Write a Review
K-12 Schools in Illinois
2

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
886 results

  1. Walter Payton College Prep

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 9-12
    • 305
    1 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Freshman: I love the relaxed yet intense learning experience at Payton. Sports and clubs at Payton were all very welcoming to me as a freshman. There are so many ways to get involved and meet new people after school at Payton with sport events, clubs, dances, international night, performances, and more. With the Pal system at Payton where chosen juniors and seniors are Pals to groups of freshmen made it very easy to to get fully immersed in the Payton culture and traditions and get any answers to academic, social, or emotional questions I had as a freshman. Payton has wonderful teachers that not only teach but learn from their students to make their class a better experience for everyone. One way to better Payton would be to have an environment that dosen't put so much pressure on academic excellence and getting certain scores or grades because it often leaves students stressed and overworked. Glad I picked Payton!
    Read 305 Reviews

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

  2. Northside College Preparatory High School

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 9-12
    • 500
    2 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 500 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,056 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  3. Adlai E. Stevenson High School

    • Public School
    • Lincolnshire, IL
    • 9-12
    • 1,008
    3 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Senior: Adlai E. Stevenson High School is unlike any other. What sets it apart is the sheer amount of opportunities and the great academics. Academia is the core of this school. The students want to learn and better themselves as intellectuals, and the teachers do everything in their power to allow the students to achieve this goal. Teachers are very flexible, but have a sturdy curriculum intended to push students to the next level. Also, the clubs at Stevenson make it possible to become involved in any part of the community that a student wants to be part of. Because there are over 100 clubs offered at this school, every student can find their own role within the school. It's so great to be a part of such an accepting yet academically demanding institution!
    Read 1,008 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,932 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  5. Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

    • Public School
    • Aurora, IL
    • 10-12
    • 228
    4 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 228 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 649 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  6. Whitney M. Young Magnet High School

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 7-12
    • 928
    5 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Freshman: It's decent! The teachers can be hit or miss, but overall I think that they tend to be good, and that they also tend to care a lot about their jobs and work.
    Our sports teams are great, but they tend to be seen as more important than similarly high-preforming preforming & visual arts groups, which is a drag.
    -People at this school care a lot about success
    -Safe in general, but non existent security
    -Administration cares a lot, but are quick to defend themselves when they need to apologize for certain things.
    Read 928 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,153 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  7. New Trier Township High School

    • New Trier Township High School District No. 203, IL
    • 9-12
    • 459
    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 459 Reviews

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

    Saint Bede Academy

    • Private School
    • Peru, IL
    • 9-12
    • 52

    Parent: Can't say enough about the academics and the preparation for college. So many organizations, clubs to join! There is something for everyone! What a great opportunity for students to study with those from another country. The international boarding program provides a safe environment for students on campus as well as great curriculum and how wonderful to have this interaction with the student population. The spirit of St. Bede touches everyone, everyday!
    Read 52 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 297 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  9. Hinsdale Central High School

    • Hinsdale Township High School District No. 86, IL
    • 9-12
    • 297
    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 297 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,802 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  10. Glenbrook South High School

    • Glenbrook High Schools District 225, IL
    • 9-12
    • 428
    8 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 428 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,910 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  11. Jones College Prep High School

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 9-12
    • 560
    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 560 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,667 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  13. Lane Tech College Prep High School

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 7-12
    • 2,660
    10 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 2,660 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 4,049 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  14. Libertyville High School

    • Community High School District No. 128, IL
    • 9-12
    • 390
    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 390 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,987 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  15. Glenbrook North High School

    • Glenbrook High Schools District 225, IL
    • 9-12
    • 371
    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 371 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,997 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
  16. Sponsored

    GEMS World Academy Chicago

    • Private School
    • Chicago, IL
    • PK, K-10
    • 4

    Parent: (Part 1/2)

    WOW!

    What else can be said about this amazing community?

    Let's start with the administration. This team of professionals is second to none. Led by Andrew Sherman at the time of the writing, we received much more than expected. At every stage of our child's time here from admission forward, we were met with courteous, friendly, and professional individuals. Paired with the teaching staff, this group of family-oriented professionals know how to make a family feel welcomed.

    Speaking of the teachers, they all deserve awards! Though we only have one child in the lower school, we often interact with the children in other grades. Be it at a school function, philanthropic event, or social gathering outside of the school, we're constantly impressed by the heightened degree of intellect that these children display. This is a great example of how a child can progress when given the right environment to thrive, the teachers at GEMS World Academy Chicago create this environment...
    Read 4 Reviews

    • NG
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 440 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  17. Vernon Hills High School

    • Community High School District No. 128, IL
    • 9-12
    • 280
    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 280 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,287 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  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
    • 324 Students
    • 24:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  19. Naperville Central High School

    • Naperville Community Unit School District No. 203, IL
    • 9-12
    • 465
    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 465 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,874 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  20. Prospect High School

    • Township High School District No. 214, IL
    • 9-12
    • 390
    16 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 390 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,176 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  21. Neuqua Valley High School

    • Indian Prairie Community Unit School District No. 204, IL
    • 9-12
    • 912
    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 912 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,764 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  24. Barrington High School

    • Barrington Community Unit School District No. 220, IL
    • 9-12
    • 393
    18 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 393 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,007 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  25. Naperville North High School

    • Naperville Community Unit School District No. 203, IL
    • 9-12
    • 411
    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 411 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,769 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  26. John Hersey High School

    • Township High School District No. 214, IL
    • 9-12
    • 270
    20 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 270 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,901 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  27. University High School

    • Public School
    • Normal, IL
    • 9-12
    • 170
    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 170 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 610 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  28. Metea Valley High School

    • Indian Prairie Community Unit School District No. 204, IL
    • 9-12
    • 519
    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 519 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,841 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
  29. Review Your School

  30. William Fremd High School

    • Township High School District No. 211, IL
    • 9-12
    • 516
    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 516 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,707 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  31. Niles North High School

    • Niles Township Community High School District No. 219, IL
    • 9-12
    • 411
    24 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Alum: Niles North High School is a place you get to see various ethnicities which allows students to get full exposure to the real world. Majority of the professors and willing to work individually with students to help them succeed. There are so many different activities during, before, or after school. Students have a wide range of options to choose from. Overall Niles North is a good school!
    Read 411 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,130 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  32. Oak Park & River Forest High School

    • Public School
    • Oak Park, IL
    • 9-12
    • 586
    25 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Senior: I really loved my high school experience. I have been awarded so many opportunities. I have the opportunity to take a broad range of electives and languages and to participate in a broad range of clubs and sports. The teachers have higher education degrees and the school has excellent academics. Because my school is in such a diverse community (located just outside of Chicago), I am able to meet all sorts of people with interests similar to mine! Because my school is in such a diverse community, everyone's needs and interests are taken into consideration. Discussions regarding race are encouraged and intolerance is quickly dealt with. The people are kind, and because the school is so diverse, there are little-to-no cases of bullying. As mentioned before, I really enjoyed my high school experience and would recommend it to others.
    Read 586 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,243 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
  • 1 of 36
2018 Best Public High Schools in Illinois
2