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2020 Best Public High Schools in IllinoisAbout this List

The 2020 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
    • 277 reviews
    #1 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Senior: I think that, overall, the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy is a great school. The teachers I have had are super nice and always supportive, and are willing to help outside of the classroom. The curriculum is challenging and there are many fun student-run events! I love the opportunities that are offered here and I think that the school has really helped me grow as a person with all the hard work we have to do and also the mandatory activities outside of the classroom.
    Read 277 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
    • 343 reviews
    #2 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Parent: WPCP being a CPS Selective Enrollment School, your teen must live in Chicago.
    We weren't sure we'd like the system of several classes one day, the rest the next; but they really get to dig in to a subject this way. Once every 2 weeks is "seminar day" - interesting things for the half-day, from pet shelter volunteering to judo, a local nature preserve to films.
    Top-notch sci teachers, esp "Ms. Fig". 1 Lit teacher w/chip on her shoulder. Ms. Hudson is fab, for college prep/gen support; we love the comfort dog.
    Sports: many choices, NO AstroTurf.
    Theatre can't be beat, 2 productions/yr.
    Tutoring run by members of the NHS.
    8am's tough for teens, if later could = more sleep!
    Read 343 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
    • 537 reviews
    #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 537 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,069 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. Adlai E. Stevenson High School

    • Public School
    • Lincolnshire, IL
    • 9-12
    • 1,131 reviews
    #4 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Alum: Extracurriculars, academics, music, sports, hobbies, this school has it all. It truly is a wonderful campus with awe-inspiring students from all walks of life. It provides the myriad resources necessary for a student to thrive and find their interests, and the sheer size of the school provides avenue for growth and exploration. There are numerous school-wide events that encourage philanthropy, school spirit, and that do not exist at other schools. This school has excelled in multiple state and national championships in sports, academic clubs, and fine arts awards. It has an Olympic-sized swimming pool, two giant gyms + numerous sports fields, cavernous fine arts theater(s), glass atriums and hallways, coffee bars + 4 student cafeterias, and 6 parking lots. Might be overwhelming, but every student can find their place.
    Read 1,131 Reviews

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

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 7-12
    • 1,026 reviews
    #5 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Senior: I like WY for its pride in racial diversity among the students and teachers. I love the school and the entire design of it, the classrooms not being too hard to find considering how large the school itself is. Even with three buildings it is pretty simple to get around. I love that most of the students are so nice and respectful and really take initiative in their learning, it’s such a healthy environment. My only complaint is the huge chunk of teachers who do not teach at this high school and then give hard tests that everyone fails. I’ve run into at least one of these teachers every year I’ve been attending Whitney, but maybe that’s just me. Anyways, good high school overall that I definitely do not regret attending!
    Read 1,026 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,153 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. Hinsdale Central High School

    • Hinsdale Township High School District No. 86, IL
    • 9-12
    • 329 reviews
    #6 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 329 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,767 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  9. Jones College Prep High School

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

    Sophomore: I loved the Jones community! Jones offered a 'Freshman Connection' program at the beginning of my freshman year, and it set me off to a great start with making friends and learning more about the school. I was very prepared and amazed by how hospitable the school was to me as well as all of its students. All classes at Jones are Honors (excluding AP), so I was worried I wouldn't do well at first. But the teachers and resources at my school helped me get high grades and skills on time management and studying. Many of the clubs offered at jones were suited to my tastes and were very welcoming! They had so many options to join, and I was glad a great majority of my schoolmates shared the same interests as me. Applying for this school is set in stone to be one of my proudest moments, because my high school experience so far has been one of a kind.
    Read 621 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,815 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Glenbrook South High School

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

    Senior: My past 4 years at Glenbrook South have been incredible. The vast curriculum options allow for high course rigor, which helped put me on the right track for college. The teachers and staff care about every student's success and will help however they can. Glenbrook South is in a very safe area and has effective security systems. The school spirit is very strong, making it feel more like a community. Overall, I am very grateful for this school and the path it put me on!
    Read 472 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,972 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. University of Illinois High School

    • Public School
    • Urbana, IL
    • 8-12
    • 159 reviews
    #9 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Sophomore: I absolutely love my school. I love the campus and I especially love the black community here. It gives me a home here, especially being that most of the people that attend this school are white or international student. One thing that I would change is the awareness of inappropriate actions. For example, a few months ago, there was an incidence where a noose was found in the elevator of one of our dorms. This was completely inappropriate given the history of noose. Not too long ago, there was an incidence where a bunch of white students drove around campus with confederate flags calling black students the n-word. Incidences like these make me feel worried about students who are uneducated about how certain words or actions can impact their peers.
    Read 159 Reviews

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

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

    Senior: Glenbrook North High School is a great school! It not only had challenging academics, but it also encourages students to be involved in one of the many clubs, athletics, or music programs. GBN truly prepares students for life beyond high school.
    Read 402 Reviews

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

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

    Senior: My experience at Vernon Hills High School has been wonderful! I have grown to enjoy my academic studies, have had the ability to join clubs and athletics, and had the chance to grow amazing connections with teachers that I am able to call my role models. The hands-on environment from the community grants superb opportunities that most schools do not support. I also love that I was able to know most of my classmates due to the number of people who also attend Vernon Hills High School. It allows me to create more friendships and connections with unforgettable people. My time at VHHS has been great, and I learned important life lessons from all aspects of high school!
    Read 309 Reviews

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

    • Community High School District No. 128, IL
    • 9-12
    • 422 reviews
    #12 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Senior: My experience at Libertyville High School has been a very open and exciting one. I came into Libertyville as a new kid my freshman and was very nervous about it. However, my counselor and teachers really made it easy for me to get comfortable with the school! the other students definitely helped me learn the school and get used to it as well. I’ve made a lot of friends and I got involved in numerous clubs and orgs. I overall think it has been a great experience at Libertyville High School!
    Read 422 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,937 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. New Trier Township High School

    • New Trier Township High School District No. 203, IL
    • 9-12
    • 503 reviews
    #13 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Senior: New Trier is among the highest performing high schools of the country, however that comes with its downsides. While the teachers and students are incredibly gifted and driven, there is absolutely a significant amount of stress that follows. The pressure at New Trier to succeed at the same level of one's classmates is ever present. Although there is danger in the comparison among students, the staff is wonderfully equipped to tend to each students individual needs. It also tends to be an inclusive environment for students of all abilities, which is unique for most high schools!
    Read 503 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 4,057 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. Neuqua Valley High School

    • Indian Prairie Community Unit School District No. 204, IL
    • 9-12
    • 1,008 reviews
    #14 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Senior: Great academics and music program! The teachers hold high expectations for students in order to prepare them for college. However, that doesn't mean that a student will fall behind if he/she isn't the best student. Neuqua has an excellent mindset when it comes to student growth and improvement. There are also many activities for students to participate in.
    Read 1,008 Reviews

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

    • Township High School District No. 113, IL
    • 9-12
    • 289 reviews
    #15 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Alum: Alum here. As an adult have realized what a superior education Deerfield provides. I also appreciate the variety of extra curricular options. I was not a sports person and never felt pressured to be, the arts are very highly regarded here. The school is very safe, Deerfield is generally a safe city. The school does a lot to involve parents as well, and to encourage students to connect with one another. The teachers all are either working on or already have their masters, so the quality of education is top notch.
    Read 289 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,633 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  18. William Fremd High School

    • Township High School District No. 211, IL
    • 9-12
    • 561 reviews
    #16 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Senior: Fremd has a very supportive class environment. The academic and athletic departments are very competitive but every one is very encouraging and supportive. I have loved getting to know all my teachers and I have many teachers that make the class fun and challenging! The only thing I would change about Fremd is adding AC to the gym because it can get very hot in the summer! Other than that I love everything about Fremd.
    Read 561 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,687 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. Lane Tech College Prep High School

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 7-12
    • 2,937 reviews
    #17 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Senior: Lane Tech has been a wild experience, to say less. It is a school with diversity that amasses teens from all over Chicago. Ethnic clubs hold a level of responsibility in continuing the flow of appreciation for diversity within the school. The culture and pride of being a Lane student are engraved within the Lane anthem itself. The rich history of Lane provides this historical significance in having been a Lane Tech student — a privilege. The teachers are amazing! They are there not just in fulfilling their roles as teachers, but they are resources for the creation of our future leaders!
    Read 2,937 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 4,194 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. Lake Forest High School

    • Lake Forest School District No. 67, IL
    • 9-12
    • 154 reviews
    #18 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Senior: I used to attend a small school before attending Lake Forest High School, and I am glad I switched schools. Lake Forest offers wide variety of classes, clubs, and activities for its students to participate in. In addition, the school offers multiple Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment classes that allow students to learn at higher levels while also become more prepared for college classes. After four years of attending Lake Forest High School, I was able to learn a lot, participate in a variety of clubs, and become more prepared for the future. I highly recommend Lake Forest High School to future high schoolers.
    Read 154 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,677 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. Glenbard West High School

    • Glenbard Township High School District No. 87, IL
    • 9-12
    • 308 reviews
    #19 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Freshman: Over the years, Glenbard has continued to grow in answer to the ever-increasing pressure of enrollment. The first addition was made in 1926, the auditorium in 1931, and the Hilltop gym in 1936. The East wing was added to the building in 1953. Biester Gym was built in1958. In 1959 Glenbard East was built in Lombard, and the original school became Glenbard West. In 1964-65, there was a complete renovation of Glenbard West, including the addition of new choral, band, and physical science facilities. In the years that followed, our George Zahrobsky Botanical Garden, our Shakespeare Garden and our Poet’s Corner were added to further enhance the beauty of our campus. The most recent additions, a new library and fieldhouse, were completed in the fall of 2001. The school study body is exceptional, with outstanding comradery. GBW is one of the top 25 high schools in Illinois and is a great place to continue my education!
    Read 308 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,321 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  24. Highland Park High School

    • Township High School District No. 113, IL
    • 9-12
    • 243 reviews
    #20 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Alum: Highland Park High School was a warm, accepting community with passionate teachers dedicated to the advancement of their students' educations. The coursework was rigorous and challenging but teachers' doors were always open for help and students cared about their studies and worked to collaborate. I have no doubt that the education I received there made my transition to college academics that much easier. In spite of the fact that affluent kids from the North Shore of Chicago can occasionally be cliquey, privileged and a little uppity, I had a great high school experience in Highland Park.
    Read 243 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,040 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  25. Prospect High School

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

    Senior: I have had the benefit of not only a great experience at PHS but a feeling of incredible support from our community. I have benefited from great support from coaches and teachers as well. PHS offers an abundance of resources both on and off the field. Student support from the upperclassmen for the incoming freshman is critical. PHS has a team of senior level students that are available to support incoming students, addressing questions or concerns, peer to peer. The teachers are authentic and present. I was struggling a big in Honors French my sophomore year and the French teacher took my aside, offering additional help which resulted in better grade and for me personally, fed my love of languages instead of getting frustrating and leaving my pursuit of hire learning.
    As a senior, I look back and valued my time at PHS. I am lucky as I have three younger siblings that will be walking the halls, so coming back to visit will be a must!
    Read 462 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,152 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. John Hersey High School

    • Township High School District No. 214, IL
    • 9-12
    • 307 reviews
    #22 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Senior: JHHS is a great school for academics. The teachers are always willing to help students anytime. Teachers are available every period of the day for every subject. By contract, the teachers are required to stay after school till 3:30 in order to help any students that come in for help. The teachers focus on college and standardized testing which helps students succeed. During college application season, teachers come in at 7 AM every Tuesday and Thursday for Essaypallooza, a way for students to get their college essays graded and reviewed. The school can improve in areas like student diversity and infrastructure. The school lacks in safety precautions even though many students describe the school as a prison because the brown walls with white tile flooring are not aesthetically pleasing. The school also suffers from a lack of diversity. Everyone thinks the same and has had the same experiences. Overall, the school is great academically but it could improve in a few areas.
    Read 307 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,896 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. Naperville Central High School

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

    Senior: I absolutely love going to Naperville Central High School! The staff and students are all so helpful and caring, which makes it such a great atmosphere to be around. The school has provided me with so many opportunities for my future. There are so many clubs, sports and activities you can get involved in. One day I hope my kids will have the opportunity to go here.
    Read 521 Reviews

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

    • Barrington Community Unit School District No. 220, IL
    • 9-12
    • 427 reviews
    #24 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Senior: There are many opportunities at the high school. This includes clubs, sports, and after-school activities. Our school is a lot more modern than most and some classes and lounge areas have extremely comfortable seating. This seating makes the learning environment very beneficial. Barrington High School is also a lot more technologically advanced than other schools. We rely on technology in the classroom everyday and it does help completing most assignments. The only problem with that is the administration didn’t really think what technology would benefit the students the most. Because of this there are many issues with our technology causing our tech librarians to be overwhelmed with complaints.
    Read 427 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,004 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. Evanston Township High School

    • Public School
    • Evanston, IL
    • 9-12
    • 621 reviews
    #25 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Freshman: I like Evanston township high school because they give you so many options in case you need help on homework, tests, upcoming quizzes, making there no reason ever to fail a grade. If you ever have a hard time on studying or work this is a great school for you, but that doesn’t mean you’ll get all A’s all through out if your not trying. You have to put work at this school. You can still get detention or a bad grade but it normally on the you not the school. The school does have cuts on some sport which can get annoying since there’s more than 5,000 students , other than that the band is really good here if you enjoy doing that. A big school but schedule simple to follow. Seniors have it the best at this school. Football games are the best! I have a great LOUD funny set of friends, there’s some rude people but ignoring or moving away from them is easy.
    Read 621 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,288 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  30. Sponsored

    Saint Clement School

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

    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

    • 438 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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    Southwest Chicago Christian School

    • Private School
    • Oak Lawn, IL
    • PK, K-8
    • 1 review

    Senior: I went here for middle school and the experience I had was pleasant and I learned a lot through it. The teachers were excellent and always willing to help their students learn. Although, I do wish there were more clubs to be a part of at the time, I did enjoy the overall experience.
    Read 1 Review

    • 226 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  36. Sponsored

    Southwest Chicago Christian School

    • Private School
    • Tinley Park, IL
    • K-8
    • 11 reviews

    Parent: Awesome! The experience that my family has had with Southwest Chicago Christian Schools has been amazing from the first phone conversation with admissions. Such a warm welcome. I wanted to make sure my children had a strong foundation and SCCS does that on ever level. Not only are the teachers dedicated and passionate about teaching their students about Christ, they are determined to building long lasting relationships with the families. It amazes me every time how well the classrooms are conducted. I often joke and ask the teacher if she could come home with us because she does not have to raise her voice at all to get them to do what she says. My children have gained a greater appreciation for their teachers and love them so much. It is truly a blessing to find a school that puts the students first.
    Read 11 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 253 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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