2020 Best Schools in McLean CountyAbout this List

University High School

• Public School
• Normal, IL
• 9-12
• 179 reviews

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 179 Reviews

• A+

• 611 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Thomas Metcalf School

• Public School
• Normal, IL
• PK, K-8

• A+

• 424 Students
• 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Normal Community High School

• McLean County Unified School District No. 5, IL
• 9-12
• 343 reviews

Senior: Normal Community High School is a great school to attend. When you first walk into the doors of this school as a freshman you immediately feel welcomed. The academic choices at NCHS as so very diverse it's absolutely astonishing. You can take classes like American Popular Music all the way to Silver Screen where you learn about film. Not only do you get outstanding classes to choose from, but you get teachers who care for you as an individual. They care about how you are doing in their classes grade wise, socially, and always make sure you are safe and feel welcomed. The students who attend this school are warmhearted and always make sure you are never eating alone at lunch. Not once have I seen a case where a student is rude or bashful towards another. Over all, Normal Community High School is an outstanding school to attend.
Read 343 Reviews

• A

• 2,123 Students
• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Central Catholic High School

• Private School
• Bloomington, IL
• 9-12
• 55 reviews

Senior: I had a great time attending this school! The teachers are very willing to help their students, and all of the staff are very kind. The student life seems to be quite cliquey, but that probably just depends on the class each year.
The sports play a huge factor in student life, while clubs and activities people still participate in, but not as many as sports.
My classes challenged and prepared me for my further education!
Read 55 Reviews

• A

• 320 Students
• 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Tri-Valley Middle School

• Tri-Valley Community Unit School District No. 3, IL
• 4-8

• A

• 394 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Tri-Valley Elementary School

• Tri-Valley Community Unit School District No. 3, IL
• PK, K-3

• A

• 333 Students
• 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Cornerstone Christian Academy of McLean County

• Private School
• Downs, IL
• PK, K-12
• 19 reviews

Alum: I attended Cornerstone from preschool to senior year. While like all other schools it has its ups and downs, I believe what makes it unique is the amount of hard work the teachers put in to help students thrive. The amount of time teachers are willing to put in to make sure students are understanding content and are doing well physically and mentally is something you don’t see from many other schools.
Read 19 Reviews

• A

• 427 Students
• 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Grove Elementary School

• McLean County Unified School District No. 5, IL
• K-5

• A-

• 620 Students
• 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Benjamin Elementary School

• McLean County Unified School District No. 5, IL
• K-5

• A-

• 568 Students
• 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Towanda Elementary School

• McLean County Unified School District No. 5, IL
• K-5

• A-

• 188 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Bloomington High School

• Bloomington School District No. 87, IL
• 9-12
• 142 reviews

Senior: It is a very academically challenging school, but the sciences could use a lot of work. The math departments are very thorough throughout the honors program, but the regular classes miss very important steps for comprehension. The topics and classes under social studies are extremely thorough and challenging, and the AP classes within fully prepare the student for the tests. The english department has many influential teachers, including very thorough AP test preparations. For extracurriculars, little to no attention from the school for participation outside of IHSA events, and if the team is not a winning team, the school does nothing to help (floor time on the gym floor, uniforms, etc). Teams such as football and basketball get lots of money for uniforms and priority for practice always, whereas dance team and cheerleading get pushed to the side. Speech team is incredibly good and talented, basketball team is very good and talented. Theater program is the best it has ever been.
Read 142 Reviews

• A-

• 1,374 Students
• 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Prairieland Elementary School

• McLean County Unified School District No. 5, IL
• K-5
• 1 review

Alum: Prairieland is amazing all around!!! They truly care about the kids. It is not just a job. They do anything in their power to get the children ready for the next chapter in their lives. The teachers spend any extra time needed. I would not want to leave my kids anywhere else all day! I have been super impressed!
Read 1 Review

• A-

• 509 Students
• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Northpoint Elementary School

• McLean County Unified School District No. 5, IL
• K-5

• A-

• 557 Students
• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Normal Community West High School

• McLean County Unified School District No. 5, IL
• 9-12
• 272 reviews

Parent: Great district! School is definitely geared toward college prep. Great in most if not all academic areas. Particularly strong are the sciences and math. Outstanding music and theatre, also!
Read 272 Reviews

• A-

• 1,620 Students
• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Washington Elementary School

• Bloomington School District No. 87, IL
• K-5

• A-

• 419 Students
• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Glenn Elementary School

• McLean County Unified School District No. 5, IL
• K-5

• A-

• 269 Students
• 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Tri-Valley High School

• Tri-Valley Community Unit School District No. 3, IL
• 9-12
• 38 reviews

Alum: Tri-Valley is a small, close community. However the school is old and needs updates. Fortunately there is a renovation happening now.
Read 38 Reviews

• A-

• 342 Students
• 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Carlock Elementary School

• McLean County Unified School District No. 5, IL
• K-5

• A-

• 101 Students
• 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Chiddix Junior High School

• McLean County Unified School District No. 5, IL
• 6-8
• 2 reviews

Middle School Student: Chiddix Jr. High is a very satisfactory school. As a student, I have to face the schools' teachers, activities, clubs, food, other students, and etc. The 70% of the students are good students. They, but they possess leadership qualities and do good in school. Though I have seen bullying at Chiddix before, but it was always controlled. Chiddix is nationally recognized for its academic achievements. With clubs like Math counts and Team quest, our students get involved and challenge themselves into a world of math, and engineering. But Chiddix is in a financial crisis right now, so as a member of Math Counts, I see how the lack of money affects the things we do in them and the"recourses' we have in them. I also have to face teachers. BUT 10% of the teachers are racist, have favorites, and just are mean/boring. Some don't even don't know how to teach! It's outrageous. But overall, If Chiddix actually tried, it could be a great school.
Read 2 Reviews

• A-

• 675 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Fairview Elementary School

• McLean County Unified School District No. 5, IL
• PK, K-5

• B+

• 271 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Lexington High School

• Lexington Community Unit School District No. 7, IL
• 9-12
• 4 reviews

Sophomore: WE ARE LEXINGTON! LHS has such a great atmosphere and great teachers. Such a variety of students and opportunities for every student based on likes.
Read 4 Reviews

• B+

• 137 Students
• 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Kingsley Junior High School

• McLean County Unified School District No. 5, IL
• 6-8

• B+

• 868 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Le Roy High School

• Leroy Community Unit School District No. 2, IL
• 9-12
• 53 reviews

Senior: I had a wonderful time at Le Roy High School. My father has been a teacher here for over 20 years and I feel very connected to the community. The community supports the school very well. Le Roy is focused and dedicated to preparing students for success in college and in life. Most of the teachers are dedicated to student success and are willing to go above and beyond for them. The culture of the school is very typical and most people are very friendly. We have a decidingly obvious lack of diversity as we have no African-American students and only a few Hispanic students in a school of 245.
Read 53 Reviews

• B+

• 231 Students
• 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Hudson Elementary School

• McLean County Unified School District No. 5, IL
• K-5

• B+

• 269 Students
• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Ridgeview High School

• Ridgeview Community Unit School District No. 19, IL
• 9-12
• 33 reviews

Parent: When we moved into the area, we moved into this school district due to the system. Even though I may not agree with every move made by the district, overall and compared to area districts I feel Ridgeview is a standout.
Read 33 Reviews

• B+

• 149 Students
• 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio