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K-12 Schools in Illinois
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2018 Best Public High Schools in IllinoisAbout this List

The 2018 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.

Best Schools
882 results

  1. Walter Payton College Prep

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 9-12
    • 304
    1 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Senior: Overall, Walter Payton College Prep is a high school with high academic motivation with both counselors and teachers that take great care to ensure that every student is prepared for their college careers. The ample amount of security and the fact that teachers are trained to respond to certain medical issues such as Diabetes and asthma attacks provide more evidence that students can feel safe and protected while at school. Payton is also ethnically diverse and classes include intense literary discussions, modern as well as interesting experiments in science, and complex mathematical classes that guarantee no student is left behind. Walter Payton College Prep truly defines an ideal College preparatory high school. Possible criticism would include the fact that the school holds only your average diversity of sports, there is sometimes a lack of both sanitation and paper towels in the washrooms, and the school pep rallies are a bit lacking.
    Read 304 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 899 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. Northside College Preparatory High School

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 9-12
    • 491
    2 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Alum: Amazing and rigorous academics with dedicated teachers and extensive student body diversity. Going to ncp can be very stressful and competitive, but the experience has prepared me very well, and my counselour helped me plan out all sorts of backup plans senior year along with easing the application process. There is a safe space for anyone regardless of your interests, so many extracurricular activities! I feel very blessed and prepared. The rest of the world is certainly not as diverse as this school was, but it was great exposure as a young adult.
    Read 491 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,047 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. Adlai E. Stevenson High School

    • Public School
    • Lincolnshire, IL
    • 9-12
    • 998
    3 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Alum: Overall a well rounded high school! The faculty is a big part of why this school is so great. They're incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about what they're teaching and it really shines through. The student population is very engaged and it is the norm for students to partake in multiple extracurricular activities alongside their studies. The school has so many option when it comes to getting involved whether it be through clubs, socities, or sports. There really is a niche for everyone.
    Read 998 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,839 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

    • Public School
    • Aurora, IL
    • 10-12
    • 222
    4 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Alum: IMSA is a boarding school so there are many responsibilities students take on along with academics. The challenge of the school was definitely a combination of both living and curriculum although the advanced curriculum was the greater of the two. Countering these challenges, the school offers on site tutoring, many places to study quietly, a writing center, and interactive preparation for college. These resources help students academically while its many clubs and on campus activities create a memorable and positive living environment.
    The campus is very serene and wide and the tight-knit community is accepting of students of all backgrounds and experiences.
    Read 222 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 650 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. Whitney M. Young Magnet High School

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 7-12
    • 912
    5 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Sophomore: I am a sophomore who has been attending Whitney Young for 4 years now and I truly believe it is the best school in the city of Chicago. It offers a wide range of challenging courses for students with all different types of interests. The principal Dr. Joyce Kenner strives to give all students the best high school experience possible and definitely succeeds. The diverse environment is very welcoming and fun. The students are very involved in the school community while managing to focus on academics and sports/extra-curricular activities (with the help of our fellow teachers). Speaking of sports, we have had 12 city championships in the past 2 years, and 9 in 2014! The school could use a few upgrades, but that's really up to the city (and we already get a ton of funding since we're a selective enrollment school). Overall, Whitney Young is a great high school and I encourage all prospective high school students in Chicago to apply.
    Read 912 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,153 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  7. New Trier Township High School

    • New Trier Township High School District No. 203, IL
    • 9-12
    • 451
    6 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Senior: I am involved in the IGSS program, which is a newer program. Basically it is a school within a school. It encompasses English, Environmental Science, and History. The method of teaching is very organic. You are taught to think for yourself - there is no wrong answer! The teachers encourage creativity, thinking outside the box, and collaborative learning.
    Read 451 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 4,057 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  8. Sponsored

    Delbarton School

    • Private School
    • Morristown, NJ
    • 7-12
    • 76

    Senior: Delbarton, in its whole, is a great and astounding place to learn and grow. Once in a while, you would have a teacher that didn't really care all that much, but the vast majority of teachers are highly passionate and knowledgeable. Teachers are almost always available after and before school and encourage and are eager to help students of all levels and capabilities. The school's athletics are overall outstanding, and Delbarton is especially good is hockey, lacrosse, soccer, baseball, and tennis (most state championships). At the school, there are plenty of extracurricular clubs and activities to join, and the school is always open to new ideas. The students at the school are extremely competitive with one another in all aspects of student life, and I believe that is what keeps the school so great. Delbarton teaches it's students not only the curriculum needed for college and beyond but also the integrity and character of which most schools fail. (can't conclude b/c out of box space)
    Read 76 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 588 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  9. Hinsdale Central High School

    • Hinsdale Township High School District No. 86, IL
    • 9-12
    • 294
    7 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Sophomore: Hinsdale Central High School is a great school! While the academics are demanding, the teachers are amazing and are always willing to work before/after school with students who need help. While the school does have a "white preppy" vibe, it is a great mix of people who are interested in almost anything you can think of. Finding at least one person who has similar interests is not difficult and finding friends among this friendly group of people. The amount of honors and AP classes is amazing, along with the huge assortment of clubs. Overall, the school is a great place for every type of student!
    Read 294 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,778 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Glenbrook South High School

    • Glenbrook High Schools District 225, IL
    • 9-12
    • 423
    8 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Senior: Glenbrook south high school is a public school with heaps of good opportunity. The friends and relationships I've made will never be forgotten and the people are actually really nice, there are barely any conceited/rude ones at all!! Also, the subjects you can do, you would be surprised the range there is to choose from, there is something for everyone!! And the camps, excursions, special events and other opportunities such as exchanges with schools from other states or countries is the best. Sport is also one of the best parts of high school too, but even if you are not into it, music and art programs are generally really good. High school are some of the best years of your life, so don't waste it. would like glenbrook south to focus more on bringing more fun activities in the classrooms. Afterall "all work and no play makes jack a dull boy".
    Read 423 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,827 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Jones College Prep High School

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 9-12
    • 553
    9 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Alum: Jones College Prep is a very diverse college preparatory school. Students are selected from all over Chicago, and it is evident in the population. Teachers strive to help students succeed both inside the class and outside, and there is ample time provided for extra help. Because the school is college preparatory, the counselors really focus on early applications to colleges and for scholarships. The academics are very understandable and provide a good platform for upward mobility in terms of class selection. One downside is that the school consists of two unconnected building that are 6+ floors high, so a lot of climbing is required!
    Read 553 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,427 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  13. Lane Tech College Prep High School

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 7-12
    • 2,569
    10 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Senior: This school is a school like no other. What i truly love about Lane is that it provides its students with a true high school experience. And no, not that cool kids vs lame kids experience. It helps you in creating friendships with people from different backgrounds and values. Our ethnicities are celebrated during International days, which is a week in which ethnic cubs perform their ethnic dances. The teachers truly care for their students and their education. There are hundreds of clubs and activities and if you don't find one right for you, then you can make one! It is very easy to find a place to fit in and people are open minded and truly friendly. We get to have open campus lunch and go wherever we want to eat. Parents and teachers are highly invested in supporting students and helping them achieve their goals. We have the best sports team, which is why we call ourselves the School of Champions. I am so lucky to say I attend Lane Tech High school. Go Indians!
    Read 2,569 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 4,057 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. Libertyville High School

    • Community High School District No. 128, IL
    • 9-12
    • 385
    11 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    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 385 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,969 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. Glenbrook North High School

    • Glenbrook High Schools District 225, IL
    • 9-12
    • 368
    12 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Senior: I could not possibly feel more blessed to have attended Glenbrook North for 3 (going on 4) years. Glenbrook North is immersed in an inclusive, loving, and thriving community. Within the walls of Glenbrook North lies at atmosphere that can not be found anywhere else. Each day I wake up excited, knowing that I will be spending my day with friends, teachers who care about me, and enthusiastic peers. Each year at GBN I have connected with new peers, whether my age, older, or younger, each student at GBN is special and unique. I build my relationships through class work, projects, electives, or even gym classes. GBN cares about their students' health. I take gym each semester for ninety minutes every other day, as well as fitness tests four times each semester. The faculty truly care about their students achieving their highest potential in their best health. I wish that every student could have a high school experience like the one provided by GBN, and I am tremendously blessed!
    Read 368 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,024 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. Sponsored

    The Madeira School

    • Private School
    • McLean, VA
    • 9-12
    • 58

    Alum: When I picture my "happy place," Madeira is it! I credit the school with shaping me into the woman I am today. I was able to be the truest version of myself while I attended Madeira. I was challenged academically, but in an environment where I felt comfortable to excel. The friends I made at Madeira have been lifelong friends--some were even bridesmaids in my wedding. The co-curriculum experience is also monumental. The internships I had as a junior and senior in high school shaped my college studies and eventual career path. If I had a daughter, without a shadow of a doubt, she would be a Madeira girl.
    Read 58 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 319 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  17. Vernon Hills High School

    • Community High School District No. 128, IL
    • 9-12
    • 275
    13 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    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 275 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,271 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  18. University of Illinois High School

    • Public School
    • Urbana, IL
    • 8-12
    • 145
    14 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Alum: Uni High was a unique experience in every sense of the word. The first thing someone entering the building would pick up on would be disorder. The lockers are all strewn wide open, the walls are covered in thousands of handprints from a hundred years of alumni, the din of whooping students scattered and clumped throughout the hallways. It’s a different experience for sure, and as a whole I would say I really appreciated my time there. At the same time, it’s far from perfect. The teachers are amazing at what they do, instilling a deeper understanding and sharing their passion with students. The students are also a great mix of bright and talented people, each with their own skills. However, the way classes are taught don’t prepare students for AP exams, and being surrounded by bright talented students can be demoralizing sometimes. At the same time, Uni always challenged me to be better, and I have no regrets about spending my high school years there!
    Read 145 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 322 Students
    • 24:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. Naperville Central High School

    • Naperville Community Unit School District No. 203, IL
    • 9-12
    • 458
    15 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Senior: Overall my whole high school experience with Central, things went by very quick. I made a lot of friends and met a lot of great people, including teachers. The academics were very challenging at times but being at central has gotten me very well prepared for the future. My college path and my future career path. You have many opportunities at central. One thing I would love to see change is the diversity. I’m a Black girl among 50 other black students or less. Out of the 3,000 students that go to the school are majority white. It wasn’t a bad thing but feeling left out was a major thing for many students of the Black american decent. Other than the changes. Parents are really involved and sports and other activities welcome everyone. The school as a whole has earned 5 stars in my book. GO RED HAWKS!
    Read 458 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,890 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  20. Prospect High School

    • Township High School District No. 214, IL
    • 9-12
    • 380
    16 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Senior: I enjoyed Prospect! I was respected by all of my teachers, given a slew of extracurricular activities to participate in, and the grading system and syllabus was simple. All of my accomodations were met and fulfilled thanks to my I.E.P, which was set up, thankfully, by my case manager. At PHS, I was able to take the electives I wanted to take, like Creative Writing and Sports & Entertainment Marketing. As for extracurriculars, I had the opportunity to lead my schools Video Game Club and participate on our state-championship winning Speech Team. Whether it be the fact that I met many new friends here, or having great educational opportunities like getting to teacher assist in one of my school's special education classes, I truly have nothing bad to say about Prospect High School.
    Read 380 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,168 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  21. Neuqua Valley High School

    • Indian Prairie Community Unit School District No. 204, IL
    • 9-12
    • 899
    17 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    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 899 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,859 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  24. Barrington High School

    • Barrington Community Unit School District No. 220, IL
    • 9-12
    • 391
    18 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Freshman: My overall experience so far at BHS has been great. I have met so many new people and the upperclassmen make me feel really welcomed and part of the school. The upperclassmen are extremely encouraging. all of them are nice, helpful, fun, and enthusiastic. I have been challenged this year with an AP class, but my teacher makes the journey a bit easier and I am learning how to be prepared for my future this way. The clubs and sports are great and BHS offers SO MANY. I loved this so I could try to get involved and try out different activities that interest me. One wish I have for the future of BHS is for it to have more color and school spirit. Right now, majority of the kids are involved in activities, but not enough and it would be great to encourage more students to get involved to grow the BHS community, love, and support for each other during high school!
    Read 391 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,052 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  25. Naperville North High School

    • Naperville Community Unit School District No. 203, IL
    • 9-12
    • 407
    19 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Senior: Being a student at Naperville North for the past four years has been overall a pleasant experience. I've made many friends, fit in pretty well into the curriculum and never found that the school required me to do something I was incapable of doing. Overall, most of the teachers are very good, observant and qualified, always ready to hear a student out and accommodate in case any issues come up. There are a couple nitpicks about certain staff members and administrative issues, but they do not detract from my general school experience. I'm proud to be a Husky!
    Read 407 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,885 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. John Hersey High School

    • Township High School District No. 214, IL
    • 9-12
    • 262
    20 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Senior: John Hersey High School promotes many diverse unique clubs that are uncommonly seen in other schools. For example, the LGBTQ Alliance Club and the Chinese Culture Club. It also presents many great cause fundraisers and events that allows students to become involved to give back to the community and learn more about leadership, service, and themselves. For example, John Hersey High School is exclusively involved in A Soldier's Journey Home and the Funner Olympics and he Senior Olympics. The teachers are always accommodating towards their students, allowing many opportunities to meet and discuss and help such as before and after school, and are very understanding when it comes to workload and due dates. The school's atmosphere is always friendly and positive. Students are able to freely express themselves while effectively learning and having fun.
    Read 262 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,946 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. University High School

    • Public School
    • Normal, IL
    • 9-12
    • 166
    21 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Senior: Universty High School was an amazing high school experience! U-High offers a wide variety of classes, activities, and clubs. For example, I am currently involved with Orchesis (a dance class and a extracurricular), Art Club, and Creative Writing Club. U-High is a great opportunity for college readiness because of the academic level of classes, the freedom of open campus, and much more. The U-High community also has showed me how important it is to help others around you. The staff is constantly taught how to act in many different scenarios that could occur in a school building (school shooter, heart attacks, etc.). Even though nothing dangerous has happened before, the U-High community is always ready. I absolutely love U-High and I would recommend it to all students.
    Read 166 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 607 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. Metea Valley High School

    • Indian Prairie Community Unit School District No. 204, IL
    • 9-12
    • 509
    22 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Alum: The majority of teachers at Metea Valley really do care about students. While I was a student at this high school, the teachers I've had were respectable and would cater to the varying learning preferences of students: visual, auditory, hands-on, etc. As of 2017, US News and World Report Best High Schools National Rankings lists Metea at 23rd in Illinois. During my time at this newly built school, I was consistently impressed with how well it is kept up by the janitors; the school is always clean and the environment is conducive to learning. Personally, I was heavily involved in the music department and I cannot thank my instructors enough for their skill and dedication to each student. The music department is even recognized on a national level. In 2016, the Grammy Foundation recognized Metea Valley's music department as one of the top three music programs in the country. In retrospect, I am very thankful to be a graduate of Metea Valley High School in Aurora, Illinois!
    Read 509 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,749 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  30. William Fremd High School

    • Township High School District No. 211, IL
    • 9-12
    • 508
    23 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    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 508 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,694 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  31. Niles North High School

    • Niles Township Community High School District No. 219, IL
    • 9-12
    • 405
    24 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Alum: There are a variety of courses offered that allow students to enhance skill sets that can later on be used for their careers. There are many extracurricular activities and sports offered. Many courses of various difficulty exist for English, Mathematics, History, and Science. This allows a student to engage in the classroom at a level that is right for the student. There are many helpful faculty. Niles North provides students with a great education. If anything could be improved, one could say that the faculty need to be more understanding, concerned, and aware of various cultures and domestic situations that students face while attending schools. Also, there needs to be better guidance in helping each individual student choose courses that are appropriate for college and later for a career.
    Read 405 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,127 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  32. Oak Park & River Forest High School

    • Public School
    • Oak Park, IL
    • 9-12
    • 574
    25 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Alum: Attending Oak Park and River Forest High School was a challenging, but rewarding experience. Faculty members make sure that students are being challenged in their coursework while teaching them to cultivate their interests and creativity. The one thing that I applaud my High School for is their ability to understand race relations and make students aware of the impact that it has on a learning environment. In my experience, OPRF history classes repeatedly brought privilege and race into question and debate. Here, I was challenged to crucially think about the ways that race, class, and gender impact my daily life and the lives of others.
    Read 574 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,232 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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2018 Best Public High Schools in Illinois
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