2023 Best Public Schools in Chicago

• Chicago Public Schools, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  421 reviews

Senior: I've been here for all four years and I love this school! Truly, the best part of the school is the teachers. Of course, you'll have a few that aren't your favorite, but I've found teachers I really admire. They are here because they love to teach. The student body as a whole is also really great, at least for my years here. We went through a lot of administration struggles, but what pulled us together was our support for our teachers and the shared values that we have as students. The course load is challenging but manageable, but I also felt really well prepared from my elementary school. All that being said, Payton has many normal issues like any high school (some student drama, mediocre/bad food, people that you like and don't like, etc).... Read 421 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,191

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Chicago Public Schools, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  607 reviews

Senior: Northside is very inclusive and lively. Students are involved in all parts of the school such as the production of a musical, the display of sculptural work, and even the spread of awareness for minority groups. At Northside, the individual is strengthened in personal and academic identity. It’s rigorous tasks and unique class schedules prepare students for college academia. As a fellow Northsider, I can say that there was a difficult adjustment to Northside’s expectations, however, I have found an amazing and supportive community alongside it. If you are considering Northside, I hope you are warmed by it’s strengths in education and community!... Read 607 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,041

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Chicago Public Schools, IL•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  1,163 reviews

Sophomore: Whitney Young is a great school with great academics and athletics. There are hundreds of clubs to choose from. The school prepares kids for academic success and college readiness. The teachers are caring and the administration makes sure there are rules set in place to help everyone in the school feel at home. The teachers, except maybe 1 or 2, have been the best and are always open to listen to you. The athletic teams always win championships each year and they are supplied with lots of equipment and everything they need. There are many resources helping students in many different ways, like the counseling department and much more. The students all feel well connected to the staff and the weekly newsletter, "The Weekly" answers the concerns or questions that a student may bring up. The school is very diverse, and everyone feels included. There are many safety protocols that everyone must follow to help everyone feel safe. Overall, my time at Whitney Young has been great!... Read 1,163 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,121

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Chicago Public Schools, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  745 reviews

Junior: Highly focused on academics, Jones is fosters an environment which prioritizes students’ individual success above many other factors like overall community or school spirit. Although for some this may be a considered a point of weakness, it allows for students to develop a true sense of self and an individualized social and academic profile which will best benefit them in their future endeavors. The Jones staff is notoriously supportive of students in all facets of their lives; constantly willing to help not only with class content but social-emotional issues, personal lives, college preparation, and many other factors. A primary complaint from students is the distant and impersonal nature of administration, who have been known to turn a blind eye to social issues within the student body. This however has been recently addressed by Chicago Public Schools and is on a track of rapid improvement.... Read 745 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,915

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Chicago Public Schools, IL•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  3,199 reviews

Senior: I have had such a memorable experience at Lane! I couldn't ask for more. The staff is wonderful, the teachers care about the students and the students are so friendly. I played football, baseball and run track at lane and I have had so much fun not only competing, but playing alongside my friends. The coaches care so much about their athletes and are always striving to help us be better people. I wouldn't change much about Lane, the community is amazing and I am exited for college, but I will miss my high school and its memories.... Read 3,199 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 4,369

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Niles Township Community High School District No. 219, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.02 out of 5  515 reviews

Senior: I love the community Niles West has! I have been involved in academics and extracurricular activities throughout my four years at Niles West. I am a National Honor Society member, a Literacy Center tutor, a Marching Band Woodwind Section Leader, a Korean Club President and choreographer, and a Chinese Club Co-Leader and choreographer. In previous years, I was an Asian Pop Culture Club member and choreographer as well as a Ping-Pong Club member. Because of clubs at West, I have learned how to work in groups and expand my social skills. This helped me to make numerous, lasting friends. I is proud to have attended Niles West High School; it helped expand my interests, such as engineering and band, and inspired me to become a well-rounded person who is better prepared for college.... Read 515 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,562

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Skokie, IL•

• Public School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 4.4 out of 5  10 reviews

Parent: The best school and I’m so happy we live here! We feel so welcomed and we have really nice teachers & community in general. All the haters don’t even live here. We have the best teachers & administration! Hard working men & women making a difference in our child’s lives.... Read 10 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 765

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Maine Township High School District No. 207, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  521 reviews

Senior: I am a senior at Maine South, and I like the school. The teachers are knowledgeable, and there are many courses of all levels to prepare students for their post-high school plans. In addition, our school is known for football, as we are currently ranked #12 in the state. There has been a lot of construction, starting at the end of my first year, but the school's renovation was very much needed. The school has implemented many study/gathering spaces, expanded the parking lots, and created a more modern feel for the school. The food options are pretty good, but it's primarily overpriced. Sometimes the teachers rush things in class, but I find that going in for office hours is super helpful, and I feel like every staff member is willing to help the students out. I like the school's overall culture and feel like everyone is included/involved in activities they enjoy. There are so many leadership opportunities for clubs, and it's easy to fit in with people with similar interests.... Read 521 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,415

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Chicago Public Schools, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  633 reviews

Senior: Arts are everywhere at Lincoln Park High School; We Lions take pride in our programming, whether it be in music, art, drama, writing, inventing, or creating, all who take interest are welcome. There is just about every sport at Lincoln Park - aside from the typical, we have golf, bowling, and pingpong, even! Plus there is always opportunity to start your own club at any point in the school year. As a student in the IB Program, I've had great experiences covering topics and completing in depth projects that cause me to think beyond retaining information, but more into interpreting and connecting that information. Finally, diversity is one of the biggest strong suits at Lincoln Park. It is so nice to walk into a building everyday where no one treats you differently because of the color of your skin and inclusion is a priority. All that being said, at Lincoln Park, you really get what you put into it. Courses are available for every level of rigor and if you try hard, you will succeed!... Read 633 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,149

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Chicago Public Schools, IL•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.12 out of 5  449 reviews

Junior: Lindblom Math and Science Academy is an outstanding school that has provided me with an exceptional education. From its dedicated and knowledgeable faculty to its state-of-the-art facilities, Lindblom Math and Science Academy is truly one of the best schools in the area. One of the strengths of the school is its focus on STEM education. The faculty is highly trained in math and science, and they work tirelessly. The curriculum is rigorous and challenging, and has prepared me for success in college and beyond. Another strength of Lindblom Math and Science Academy is its extracurricular programs. The school offers a wide range of activities, from robotics to debate to sports. With Debate I am on the team and this program is fun and engaging, and also provide important opportunities for socialization and personal growth.... Read 449 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,350

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Township High School District No. 214, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  459 reviews

Junior: My experiences at Elk Grove High School are greatly defined by the wonderful extracurricular programs and pleasant facilities. My personal experiences with the music and sports programs have certainly made an education here worthwhile. The extracurricular programs cultivate close knit friendships, and they also allow students like me to receive additional support from dedicated teachers. In addition, there is a multitude of enriching classes and electives to choose. The classes have focused and passionate teachers, and the curriculum guides towards a high level of education and knowledge. In terms of elective classes, each class has many resources that allow for success in each respective field. There are also many additional resources and opportunities for people of lower income backgrounds. In conclusion, this is a wonderful school with excellent extracurriculars and opportunities, and these communities of people have become a second home to me.... Read 459 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,005

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Niles, IL•

• Public School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 2.71 out of 5  7 reviews

Alum: Going to Culver was a great decision my parents made for me. Since it is a smaller public school, all the teachers were able to work one on one with every student and give them their undivided attention. The students at Culver got a great education that could challenge them and prepare them for high school. The teachers there enjoy their jobs and look forward to coming to work every day. I always felt safe in school and the faculty was always trying to find new ways to make food healthier and more tasty. We were all a little family, and I had many great years. I can't think about enjoying my 8 years at any other elementary school.... Read 7 reviews

• grade A

• Students 622

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Maine Township High School District No. 207, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  473 reviews

Senior: Maine West is a very diverse school that help me find my way in life. Lots of clubs to attend and make new friends. As well not to mention the spirit weeks were definitely the best time in high school! They have a lot of medical classes that really guided me to see if the medical path is right for me. Without Maine West, I would have never become a CNA! Through out covid years and everything my school was always there for us. Thank you Maine West for the best 4 years!... Read 473 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,026

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Harwood Heights, IL•

• Public School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 4.67 out of 5  3 reviews

Middle School Student: The academic system is slowly becoming worse, and the rest is ok. The tax money is going no where. The teachers are the only ones that hold this school together.... Read 3 reviews

• grade A

• Students 638

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Community Consolidated School District No. 62, IL•

• K-8

• grade A

• Students 473

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Chicago Public Schools, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  399 reviews

Senior: Westinghouse is a college prep school, so the courses are rigorous, but there is a lot of support from teachers and staff. A vast majority of cultures are integrated into Westinghouse, showing representation for all. There is a lot of focus on numerous clubs, primarily sports, language, culture, and even hobbies such as anime and origami!... Read 399 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,207

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Chicago Public Schools, IL•

• 11-12

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  226 reviews

Senior: What I like about DeVry University Advantage Academy is that it is a small school and establishing relationships is very easy. This school is very diverse as there are many races, ethnicities, and identities. There are no boundaries to someone's belief. Our school is very determined to get the best grades possible. Our school is united despite all the hardships and disagreements. My school is made of achievers. The students make it their chance to see the best them in their academic careers. My school is made up of students that are adaptable. It was a new school for all the students as it starts junior year. We have all gotten used to the rigorous courses and schedules. With this experience, our college years will run more smoothly compared to many other students.... Read 226 reviews

• grade A

• Students 158

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Chicago Public Schools, IL•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 3.39 out of 5  23 reviews

Parent: Great school. They give out free food, and it's very good at that. The teachers are very friendly and caring. A little too easy from K-3 but then it starts getting challenging. I like that because it gives them a few years to take it easy until it becomes challenging. I would give this a very good rating if I were you.... Read 23 reviews

• grade A

• Students 316

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Lincolnwood School District No. 74, IL•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  3 reviews

Parent: Lincoln Hall Middle School is not only a topnotch school; it is also a school with a real sense of community. The teachers are excellent at their crafts; the administration is always available and responsive to any issue that could be a threat to the academic and social-emotional environment of the kiddos. In summary, it is just a safe and fortunate place to have your child educated.... Read 3 reviews

• grade A

• Students 444

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Chicago Public Schools, IL•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  10 reviews

Parent: Great teachers very involved with students, my daughter improved in homework, confidence, and social skills for preK in Winslow classroom. I wish she could've been accepted into Kindergarten.... Read 10 reviews

• grade A

• Students 276

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Chicago Public Schools, IL•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 4.67 out of 5  3 reviews

Niche User: Hawthorne is the best school I love it. Nice Teachers great Resourcer Aids and more! This school is like the 5th best school. The lunch is awesome, and the park is awesome. if I were you, I would go to this school. And friends at Hawthorne are the best. - Aminata Kamara, A 4th grade student at Hawthorne Scholastic Academy... Read 3 reviews

• grade A

• Students 566

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Community Consolidated School District No. 62, IL•

• K-5

• grade A

• Students 292

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Chicago Public Schools, IL•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  14 reviews

Middle School Student: Skinner West is an incredible school, the teachers there are phenomenal and the learning environment is well fit to a student who wants to do his/her best to learn everything they can. The majority of the kids I know at SW are all literally 99th%ile in both reading and math. It is a great middle school for those who want to get into a selective enrollment HS.... Read 14 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,147

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Chicago Public Schools, IL•

• K-7

• •
  Rating 4.4 out of 5  5 reviews

Parent: The school IS aggressive in academics. But with the new principal on board, no homework for k-3rd grade all year. My kids love to go to school and have plenty of happy friends there. There is now so many afterschool programs every day...coding, engineering, cooking, drama, school choir, band, drawing, sports, novel studies, advanced math, running team... The school is so poor...no gym, (used to have no air conditioning!), no lunch room, no 7th and 8th grades...BUT it is amazing a group of teachers and staff can make it such a rich-nurturing learning environment. I bring my kids to any other schools, they go “wow!” but they love Decatur and ALL their teachers...never heard them complaining about the school. Almost all of their teachers are very dedicated and experienced. Staff are super friendly too. The assistant principal had a dance degree so now the school shows are at a new level. They even dedicated a music classroom. For a public school, it has to be an A+.... Read 5 reviews

• grade A

• Students 287

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Chicago Public Schools, IL•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  3 reviews

Alum: As a former student looking back on my experience at Lincoln, I find that teachers were extremely enthusiastic and caring about their students. There were many opportunities that were presented to the students, like history fair, exchange trips, and clubs. Lincoln did a great job preparing me and my peers for high school. The school had many opportunities for students to explore different subject matter through school-wide special days and performances, like assemblies that each grade would put on to display what they had learned throughout the year in a fun and creative way. There was serendipity day where students could choose to learn about subjects they normally wouldn't or just have fun and career day. The administration and staff were extremely helpful and kind.... Read 3 reviews

• grade A

• Students 942

• Student-teacher ratio —