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.

868 results

  1. Walter Payton College Prep

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 9-12
    • 285
    1 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Senior: Walter Payton College Prep is a fantastic school with great academic, sports and extracurricular programs. Anyone who gets in would be very lucky to attend. It is a great school to foster community and grow as a person regardless of your background or identity. Being a Grizzly is awesome!
    Read 285 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
    • 473
    2 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Sophomore: Northside is an interesting school. It is one of Top Schools in the US, which makes it infamous for it being academically challenging and difficult. Tales of despair and struggling make every 8th grader scared to join this small school. However when I entered it I was smacked with the truth, it is a visually intriguing school. The shape is very strange and the inside is even stranger, with art hanging everywhere and colors splashed on every wall. But the best part is the people; the students, teachers, and staff are amazing people! They are open with whatever you believe in and everyone shares their interests and make stereotypical high schools (High School Musical, Mean Girls, the whole gag) look like lies. It is an awesome school, and I'm glad that I am academically challenged for I get to meet people who changed my life.
    Read 473 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
    • 955
    3 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Senior: Coming from a graduating eighth grade class of 58 students, the culture shock was definitely humbling when arriving at Stevenson with its student body of 4000 students. My peers broadened my horizons everyday not only through their diverse cultures and backgrounds but also in the way they encountered and dealt with problems. While my classes were definitely a step-up from my middle school rigor, Stevenson's teachers were not only dedicated to their subject but passionate for helping their students as well. I am grateful for the environment that I found in Stevenson, which allowed me to pursue the unexplored and the unchartered within the context of the familiar.
    Read 955 Reviews

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

    • Public School
    • Aurora, IL
    • 10-12
    • 210
    4 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Junior: I love IMSA! There is a great balance of academic and social opportunities. The people that you meet and the opportunities/experience you will gain is priceless Personally, I feel like the academic support for minorities could definitely be stronger, nevertheless it's still a great institution.
    Read 210 Reviews

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

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 7-12
    • 886
    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 886 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,205 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
    • 429
    6 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Alum: One of the top public high schools in the nation. Provides excellent education as well and extracurricular activities. The school is located in an affluent neighborhood in Winnetka. There were about 4,000 students enrolled in the school. Many of the students are welcoming and friendly. Because it is a large school, you tend to develop close group of friends during school. It is difficult to get into the top tier of the class as many students have the resources to receive private tutoring to assist in their studies. Teachers are knowledgeable and competent. There are many opportunities to be involved in extracurricular activities ranging from sports, organizational clubs, school paper, drama/theater, music, volunteer work (ie Misericordia, Habitat for Humanity). Overall, I believe the education you receive at New Trier does correlate with it's status of top ranking public high school in Illinois.
    Read 429 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 4,057 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Hinsdale Central High School

    • Hinsdale Township High School District No. 86, IL
    • 9-12
    • 278
    7 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Senior: The school is great. It's in a wonderful location, everyone is extremely friendly and supportive. The quality of academics and athletics are both through the roof! There is every possible type of resource available and the school constantly gets improvements every year, in fact next year all students will get their own chromebooks! This school is everything and more of what a high school should offer, it is truly the best of the best. If you are thinking about sending your child there, all I have to say is: Expect Greatness.
    Read 278 Reviews

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

    • Glenbrook High Schools District 225, IL
    • 9-12
    • 391
    8 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Parent: Fantastic school! Teachers are great and helpful; you can also can extra help. Lots of extra curricular activities. Everyone can certainly find something that interests them, including a great athletic program!
    Read 391 Reviews

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

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 9-12
    • 522
    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 522 Reviews

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

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 7-12
    • 2,375
    10 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Sophomore: Lane Tech is a high school that holds so much diversity. You'll make awesome friends and connections with teachers that will help bring you up and succeed in life. Being in a selective enrollment high school really pushes you to do your best and counselors are constantly mentioning college, including AP exams, enrichment programs, scholarship/financial aid info, and application deadlines. Aside from the academic portion, Lane Tech is really big on sports! Our school holds the most clubs and sports (boys, girls, coed) in the whole city of Chicago! Being a LT student is challenging, but worth the excitement.
    Read 2,375 Reviews

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

    • Community High School District No. 128, IL
    • 9-12
    • 368
    11 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Alum: My time at Libertyville High School was by far the best time of my life. The staff is incredibly welcoming, and they want to help you learn. Everybody is so nice, and the extracurricular activities are magnificent. If you need help, there are so many people there and ready to help you. And the number one thing overall is that the school is a community. Everybody comes together for causes, and the entire atmosphere is unlike anything else. I will NEVER forget my times at LHS!
    Read 368 Reviews

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

    • Glenbrook High Schools District 225, IL
    • 9-12
    • 355
    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 355 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,024 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. Vernon Hills High School

    • Community High School District No. 128, IL
    • 9-12
    • 266
    13 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Senior: Vernon Hills High School has a great environment that students are able to thrive in. Both the availability of academic courses and extracurricular activities makes VHHS a great place. It is also a very diverse school with a student body size that isn't too large which allows for great connections to develop. VHHS more than adequately prepares its students for college in both an academic and social sense. It is a very safe environment, and the teachers and staff are all very kind. Parents also have a place at this school which really factors into a well connected environment. I really enjoyed my experiences at this school.
    Read 266 Reviews

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

    • Public School
    • Urbana, IL
    • 8-12
    • 141
    14 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Alum: This is based on the way it was a half century ago. Fun, challenging, interesting. Because of the low median age vis a vis other high schools, our sports teams rarely did well (with some significant exceptions), but any boy could find at least one sport on which he would make the team. Athletics for girls was very limited back then. I think we only had two girl athletes.
    Read 141 Reviews

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

    • Naperville Community Unit School District No. 203, IL
    • 9-12
    • 437
    15 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Junior: The teachers and faculty at Naperville Central High School are amazing! There are so many opportunities relating to classes, clubs, and to athletics. I feel very supported by my teachers. Although there is quite a bit of drama throughout the school, peers are always willing to step up to "Be the 3". We had renovations done a few years ago; the school looks great on the inside and outside. We have very good technology; every student receives a Chromebook at the beginning of their freshman year, and they have it until they graduate.
    Read 437 Reviews

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

    • Township High School District No. 214, IL
    • 9-12
    • 356
    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 356 Reviews

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

    • Indian Prairie Community Unit School District No. 204, IL
    • 9-12
    • 863
    17 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    High School Senior: A lot of times for high schoolers, school can be VERY stressful! I love my school, because they make a very friendly and helpful environment for students. Don't get me wrong there's still hard work and stress involved, but Neuqua makes it not seem as bad. Also, there are so many activities going on every day and there's something for all interests. My favorite part about the school, is the diversity. There are a huge variety of ethnicity, and people of all interests and beliefs. Neuqua embraces and celebrates it's diversity by showcasing it and teaching the students all about it.
    Read 863 Reviews

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

    • Barrington Community Unit School District No. 220, IL
    • 9-12
    • 381
    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 381 Reviews

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

    • Naperville Community Unit School District No. 203, IL
    • 9-12
    • 391
    19 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Alum: Naperville North High School is a quality institution that does their best to help their students. The teachers care about the student's well being and education and try to help each student to understand the course material, while providing many opportunities for outside classroom assistance. While the teachers work tirelessly to help their students, the administrative feel is to gear the students in a college prep direction, even if not all students are going to college. There is a general feel that everyone should go to college and therefore there is no preparation for the real world. There are many clubs and activities to join for socialization and many opportunities to further your education, but less places for real world learning. Overall, this high school is a quality institution, so long as you plan to go to college.
    Read 391 Reviews

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

    • Township High School District No. 214, IL
    • 9-12
    • 243
    20 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Alum: Attending John Hersey High School was an incredible and unforgettable experience in my life as I learned so many new things in an unique and incredible manner and I gained lifelong bonds and memories from being a member on the running team throughout all four years. The teachers at John Hersey High School always found a way to make learning exciting no matter what the subject matter may have been and this allowed the academic materials to soak in like a sponge. The teachers at John Hersey High School were also always determined to get your prepared for the big ACT test and after so much preparation and practice the big test didn't seem so intimidating anymore. The teachers were also very encouraging and were always willing to provide support or even a recommendation if you needed it!
    Read 243 Reviews

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

    • Public School
    • Normal, IL
    • 9-12
    • 152
    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 152 Reviews

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

    • Indian Prairie Community Unit School District No. 204, IL
    • 9-12
    • 474
    22 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Niche User: As a former student of Metea Valley High School, I would like to say this school is unlike any other. The Staff is very friendly and very well prepare, the technology at this school is very modern and useful, the resources are plentiful as the Deans also care a lot about students future as I've seen kids close to flunking out to going to colleges and acquiring jobs, the neighborhoods are also very clean and friendly, the amount of clubs and sports is unbelievable! The programs it has to ready students for Colleges is plentiful, I even learn more from this school than some classes in College. I strongly recommend sending your kid to this school for a safe and very educational environment
    Read 474 Reviews

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

    • Township High School District No. 211, IL
    • 9-12
    • 486
    23 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Alum: You can get a great education here- generally decent teachers who like what they're doing, opportunities for students to explore their interests, and quality opportunities. Lots of options for classes and volunteer opportunities, and generally a positive if somewhat apathetic culture. Culture isn't too hideously clique-y, but it's big enough that plenty of people fall through the cracks socially.
    Read 486 Reviews

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

    • Niles Township Community High School District No. 219, IL
    • 9-12
    • 388
    24 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Senior: I would say attending Niles North is good but could be better. The safety and diversity are amazing, everyone gets along and works together on making each other feel as one. The food is moderate could be better but everything to be honest is very good for a community like Skokie. Many resources to get help in any of your classes that you may need any assistance in. Clubs, well we have so many I can't even name them all, if you think we don't have a club for you check the four page activities packet. I guarantee you will find it! As we say at Niles North "We are 1"!
    Read 388 Reviews

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

    • Public School
    • Oak Park, IL
    • 9-12
    • 547
    25 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Alum: Oak Park is known for its diversity, progressiveness, and overwhelming sense of community, and these great qualities are reflected in the young people of my local high school. We not only excel academically and athletically, but strive to be the best human beings we can be. The kids I go to school with are incredibly mature, accepting, and non-discriminating, and we seek to create a safe environment where anybody can be themselves. There’s dozens of clubs and organizations dedicated to helping and accepting others. In my community, we don’t judge based on race, sexual orientation, or disabilities, and I’m proud to be a part of such an unprejudiced environment and thankful for the open mindedness I’ve gained from it.
    Read 547 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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