2023 Best Public Schools in Lake Forest

• Adlai E. Stevenson High School District No. 125, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.26 out of 5  1,235 reviews

Freshman: My experience at SHS was pretty good this year as a freshman! Having this be my first year, I was pretty scared and a bit hesitant to continue the next 4 years at this huge school. But Stevenson is a super welcoming place, with amazing teachers, staff and students. They have this thing called freshman orientation, which is the day before school starts. A bunch of our juniors and seniors come in to guide us through the school, and answer questions we have. These same Fmp leaders are the main people for advisory, which is another program assisted to help freshmen meet new people. Advisory takes place during half our lunch, and in my opinion was pretty fun, we played games, did activities and I met a lot of close friends in it. I didn’t mind advisory, but I know a lot of other people didn’t like the fact that it was a whole year, so maybe a suggestion would be making it only for the 1st semester so we can have full lunch 2nd semester. But overall I thank shs for such a great first year!... Read 1,235 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 4,315

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Lake Forest, IL•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.15 out of 5  172 reviews

Alum: This school is a very high-top type of school. The outside environment is beautiful! The teachers here are very well educated and want the best for your education and future. This school is very diverse and offers very diverse programs to learn about different cultures and perspectives. The classes are very well taught and this school also provides fun activities. It isn't just booked, this school gives you the whole experience. To dances, clubs, sports teams, and other fun things and events. During my years at LFHS, I was able to gain the skills to become a great student and feel well educated. If I would have kids, I would 100% make sure they attend this high school.... Read 172 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,501

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Township High School District No. 113, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  313 reviews

Senior: One of my greatest high school experiences was being a member of the varsity basketball team. From the start, I was impressed by the level of talent and dedication of my teammates. We all shared a passion for basketball and a desire to succeed, and we worked hard to improve our skills and prepare for games. Our coaches were also a vital part of our team, pushing us to be our best and encouraging us never to give up. As the season progressed, we faced a variety of challenges, from tough opponents to injuries and setbacks. But through it all, we remained united and supported each other. Whether we were winning or losing, we always gave our all and tried our hardest. Overall, being a varsity basketball team member was a truly rewarding and memorable experience. It allowed me to make lasting friendships, push myself to be my best, and represent my school with pride. I will always look back on winning Conference but will never forget my time on the team with great fondness and gratitude.... Read 313 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,555

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Township High School District No. 113, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  276 reviews

Senior: Highland Park High School is inclusive for all students and the value of learning and academics HPHS holds is incomparable. Recently, the lunch room and library were updated to provide an inclusive environment for all grade levels, races, and genders. Additionally, HPHS has added several conveniently located all-gender bathrooms and locker rooms that have improved the comfort of students. HPHS shows their care for students' health and well-being by offering nutritious (and delicious) school lunches and snacks, as well as new and affordable EKG screenings for students to take part in during their physical education classes. I have received the best support and learning experience from my teachers at HPHS. If I need extra help in class, with post-secondary planning, or with outside troubles, I receive it from my teachers and counselors. As a senior at HPHS, I can confidently say that HPHS strives to give students an unforgettable education and experience that I will forever cherish.... Read 276 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,831

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Community High School District 128, IL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  504 reviews

Junior: I love Libertyville High School! There are so many different classes and clubs available so that you can focus on your interests, and there are multitudinous resources available before, during, and after school. The teachers are always offering help to all their students and are willing to meet with them if they have questions. There's a lot of school spirit and fun events-they even rent out huge areas in Chicago (ex/the botanical gardens, Navy Pier, etc) for their prom!... Read 504 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,809

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Bannockburn, IL•

• Public School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  3 reviews

Parent: Outstanding! Met and exceeded the needs of my kids. From academics to sports and clubs it’s Like attending a private school. Unobtrusive but outstanding security procedures. Friendly staff all around. A true gem!... Read 3 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 155

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Lincolnshire-Prairieview School District No. 103, IL•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  8 reviews

Middle School Student: I like the diversity and the culture at the school. There are many opportunities and privileges that not many other schools have. The teachers are very kind and supportive; generally they are very open and free.... Read 8 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 703

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Lincolnshire-Prairieview School District No. 103, IL•

• 3-5

• grade A+

• Students 600

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Lake Bluff Elementary School District No. 65, IL•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Freshman: Best middle school experience! Teachers and staff were amazing! I’ll never forget my memories there :)... Read 1 review

• grade A

• Students 251

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Lake Forest, IL•

• Public School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  5 reviews

Parent: My 3 children received a phenomenal education at Rondout! It's a K-8 School with an amazing staff and community. The student to teacher ratio allows for truly differentiated and individualized instruction for all students. The school has a strong community and family feel. Each child is treated as an individual and has his or her own learning plan. My children are doing great things at Libertyville High School because they received such a strong foundation at Rondout. The small classes really help the kids socially and the typical pressures of middle school are absent at Rondout . I can't recommend it enough!... Read 5 reviews

• grade A

• Students 149

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Lake Forest School District No. 67, IL•

• PK, K-4

• grade A

• Students 308

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Lake Forest School District No. 67, IL•

• 7-8

• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  4 reviews

Parent: DPM West has provided my children with an outstanding education and has effectively prepared them to succeed in high school. The District continues to provide incredible programming, curriculum, and facilities. The new Makerspace, Haskins Center (library), classroom lighting, furniture, and entry vestibules show their commitment to student safety, STEM learning, and keeping students engaged throughout the day. The project-based curriculum also helps prepare my children for high school and beyond by teaching them how to work in groups, collaborate, ask insightful questions, and learn how to figure out solutions vs. just answers. DPM West isn't very diverse, but the school goes to great lengths to expose the students to diverse perspectives and ideas. One of the District's key objectives is to hire and retain great teachers and they definitely do that! Overall, DPM West is an outstanding school that has helped all of my children succeed at the next level (and beyond)!... Read 4 reviews

• grade A

• Students 411

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Lake Forest School District No. 67, IL•

• K-4

• grade A

• Students 305

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Lake Forest School District No. 67, IL•

• 5-6

• grade A

• Students 391

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Lake Bluff Elementary School District No. 65, IL•

• PK, K-6

• grade A

• Students 617

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Lake Forest School District No. 67, IL•

• PK, K-4

• grade A

• Students 228

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Grayslake, IL•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 3.2 out of 5  5 reviews

Alum: Great infrastructure such that if you get a good teacher, they are given the freedom to give an expansive, personal, innovative, and enjoyable education.... Read 5 reviews

• grade A

• Students 432

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• North Shore School District No. 112, IL•

• K-5

• grade A minus

• Students 331

• Student-teacher ratio —

• North Shore School District No. 112, IL•

• K-5

• grade B+

• Students 440

• Student-teacher ratio —

• North Shore School District No. 112, IL•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  9 reviews

Parent: Nice school with good staff members. They have a good community at this school with numerous activities. Only negative is the front office. The secretary Janelli wasn't very helpful or friendly. She didn't greet me or smile, and had an overall poor attitude. I believe the staff in the office set the example for the school (as they are the first face that visitors see), and I didn't feel very welcome by her. Besides that, I think this school is a great junior high with wonderful growth opportunities.... Read 9 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 516

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Waukegan, IL•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

• grade C+

• Students 434

• Student-teacher ratio —

• North Chicago School District No. 187, IL•

• K-8

• grade C minus

• Students 242

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Lincolnshire-Prairieview School District No. 103, IL•

• PK, K-2

• •
  Rating 1 out of 5  1 review

• grade B+

• Students 495

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Hawthorn Community Consolidated School District No. 73, IL•

• K

• grade unavailable

• Students 249

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Des Plaines, IL•

• Preschool

• grade unavailable

• Students 198

• Student-teacher ratio —