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2020 Best Public High Schools in the Peoria AreaAbout this List

The 2020 Best Public High Schools ranking is based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Ranking factors include state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, SAT/ACT scores, teacher quality, and high school ratings. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

1 – 25 of 31
Best Schools
31 results

  1. Dunlap High School

    • Dunlap Community Unit School District No. 323, IL
    • 9-12
    • 180 reviews
    #1 Best Public High Schools in Peoria Area

    Senior: I have been offered many opportunities to help get the high school experience I want. I was able to start a club and create lots of student involvement. I also love the classroom environment especially in the honors or Ap classes, everyone is trying there best and is willing to help those that are struggling. The teachers are passionate about their work and love what they do, my only complaint is with how little involvement the administration has. I feel like they don’t know anything about any of the students who aren’t top athletes. I understand their job is a huge time commitment but I personally would like to see them build more connections with the students.
    Read 180 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,283 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  2. Morton High School

    • Morton Community Unit School District No. 709, IL
    • 9-12
    • 137 reviews
    #2 Best Public High Schools in Peoria Area

    Junior: Mostly young, driven teachers that are devoted to their jobs and love to help the next generation. The education that the students receive is one of the highest in the area with students receiving top scores and great grades. The school is nice and the area is great. My overall experience at Morton was amazing. There are so many clubs, organizations and athletics to keep you busy! The school offers foreign languages and clubs such as FCA and Key club, but there are so many to choose from. The athletics there are great! Many of the teams have gone to state multiple times. Overall, it is a great school with a great staff and great students.
    Read 137 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 931 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. Richwoods High School

    • Peoria School District No. 150, IL
    • 9-12
    • 253 reviews
    #3 Best Public High Schools in Peoria Area

    Senior: Richwoods is an open and diverse high school with many classes and activities. I moved to Illinois during my sophomore year, but soon I saw many opportunities open for me. I am involved with the arts. Such as band, and theatre. I worked with a lot of great and passionate musicians while honing my education as I decided to move into enriched classes my senior year. I found the teachers really determined to help students work harder. I have found my senior year at Richwoods high school to be my most academically challenging, and most hard working year yet.
    Read 253 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,251 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. Washington Community High School

    • Public School
    • Washington, IL
    • 9-12
    • 116 reviews
    #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 116 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,318 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Metamora High School

    • Public School
    • Metamora, IL
    • 9-12
    • 152 reviews
    #5 Best Public High Schools in Peoria Area

    Alum: I definitely received an excellent education at Metamora Township High School. My teachers made sure to give me all the resources I needed to succeed. The school in general gives students plenty of resources for anyone's needs. I like how Metamora makes sure there is equal opportunity for everyone and they have something to offer for everyone's taste. I felt very safe while attending Metamora because we had a cop on campus at all times to ensure the student's safety. I definitely would want to bring my own children to a school like Metamora. I benefited majorly by being able to attend Metamora Township Highschool.
    Read 152 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 984 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. Eureka High School

    • Eureka Community Unit School District No. 140, IL
    • 9-12
    • 97 reviews
    #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 97 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 492 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  9. Princeville High School

    • Princeville Community Unit School District No. 326, IL
    • 6-12
    • 19 reviews
    #7 Best Public High Schools in Peoria Area

    Alum: I enjoyed the community within Princeville High School. I was involved in various clubs and volleyball, and the community is very involved and supportive within sports. Whether it be through financial support or emotional support, they are always there to support. The education is great, and the preparation for college is great. As compared to another high school I attended, I had a great experience with Princeville High School.
    Read 19 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 404 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Elmwood High School

    • Elmwood Community Unit School District No. 322, IL
    • 9-12
    • 10 reviews
    #8 Best Public High Schools in Peoria Area

    Senior: My experience with Elmwood High School has been great. I have made amazing friends and have received all the educational requirements needed. For the future I think that Elmwood High School should start providing more classes like astrology, anatomy, mythology, and more specific classes like those.
    Read 10 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 213 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Tremont High School

    • Tremont Community Unit School District No. 702, IL
    • 9-12
    • 38 reviews
    #9 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

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 299 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. Dee-Mack High School

    • Deer Creek-Mackinaw Community Unit School District No. 701, IL
    • 9-12
    • 24 reviews
    #10 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 24 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 330 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  13. Illinois Valley Central High School

    • Illinois Valley Central School District No. 321, IL
    • 9-12
    • 42 reviews
    #11 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 42 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 639 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. Stark County High School

    • Stark County Community Unit School District No. 100, IL
    • 9-12
    • 32 reviews
    #12 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
    • 265 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. Brimfield High School

    • Brimfield Community Unit School District No. 309, IL
    • 9-12
    • 24 reviews
    #13 Best Public High Schools in Peoria Area

    Alum: The faculty and staff are supportive and care about each student individually, both from an academic and personal stance.
    Read 24 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 225 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. Midland High School

    • Midland Community Unit School District No. 7, IL
    • 9-12
    • 27 reviews
    #14 Best Public High Schools in Peoria Area

    Alum: MHS was my home away from home for four years! The staff is phenomenal. The academic rigor is very competitive and they rank among one of the strongest academic schools in the area.
    Read 27 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 194 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  17. Illini Bluffs High School

    • Illini Bluffs Community Unit School District No. 327, IL
    • 9-12
    • 31 reviews
    #15 Best Public High Schools in Peoria Area

    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
    • 254 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  18. East Peoria High School

    • Public School
    • East Peoria, IL
    • 9-12
    • 64 reviews
    #16 Best Public High Schools in Peoria Area

    Alum: The teachers are awesome! They care so much and are so invested in getting to know the students as an individual, as well making sure each student gets the best learning experience.
    Read 64 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,020 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  19. Peoria Heights High School

    • Peoria Heights Community Unit School District No. 325, IL
    • 9-12
    • 22 reviews
    #17 Best Public High Schools in Peoria Area

    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
    • 206 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. Delavan High School

    • Delavan Community Unit School District No. 703, IL
    • 9-12
    • 10 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 10 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 137 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. Pekin Community High School

    • Public School
    • Pekin, IL
    • 9-12
    • 193 reviews

    Senior: Pekin Community High School, deserves more credit than it is normally given. Lots of students complain about the administration being poor or the teachers not caring about their students, but they do. These students who only have negative things to say are the ones who are consistently in the dean's office for breaking rules and doing things they know will land them in trouble. As for diversity, while Pekin doesn't have the greatest racial diversity (which can be attributed to the actual population of the city), it is growing. They also have a lot of socio-economic diversity, which is always a great and shows that the school is not discriminatory towards those of a lower class.
    Read 193 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,927 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  24. Limestone Community High School

    • Limestone Community High School District No. 310, IL
    • 9-12
    • 99 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 99 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,016 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  25. Lowpoint-Washburn Junior/Senior High School

    • Lowpoint-Washburn Community Unit School District No. 21, IL
    • 7-12
    • 30 reviews

    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 30 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 159 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. Midwest Central High School

    • Midwest Central Community Unit School District No. 191, IL
    • 9-12
    • 38 reviews

    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

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 296 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. Farmington Central High School

    • Farmington Central Community Unit School District No. 265, IL
    • 9-12
    • 53 reviews

    Alum: I graduated from here about 3 years ago and enjoyed my time here. Though my favorite teachers have since left, I know that the sports teams still thrive and the students enjoy some of the advances that they are making with technology.
    Read 53 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 413 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. Peoria High School

    • Peoria School District No. 150, IL
    • 9-12
    • 93 reviews

    Senior: Peoria high school is a great school. I have learned a lot from my teachers and fellow students and I continue to learn more every day. I love that students have the chance to make a bond with their teachers and feel free to express their opinion on any topic. Teachers recognize the students who put in the effort to do their part for Peoria high school and students who are academic leaders. They reward them with treats, field trips, and other incentives to make every student feel a part of a family that loves them like its their own.
    Read 93 Reviews

    • C
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,389 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. Quest Charter School Academy

    • Peoria School District No. 150, IL
    • 5-12
    • 9 reviews

    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 9 Reviews

    • C
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 597 Students
    • 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  30. Sponsored

    Walnut Hill School for the Arts

    • Private School
    • Natick, MA
    • 9-12
    • 65 reviews

    Sophomore: As a current student, I couldn't be happier with my experience at Walnut Hill. My academic classes are challenging. I am a Theater major and deeply love the process based classes in addition to performances. Before Walnut Hill, I was really involved with my local theater but it was only about performance. Here we are deeply invested in the art form. The people here are wonderful and supportive and I feel as though I can be myself here.
    Read 65 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 284 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  35. Sponsored

    Learning Prep School

    • Private School
    • West Newton, MA
    • 2-12
    • 8 reviews

    Middle School Student: I have been at Learning Prep for 5 years now and honestly there is know other school that I think would accommodate my need.Also the small class sizes really helps with teachers helping you to achieve you IEP goals. I Totally recommend this school Please Please give it a try it is totally worth it.
    Read 8 Reviews

    • 160 Students
    • 2:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  36. Sponsored

    Dedham Country Day School

    • Private School
    • Dedham, MA
    • PK, K-8
    • 7 reviews

    Parent: My son has thoroughly enjoyed his experience at DCD. The teachers are caring and engaged. I can text with the teachers during the day, and my son is able to stay late doing a variety of activities (Spanish, Chess Club, piano lessons, dance) as I finish work. He is only 6 and does yoga at school! If you looking for a school that invests in the whole child, with a lot of individual attention, you should look into Dedham Country Day School.
    Read 7 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 291 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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