
31
Senior: I am going in to my senior year at Illini Bluffs High School, and there are many reasons why IB is a great school. Overall, our teachers are great people, and they care about your well being. We have two counselors, one for college readiness, and one for mental health. There isn’t really much opportunity at Illini Bluffs for AP and IB classes, in fact we only have one AP class, and no IB classes. There are enriched classes for English, but that’s all. The building itself is kind of old and decrepit, but the janitors keep it clean, and the school is working towards making it more functional. Each student is granted a laptop, because almost 90% of the schoolwork is online. Overall, Illini Bluffs is a close-knit, rural farm school, with great teachers and community.
Read 31 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
281 Students
12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Midwest Central High School
Midwest Central Community Unit School District No. 191, IL
9-12
38
Senior: Very nice staff members. They will help in every way possible! It’s a small school so you get to know everyone. The community is very involved with the school and helps a lot!
Read 38 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
309 Students
13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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East Peoria High School
Public School
East Peoria, IL
9-12
61
Alum: The teachers are amazing and take time to help when needed. They create a healthy and safe environment for students to thrive in. I believe that the administration could do a better job at getting juniors and seniors thinking about college and how to be prepared for the huge decisions coming their way. Another improvement is sports; I believe the district could be better at getting kids started young and encouraging them to be more involved. The school spirit is amazing no matter the scores of any of the games. Homecoming week, prom, and all the extracurricular activities were my favorite part of student involvement.
Read 61 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
1,010 Students
15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Limestone Community High School
Limestone Community High School District No. 310, IL
9-12
98
Senior: In my four years at Limestone I have seen it all. I've seen the good the school has done in the community, helping the children of Easter Seals and it's various volunteer based events that keep the community involved and I've seen the ability the entire student body has to care for it's community. Limestone has many special events and extracurricular activities that are held to the same standard as their common course counterparts, which is a huge benefit to it's students. Moreover, the entire teaching staff is so supportive of not only the in-class aspect of their role in our lives, but providing us with the necessary skills to move on in our academic and professional careers.
Read 98 Reviews
C+
Overall Niche Grade
1,030 Students
14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Lowpoint-Washburn Junior/Senior High School
Lowpoint-Washburn Community Unit School District No. 21, IL
7-12
23
Senior: At Lowpoint Washburn High School, you have tons of opportunities that a larger school wouldn't offer. For example, since we do not have enough people to try out for a sports program, the person automatically makes the team. Even if they aren't the most athletic person out there, they have the ability to improve their skills tremendously! Another great quality about Lowpoint Washburn is that the teachers care so much about their students, and they will stay after school just to help further explain something the student may not completely understand. The faculty here is amazing, they provide great help and they only want to see their students go far in life.
Read 23 Reviews
C+
Overall Niche Grade
162 Students
11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Peoria High School
Peoria School District No. 150, IL
9-12
87
Sophomore: Peoria High is a well known school around central Illinois. The positive things about my school is that it offers many different programs. Peoria High offers a fine arts program which is ran by talented experienced teachers in every subject of the arts. Peoria High also offers a very well ran athletic department including the football program which is currently holding state champion. Peoria High’s staff encourages students to go for what they believe in and also helps students understand many different ways of learning and understanding. One thing I would change about Peoria High is the violence. Peoria High does not have the brightest reputation from the past years. If I had the choice, I would change the way security handles events and student crimes. Overall, this is by far one of the most inspiring schools I have attended.
Read 87 Reviews
C+
Overall Niche Grade
1,263 Students
16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Quest Charter School Academy
Peoria School District No. 150, IL
5-12
7
Parent: Quest have been one of the greatest schools i have had the pleasure of attending. I've been here for 8 years now and I like to say that Quest have evolve to one of the outstanding schools it is today. I have gotten close with teachers and students and everytime im here i feel as though i'm still around family. Quest offers the best education in Peoria, we learn so much here that is so essential to life. i highly recommend this school to any an everybody.
Read 7 Reviews
C
Overall Niche Grade
565 Students
15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Manual Academy
Peoria School District No. 150, IL
8-12
55
Senior: Of course we have a bed reputation because we're on the south end . But manual really helps every student to achieve whatever goals they have set . We can count on the teachers because they actually care and take their jobs serious. The school counselors are AMAZING whatever you need they will do anything to help us, the principle we have is actually trying to Make a change which is grate.
Read 55 Reviews
C
Overall Niche Grade
657 Students
13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Elgin Academy
Private School
Elgin, IL
PK, K-12
28
Parent: The best private school around! The atmosphere is amazing, teachers are amazing as well as staff. My daughter has been attending since pre-school best decision we made.
Read 28 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
300 Students
7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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BASIS Independent McLean
Private School
McLean, VA
PK, K-12
12
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 12 Reviews
NG
Overall Niche Grade
375 Students
6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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1 of 2

Dunlap High School

Richwoods High School

Morton High School

Saint Bede Academy

Washington Community High School

Tremont High School

Eureka High School

Metamora High School

Elmwood High School

Delavan High School

Stark County High School

Princeville High School

Midland High School

Dee-Mack High School

Illinois Valley Central High School

Pekin Community High School

Brimfield High School

Peoria Heights High School

Illini Bluffs High School

Midwest Central High School

East Peoria High School

Limestone Community High School

Lowpoint-Washburn Junior/Senior High School

Peoria High School

Quest Charter School Academy

Manual Academy

Elgin Academy

BASIS Independent McLean