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2019 Best Public High Schools in IllinoisAbout this List

The 2019 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 886
Best Schools
886 results

  1. Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

    • Public School
    • Aurora, IL
    • 10-12
    • 242
    1 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Senior: Wonderful experience! I loved going to IMSA for the past three years. Although the academics are very challenging, and many late nights will be spent studying, the teachers care about the students and want to see them grow and succeed. The opportunities here are endless, including a wonderful SIR (Student Inquiry Research) program which allows the students to spend their Wednesdays researching. The school has also had many new renovations, including new science labs, study areas, and much more. The school is also so diverse, and students are encouraged to share their opinions and life stories. What a wonderful place to study!
    Read 242 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 649 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. Walter Payton College Prep

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 9-12
    • 312
    2 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Junior: Walter Payton College Prep is an amazing Liberal Arts school from which students leave ready to tackle the challenges of today. Here, you can play the trombone in front of hundreds of students. Here, you can swing swords and climb mountains. Here, you can do challenging math way above your pay grade. Here, you will learn about the history of our country from a multitude of perspectives, and read substantive essays from magnificent authors. The teachers at Walter Payton College Prep never cease to pique your curiosity. Faculty, in its entirety, has a great spectrum of wisdom and is a pillar of support for everyone who seeks their aid. And the students, from the 1st day freshman wondering the halls to the senior taking his last glance of the school, have a burning passion to learn and play 'till the bell strikes 3:30P.M.everyday. We can't wait to meet with you, share with you, and learn from you here at Walter Payton College Prep!
    Read 312 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 887 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. Northside College Preparatory High School

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 9-12
    • 510
    3 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Alum: Northside College Prep has one of the most rigorous academic curricula in the nation; as it constantly places amongst the top 25 high schools. The social structure within the school's student body and staff is very liberal/left-winged, where almost everyone is accepting of each other.

    Despite this, there is an extreme stigma on the grades acquired by students' peers, where if you don't have anything higher than an A- in a class, you're made an outcast; this creates an atmosphere which at times can be very hostile and rejecting of others. This example of grade-based stigmatization is further seen amongst the administration of the school, no one will help you unless you have at least a 3.8 GPA, this has led to students fending for themselves academically as well as psychologically.

    The school's teachers, however, are phenomenal and 9/10 of them deserve the highest regards in terms of providing my peers and I with the support we needed at tough times and for making learning fun!
    Read 510 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,056 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. Sponsored

    Roanoke Catholic School

    • Private School
    • Roanoke, VA
    • PK, K-12
    • 52

    Senior: Roanoke Catholic is a school that teaches students belong the classroom and prepares them for either college. In the past years, 100 percent of Catholic seniors have attended college and this year the seniors have received over 2.5 million in scholarships. I started Roanoke Catholic two years ago and it was a big change coming from public school. In public schools you could slide by without doing your homework, but at Roanoke Catholic all work is required and graded as a test grade. Roanoke Catholic does not let you fall through the cracks. I also must say the food is outstanding!!
    One thing I really did not like were the uniforms. In public school you basically wore what you want, but not in private school. My first year the gentlemen had to wear a shirt and tie during the winter and in the summer a polo shirt with the school’s logo and khaki pants or shorts. This year they changed the dress code to where gentlemen could wear the polo shirt and khaki pants all year around.
    Read 52 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 483 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Adlai E. Stevenson High School

    • Public School
    • Lincolnshire, IL
    • 9-12
    • 1,032
    4 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Senior: The school itself is able to provide its students with a wide range of opportunities. They also have the financial capabilities to have a wide range of clubs, classes, and passionate faculty to encourage students to pursue any career path. However, the atmosphere is uber competitive and can be very stressful at times. My biggest piece of advice to fully enjoy the school is focus on doing what you like, because you're bound to find your niche (no pun intended!) at this school!
    Read 1,032 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,932 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. Whitney M. Young Magnet High School

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 7-12
    • 955
    5 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Senior: My experience at Whitney Young has been irreplaceable. I've learned so much about the world we live in just by attending. However, the social and political spheres reap the consequences of the diversity we celebrate. The school's administration actively ignores problems that are resultant, e.g., mental health, racism, bullying. This leads (the targeted) students to either normalize and not know how to respond to hate or to fight it and be silenced. In other aspects, though, Whitney Young promotes individuality, free expression and creativity. Our visual and performing arts programs are both very impressive albeit underfunded. Most of our sports rank first in city competitions annually. There are numerous teams and clubs. There are tutoring centers for every subject. Whitney Young has something for everyone. I only wish the school valued its students more than its image.
    Read 955 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
    • 468
    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 468 Reviews

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

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 9-12
    • 577
    7 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Senior: I think the counseling department at Jones does an amazing job at finding enrichment opportunities for students. Through their emails, I found out about the ACE Mentor Program, which greatly influenced the major I want to pursue and helped me get an apprenticeship over the summer. I feel fortunate to have a fountain of resources at school, because I know that not all students have those opportunities.
    Jones has incredible students because it has amazing teachers. One particular English teacher was always a harsh grader, but because of her I learned to communicate better through my writing, which helped me excel in other courses. The AP classes at Jones are also great because there are so many to choose from, and my teachers were always available if I had trouble in class.
    Read 577 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,667 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Vernon Hills High School

    • Community High School District No. 128, IL
    • 9-12
    • 287
    8 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 287 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,287 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. Hinsdale Central High School

    • Hinsdale Township High School District No. 86, IL
    • 9-12
    • 301
    9 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 301 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,802 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. Libertyville High School

    • Community High School District No. 128, IL
    • 9-12
    • 392
    10 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 392 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,987 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. Lane Tech College Prep High School

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 7-12
    • 2,690
    11 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Senior: I cried when I got into Lane Tech because I knew about its reputation and it would look great on my college applications and resumes. There are numerous Advanced Placement classes and some offer double periods and dual credit (many Illinois schools do not offer). I have taken cool electives such as AP Psychology, astronomy, neuroscience, zoology, Studio Drawing and Painting, and more. I've met awesome teachers and lifelong friends. There is absolutely no way you can't make friends because there are so many students AND clubs/sports to join; you'll fit in just fine. The school stays relatively clean despite 4,000+ students and staff. A few things I would love to see change are the options for the vending machine, new toilet seats and mirrors for the girl restrooms, and for Lane to bring back Early Dismissal Wednesdays! Despite all that and after 4 long (although it feels short) years, I can proudly say I am graduating from Albert G. Lane Technical College Prep. Go Lane, Go!
    Read 2,690 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 4,049 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. Glenbrook South High School

    • Glenbrook High Schools District 225, IL
    • 9-12
    • 438
    12 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Alum: I loved my time at Glenbrook South High School. This school is dedicated to making everyone feel welcome and helping them find their place. From the first day of freshman orientation, you are told over and over again that joining clubs and other school-wide activities is the thing to do! The academics are fantastic and prepare any student for the next step after high school. The spirit and pride of being a Titan is an exciting part as well! The home games and sprit weeks are some of the most fun I had in high school. GBS's support of the arts is something to admire as well. From advertising musicals and talent shows to school-wide previews for both of these events. In my opinion, there is no better high school in the Northshore.
    Read 438 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,910 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. Neuqua Valley High School

    • Indian Prairie Community Unit School District No. 204, IL
    • 9-12
    • 928
    13 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 928 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,764 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  20. Naperville Central High School

    • Naperville Community Unit School District No. 203, IL
    • 9-12
    • 476
    14 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 476 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,874 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  21. University of Illinois High School

    • Public School
    • Urbana, IL
    • 8-12
    • 151
    15 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 151 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 324 Students
    • 24:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. Glenbrook North High School

    • Glenbrook High Schools District 225, IL
    • 9-12
    • 380
    16 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Senior: This school excels both in academics and activities for many students. Every student feels included and respectful to each other, making it feel easier to "fit in," even though it's not seen as completely diverse. The school is a safe place to express yourself and there are numerous amounts of clubs for you to join in. I, for example, joined the medical club due to my interest in the medical field. In its academic side, the schools offers great setting with high challenges for students while maintaining a low threat. Classes have teachers that really love their job, while others not so much. Thankfully, the great amount of electives offers a lot of choices for students to pick. GBN does a good job in preparing us for college. One thing I could change in GBN though is to push students a bit harder since many need a larger understanding of the world shaping around us.
    Read 380 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,997 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. University High School

    • Public School
    • Normal, IL
    • 9-12
    • 172
    17 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 172 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 610 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. Naperville North High School

    • Naperville Community Unit School District No. 203, IL
    • 9-12
    • 421
    18 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 421 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,769 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. Metea Valley High School

    • Indian Prairie Community Unit School District No. 204, IL
    • 9-12
    • 531
    19 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 531 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,841 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. Barrington High School

    • Barrington Community Unit School District No. 220, IL
    • 9-12
    • 399
    20 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Junior: BHS is a very good school academic-wise! Although, it seems to be a school in which it funds certain clubs/activities over others. It also isn't quite diverse, which influences certain individuals to have a negative attitude towards those who aren't the white majority, which is very discouraging to witness. Other than this, the academics prepare students very well for college!
    Read 399 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,007 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. John Hersey High School

    • Township High School District No. 214, IL
    • 9-12
    • 277
    21 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Alum: John Hersey High prepared me academically for my future college. The academic advise, aid, and load of homework has enabled me to becoming a better student at my local community college. Likewise, the extracurricular activities truly gave me a chance to have a taste of what a future career can entail. I truly loved being a husky, and am very grateful for my experience!
    Read 277 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,901 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  30. William Fremd High School

    • Township High School District No. 211, IL
    • 9-12
    • 523
    22 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 523 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,707 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  32. Prospect High School

    • Township High School District No. 214, IL
    • 9-12
    • 399
    23 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Senior: I have been lucky to have a great experience with PHS. It is a very positive atmosphere with a lot of kind students and faculty. We also have a therapy dog named Ringo that you can come and pet whenever you want/need which is amazing.
    The teachers are very helpful and want to see you succeed. They are able to recognize when you are putting in effort, even if it does not show up on your grades. I have not yet had one bad teacher, and a lot of my past teachers have actually given me a lot of amazing life advice. I will definitely keep in touch with some of them after I graduate!
    Read 399 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,176 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  33. Lyons Township High School

    • Public School
    • La Grange, IL
    • 9-12
    • 588
    24 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Senior: I know high school can be a nightmare for some people, but all in all I had a pretty good experience at Lyons Township. I think my satisfaction comes from the fact that each class has over a thousand students in it. With so many kids, it creates so many opportunities. There actually is something for everyone here. From amazing academics to athletics. As a theatre kid; however, I do wish they'd give us a little more attention, it does seem like we get pushed to the side for the sake of the athletics department more often than not. My high school places a large focus on athletics, and while that's fine I do wish they tried to make the non-athletic students feel a little more included. My high school is amazing though when it comes to dealing with students one on one. Personally, I've struggled with depression for years, and our counselors got me the help I needed immediately. All in all, I'll always remember Lyons Township fondly. Go LT!
    Read 588 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,985 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  34. Waubonsie Valley High School

    • Indian Prairie Community Unit School District No. 204, IL
    • 9-12
    • 476
    25 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Alum: The school is diverse and boasts great academics and extracurriculars. I was able to get involved in all the things that interested me the most such as swimming, orchestra, and architecture/engineering classes. Waubonsie especially has a great Technology and Engineering department and staff that helped me prepare for college and get way ahead of the curve. I will always attribute my current success in college and internships to my high school drafting teaching. Thanks Mr. Skorup!
    Read 476 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,577 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  35. Sponsored

    Kirov Academy of Ballet

    • Private School
    • Washington, DC
    • 7-12
    • 4

    Works Here: I have been working at the Kirov Academy since 2017, and have found the staff & students friendly. The students are very talented, even performing for a week at the Kennedy Center in conjunction with a major company! The teaching staff, both academic and artistic are professional, run an excellent program that prepares the students well for both companies and university placement.
    Read 4 Reviews

    • NG
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 43 Students
    • 2:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  36. Sponsored

    Timothy Christian Schools

    • Private School
    • Elmhurst, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 96

    Senior: Real authentic Christian education that values community. I have been going to Timothy Christian for the past five years. It is such a wonderful community of people. I genuinely feel excited to go to school every day! There are so many opportunities to participate in sports, academic extra curricular, even e-sports! (And we take home lots of trophies in everything we do). My favorite thing about Timothy Christian is how much the teachers invest into their students-time, energy, and love. We have weekly chapels which prove that this is a true Christian environment that practices what they preach.
    Read 96 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,093 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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