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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 847
Best Schools
847 results

  1. Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

    • Public School
    • Aurora, IL
    • 10-12
    • 254
    #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 254 Reviews

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

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 9-12
    • 330
    #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 330 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 977 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. Northside College Preparatory High School

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 9-12
    • 518
    #3 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Senior: Northside College Prep is an amazing school! Teachers here are good and counselors really help you prepare for college since it is a college preparatory high school. There are a lot of extracurricular activities like dance clubs and sports to join. However, we do not have a football team, but if you don't mind, it's okay! Since our school is part of the selective enrollment process in Chicago and is usually top in ranking, things can be competitive sometimes in terms of academics. However, this competitiveness can be encouraging and motivating you to do better and keep up your grades!
    Read 518 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,069 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. Sponsored

    Saint Clement School

    • Private School
    • Chicago, IL
    • PK, K-8
    • 1

    Alum: I loved going here! The teachers were so supportive and taught me all I needed to know for high school, and more. Because of the way they prepared me for high school, I have gotten all A's at one of the best high schools in Chicago.
    Read 1 Review

    • NG
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 438 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Adlai E. Stevenson High School

    • Public School
    • Lincolnshire, IL
    • 9-12
    • 1,070
    #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 1,070 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 4,028 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. Whitney M. Young Magnet High School

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 7-12
    • 991
    #5 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Senior: Whitney Young is amazing at most aspects! You learn so much here academically and about the world in general. There are plenty of opportunities to join sports and clubs that build relationships which can last a lifetime. Most of all my teachers were amazing and care about their jobs, you do get those teachers that are lazier but they not common at all at least for me. Also, they are making improvements in the athletics facilities at our school like a new track, football field, baseball/softball field which was something that was needed. Overall Whitney is a great school with some lows but some amazing highs I would recommend to any other prospective students thinking of coming here.
    Read 991 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
    • 479
    #6 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Alum: New Trier is well known in the Chicagoland area for its stellar academics, famous alumni, amazing sports teams, and performing arts program. New Trier does an amazing job of preparing students for college, although there is a price to pay. New Trier has a high stress atmosphere that encourages cut throat competition between peers and can sometimes see students as nothing more than an ID number. In addition, New Trier has an elitist attitude due to the upperclass, wealthy populations that attend. For students who live below the average income of the surrounding area, transitioning to New Trier may be difficult and prove a difficult place to gain friends and respect. For wealthy students, it is the perfect place to prepare for Ivy league educations and opportunities.
    Read 479 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 4,057 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Jones College Prep High School

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 9-12
    • 598
    #7 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Senior: I am a senior at Jones College Prep, and it has been a joy to be here all 4 years of high school. Jones offers a rigorous academic environment, but also allows for students to get involved in lots of activities and interact with wonderful teachers. Situated in the south loop in downtown Chicago, there are plenty of ways to get to school with public transportation, and tons of great restaurants and activities for students to enjoy! I would reccommend it to anyone looking for a great high school experience!
    Read 598 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,815 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Vernon Hills High School

    • Community High School District No. 128, IL
    • 9-12
    • 299
    #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 299 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,335 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. Hinsdale Central High School

    • Hinsdale Township High School District No. 86, IL
    • 9-12
    • 313
    #9 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Senior: Hinsdale Central is an amazing and very diverse school. Central does a wonderful job accommodating to the needs and likes of all the students. There are over four hundred clubs and activities that are opened to all and it is very easy to start your own club. I did! The only thing that I would change is the stigma that students at Hinsdale Central have to excel in their studies and sports. Many students have a lot of stress to get into the top-tier universities and not let their parents down by not getting all A's. If I could go back and change one thing, I would make sure that all the students knew that they shouldn't worry as much about grades and schools, instead to have fun and relax because high school only happens once in your lifetime.
    Read 313 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,767 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. Libertyville High School

    • Community High School District No. 128, IL
    • 9-12
    • 407
    #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 407 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,937 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. Lane Tech College Prep High School

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 7-12
    • 2,864
    #11 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Senior: Everyones high school experience varies depending on what you make of it. Lane Tech is one of the biggest high schools in Chicago therefore they have a lot to offer. I joined a dance club, Guatemalan Club, and that has truly shaped me into a different person and changed my course in life. This club made me want to pursue dance, not necessarily as a profession but as a lifetime hobby. There are many more clubs just like the one I'm in. They all advocate for diversity. Lane Tech as a whole is very diverse. All of the teachers are helpful with helping their students learn the coursework and making sure they aren't behind; they really go the extra mile. I took so many courses I was interested in like photography and graphic design at the college level. Lane is understanding that every individual student is different and offers something for everyone. Whether it be a sport, a movie night, various music classes, etc. I truly loved my experience at Lane Tech. Go! Lane! Go!
    Read 2,864 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 4,194 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. Glenbrook South High School

    • Glenbrook High Schools District 225, IL
    • 9-12
    • 453
    #12 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Alum: I really enjoyed my experience at Glenbrook South High School. I had a lot of teachers who were very supportive. If I needed help with anything, they were always willing to help me and provide resources if they didn't know the answers themselves. There were so many different types of activities that you could join and if there isn't something that you see, you can create it yourself! During my Senior year, I did a Senior Project which helped me start to figure out what career path I would like to pursue. It was a very nice way to get hands on experience to see what it is really like. Everyone there is so supportive. I felt safe for the most part at school. They are working on how to make everyone feel safe and welcomed. One way they are doing that is implementing gender neutral bathrooms which I think is a great step. I had such an amazing experience at Glenbrook South and the community and people make it so great.
    Read 453 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,972 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  18. From K to College: Planning for School Expenses 

  19. Neuqua Valley High School

    • Indian Prairie Community Unit School District No. 204, IL
    • 9-12
    • 963
    #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 963 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,698 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  20. Naperville Central High School

    • Naperville Community Unit School District No. 203, IL
    • 8-12
    • 497
    #14 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Senior: There are so many ways to be involved at Naperville Central. There is a large variety of sports, clubs, and activities! Naperville Central's students have outrageous school spirit supporting so many sports games. The teachers at Naperville Central are always there to help you succeed.
    Read 497 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,851 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  21. Glenbrook North High School

    • Glenbrook High Schools District 225, IL
    • 9-12
    • 395
    #16 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Senior: My fellow students and I had a positive experience at Glenbrook North, which can be attributed to the outstanding teachers and resources available to us. Each year, I was fortunate to learn under intelligent, caring teachers who often devoted their time to help struggling students. The support I received from a few key teachers improved my high school experience.

    Despite these positives, I hit a few bumps during high school. As a hard-of-hearing student, I have a 504 plan and specific accommodations (the use of an Assistive Listening Device, closed captioning, etc). Despite the overall wonderful staff, I met harsh resistance against my accommodations from certain staff members. These obstacles made my high school experience rougher than it would have been otherwise. When I leave GBN this upcoming Spring, I sincerely hope the effort I have put into creating a school-wide awareness of the Deaf community will allow future disabled students to have an easier experience.
    Read 395 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,010 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. University High School

    • Public School
    • Normal, IL
    • 9-12
    • 177
    #17 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Alum: University High school is a great environment for all people. There are multiple clubs in activities that have a fit for just about everyone. For people who cannot find their nitch at large high schools, U-HIgh allows students to create their own RSO that allows staff and students to get together and discuss areas of interest. This high school allows students to mature academically and socially that better prepares to step foot into larger colleges. Allowing students to pick classes and schedules that best fits them as well as the freedom to leave to school on free periods where students can have lunch off campus, go study in a better environment, or even get a work out in before the next class period. Apart from the great athletics, this school provides excellent academics with many professors that have achieved higher educations such as Masters or Doctorates degrees.
    Read 177 Reviews

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

    • Naperville Community Unit School District No. 203, IL
    • 9-12
    • 438
    #18 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Senior: I love NNHS! These four years are great. NNHS has tons of club and during the senior year, we are able to create our own club. Since I played the piano since I was four, and picked up violin at age of 14, I joined school musical and orchestra. Teachers and students are fantastic! They are all nice, friendly, and hard working. As a senior who participated in the musical for three years, I am proud to say that our music culture has been part of NNHS culture!
    Read 438 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,742 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. Metea Valley High School

    • Indian Prairie Community Unit School District No. 204, IL
    • 9-12
    • 549
    #19 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Senior: Metea Valley offers so many opportunities for so many students no matter what. With endless clubs and activities to choose from, there’s no doubt you can get involved in this school. One thing I really appreciate is the willingness of support from all teachers, if you’re struggling in any subject if you just ask a teacher they will be sure to help!
    Read 549 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,852 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. Barrington High School

    • Barrington Community Unit School District No. 220, IL
    • 9-12
    • 405
    #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 405 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,004 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. John Hersey High School

    • Township High School District No. 214, IL
    • 9-12
    • 285
    #21 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Senior: I love being at Hersey because it provide an excellent of education and can’t miss so much of opportunities. It helps me prepare for college and my life in future. It contain both Deaf and Hard of Hearing program, unique classes, amazing teachers and staff! I just can’t imagine if I was not at there.
    Read 285 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,896 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  29. William Fremd High School

    • Township High School District No. 211, IL
    • 9-12
    • 539
    #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 539 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,687 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  30. Prospect High School

    • Township High School District No. 214, IL
    • 9-12
    • 424
    #23 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Senior: I loved Prospect High School! Throughout my past four years as a student there, I was given countless opportunities to thrive and succeed. The academics are rigorous and challenging, but manageable and enriching with the help of the beyond-qualified teachers. Prospect gave me a safe, supportive place to grow personally and intellectually. I feel fully prepared to move on to college, thanks to the incredible resources and knowledge I have been given.
    Read 424 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,152 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  31. Review Your School 

  32. Lyons Township High School

    • Public School
    • La Grange, IL
    • 9-12
    • 609
    #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 609 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,981 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  33. Waubonsie Valley High School

    • Indian Prairie Community Unit School District No. 204, IL
    • 9-12
    • 498
    #25 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Alum: Overall I had a great experience at Waubonsie. I was so prepared for college and I truly believe it was because of the wonderful teachers and support I received during my time at Waubonsie. If I could back and tell myself something, it would be to get more involved as soon as possible and be open to any and all opportunities that come my way because high school only happens once so you should make it a great experience. Great school though and even better teachers, get ready for a great high school experience!
    Read 498 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,572 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  34. James B. Conant High School

    • Township High School District No. 211, IL
    • 9-12
    • 453
    #26 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Alum: I especially liked the friendships I developed with my teachers. Even though I have already graduated, I keep in touch with many of my high school teachers. Conant has a very supportive and friendly learning environment. Each time I go back to visit, I think about how amazing my high school experience was!
    Read 453 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,313 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  35. Sponsored

    Roycemore School

    • Private School
    • Evanston, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 69

    Parent: Best parenting decision ever for our seven-year old. Here is why:

    The faculty: The teachers are incredible and genuinely care for each single child. Great teacher to student ratio (1/14) and excellent leadership.

    The diversity: 48% students are non-Caucasian. The school models a sense of social responsibility by taking part into community-oriented projects.

    Differentiation: The pedagogical approach is all about differentiation. In the lower school, the kids break up into need-based groups across two grades (first and second, third and fourth) for reading and math, with support from a gifted coordinator. Academics are very strong.

    Ethics: The lower school participates in a great program that emphasize “seven habits” including collaboration, respect for others, self-motivation, organization, etc. The teachers design imaginative activities prompting the kids to apply those habits in real life.

    The space: The facilities are bright, clean, and colorful.

    WE LOVE ROYCEMORE!
    Read 69 Reviews

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

    Dedham Country Day School

    • Private School
    • Dedham, MA
    • PK, K-8
    • 6

    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 6 Reviews

    • NG
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 266 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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