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2020 Best Schools in IllinoisAbout this List

Explore the best schools in your area based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

1 – 25 of 5,240
Best Schools
5,240 results

  1. Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

    • Public School
    • Aurora, IL
    • 10-12
    • 264 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 264 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
    • 340 reviews
    #2 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Junior: Walter Payton College Prep is an amazing Liberal Arts school from which students leave ready to tackle the challenges of today. Here, you can play the trombone in front of hundreds of students. Here, you can swing swords and climb mountains. Here, you can do challenging math way above your pay grade. Here, you will learn about the history of our country from a multitude of perspectives, and read substantive essays from magnificent authors. The teachers at Walter Payton College Prep never cease to pique your curiosity. Faculty, in its entirety, has a great spectrum of wisdom and is a pillar of support for everyone who seeks their aid. And the students, from the 1st day freshman wondering the halls to the senior taking his last glance of the school, have a burning passion to learn and play 'till the bell strikes 3:30P.M.everyday. We can't wait to meet with you, share with you, and learn from you here at Walter Payton College Prep!
    Read 340 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
    • 525 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 525 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,069 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. University of Chicago Laboratory Schools

    • Private School
    • Chicago, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 114 reviews
    #1 Best Private High Schools in Illinois

    Middle School Student: As a Middle School student the University of Chicago, the classes are very academically centered. The teachers are very knowledgeable of the subject they teach. However, the amount of homework received throughout the average week can be overwhelming, possibly making the Middle School experience stressful and overwhelming. The diversity in the school is quite exceptional. Unfortunately, if you do not have a sibling currently attending the school, or a parent who works at the University, you will find it a near impossible feat to be accepted into the school.
    Read 114 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,051 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Adlai E. Stevenson High School

    • Public School
    • Lincolnshire, IL
    • 9-12
    • 1,103 reviews
    #4 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Senior: Adlai E. Stevenson is a wonderful school that offers a very, very large campus. They prepare you well for college with a plethora of AP classes and excellent teachers. The faculty and your peers are always respectful and ensure a positive and safe environment. The food is good, the sports are good, the traditions are funky, and the experiences you have will be even better!
    Read 1,103 Reviews

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

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 7-12
    • 1,003 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 1,003 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,153 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  9. Lake Forest Academy

    • Private School
    • Lake Forest, IL
    • 9-12
    • 40 reviews
    #2 Best Private High Schools in Illinois

    Alum: My time at LFA has been the best 3 years of my life. I got to learn from very enthusiastic teachers both inside and outside the classroom as well as from my diverse and open friend group. I was encouraged to experience things I have never tried before and ended up loving them, such as stage crew (Yes, Koenig!) and entrepreneurship (Go Matt!). I am very glad to have called LFA home. It had shaped me into a better person, a more curious scholar, and it also allowed me to influence it, and make it a better place. I just hope the school spirit to be less of a stress culture, and instead be a dynamic and fun community.
    Read 40 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 430 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. North Shore Country Day School

    • Private School
    • Winnetka, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 52 reviews
    #3 Best Private High Schools in Illinois

    Senior: North Shore is a fantastic school that has outstanding academics and an excellent environment for learning because of it's bright colors and collaborative spaces that provides an open feel. North Shore is predominately white and is not diverse, but it is something that we continue to work every year. One thing this school excels in is college readiness. Throughout my years I have spoken with many alumni and every person I have talked to has always spoken about how prepared they are and were for college. North Shore forces you to do things outside of your comfort zone which I found to be extremely helpful because I would have never been in a play and I would not have played volleyball. The administration and faculty are willing to learn how to make North Shore a better place and so are the students. It is a school where you have the flexibility to do anything you set your mind to. If I had the chance to re-do high school over I would choose North Shore Country Day School every time.
    Read 52 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 540 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Hinsdale Central High School

    • Hinsdale Township High School District No. 86, IL
    • 9-12
    • 319 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 319 Reviews

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

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 9-12
    • 610 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 610 Reviews

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

    • Glenbrook High Schools District 225, IL
    • 9-12
    • 461 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 461 Reviews

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

    • Public School
    • Urbana, IL
    • 8-12
    • 155 reviews
    #9 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 155 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 324 Students
    • 24:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. Latin School of Chicago

    • Private School
    • Chicago, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 102 reviews
    #4 Best Private High Schools in Illinois

    Freshman: I have been here for a while and the school is very intriguing. Latin's academics are great, and have helped me in many ways to learn things that I have not been able to understand in previous schools. My only problem is that the social scene is a little bit cliquey and students (including myself occasionally) feel obligated to be sad about being left out. This includes parties of about twenty to thirty kids every weekend that is streamed on social media so others can see. Some students also participate in alcohol and e-cigarette behavior, although that is a minority, it usually is the kids at the parties. But otherwise, I love Latin and I am proud to be a Roman!
    Read 102 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,155 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. Glenbrook North High School

    • Glenbrook High Schools District 225, IL
    • 9-12
    • 399 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 399 Reviews

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

    • Community High School District No. 128, IL
    • 9-12
    • 306 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 306 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,335 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  18. Francis W. Parker School

    • Private School
    • Chicago, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 51 reviews
    #5 Best Private High Schools in Illinois

    Senior: I have had an awesome experience at Francis W Parker. Teachers at Parker are creative (and free to make their own curricula because of Parker's progressive philosophy) and teach students mind-blowing ideas, along with critical thinking skills.
    However, the unavoidable smallness of each class makes some students too comfortable with one another - everyone knows everything about everyone. Additionally, many reputations stick from middle school.
    Yet the education, especially in history and English classes, is great. Parker has, however, been trying to improve their STEM classes - they finally introduced higher-level math courses into middle school curricula, and now high schoolers must take computer programming/coding for at least one year.
    Recently, because the administration in the high school has been changing for around 5 years now, some students feel that they have less influence in school processes than they used to.
    Overall, though, definitely come to Parker!
    Read 51 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 935 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. Libertyville High School

    • Community High School District No. 128, IL
    • 9-12
    • 414 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 414 Reviews

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

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

    Junior: After attending this high school, I can attest to its outstanding array of academic choices students can chose from, and the comfortable environment the school creates to allow New Trier students to learn easily and effectively. Personally, I have always had pleasant experiences with my teachers, who always teach in the best interests of their students and maintain high standards and expectations. This has allowed myself and many others to garner an intense yet rewarding education that has more than sufficiently prepared New Trier students for the academic challenges they may face in college. If you seek a rigorous high school education, New Trier is perhaps best suited for you.
    Read 490 Reviews

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

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

    Junior: I enjoy being at Neuqua Valley Highschool, the teachers are very educated and have years of experience to teach every student well enough to comprehend all the information given. They also readily prepare you for college, and they always give different tips to be ready for our future. The school has a rich diversity of different students that allows everyone to experience a variety of cultures and religions. Every day involves laughter and smiles, and different activities from the classroom to the clubs. We have more than 50 different clubs at Neuqua, ranging from religous clubs to language clubs like French, Spanish, Sign Language Clubs. But like any school, my school has flaws that need to be worked upon. As it is a growing concern within the country, it is a growing problem within Neuqua. Usage of drugs and vapes.
    Read 980 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,698 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  24. Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart

    • Private School
    • Lake Forest, IL
    • 9-12
    • 50 reviews
    #6 Best Private High Schools in Illinois

    Parent: Woodlands is deeply committed to the young ladies and families it serves offering very strong academics, opportunities for both personal and spiritual development, and excellent college counseling! The staff are amazing, too. We loved the former principal, Mrs. Edmunds, and also equally love the current principal, Christine Schmidt (who is doing a fantastic job)! Everyone here -- including a knowledgeable registrar -- is doing an outstanding job educating these spirited, very smart, caring young women. My only complaint would be the choices made by the board of trustees. I hope people know that the trustees don't speak for all parents. I still disagree with their decision to let valuable staff go in order to save funds & I also think they would benefit from new, fresher perspectives/members. No place is ever perfect, of course, but this private all-girl's Catholic high school on the northshore comes pretty darn close! A++
    Read 50 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 131 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  25. Deerfield High School

    • Township High School District No. 113, IL
    • 9-12
    • 281 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 281 Reviews

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

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

    Senior: I really enjoyed my time at William Fremd High School. I was constantly challenged in my classes to improve myself and my abilities, and I was encouraged to get out of my comfort zone and gain new experiences during my time. Fremd has a lot of great resources for the students to take advantage of, and a great range of classes to take. Fremd does fall short with its faculty however, teachers are either very good and engaged with the class or very bad and disinterested in their classes. The Fremd administration is quite out of touch with the school culture, many students don’t enjoy the Fremd activities organized by the administration. This is all countered by all the clubs and sports available at Fremd. There’s a very wide range of activities available and I would highly encourage and incoming students to join one. Overall my experience at Fremd has been very pleasant, the classes and activities offered were a lot of fun.
    Read 549 Reviews

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

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 7-12
    • 2,901 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 2,901 Reviews

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

    • Public School
    • Lake Forest, IL
    • 9-12
    • 148 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 148 Reviews

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

    • Glenbard Township High School District No. 87, IL
    • 9-12
    • 302 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 302 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,321 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  30. Sponsored

    Chicago City Day School

    • Private School
    • Chicago, IL
    • PK, K-8
    • 8 reviews

    Parent: We have had nothing but the most positive experiences at CCDS thus far. It has exceeded my expectations, even in kindergarten. My child's schedule included science, art, drama, music, gym and foreign language four times a week on top of the reading and math they do in their homeroom. I would describe every teacher we have experienced at this point as attentive, kind, engaging and dedicated. We are very happy with the curriculum and the school atmosphere as a whole. I feel that my child is cared for not only on a scholastic level, but as an individual. It's like family here at City Day and that is something my child thrives on. I think every grade has taught developmentally appropriate material and I love that technology is used to supplement the teachers' curriculum, not used as a teacher itself. They get enough iPad at home! City Day is a place my child feels like they belong. As a parent, having a happy kid who is receiving a stellar education is all I can ask for.
    Read 8 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 294 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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    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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  36. Sponsored

    Timothy Christian Schools

    • Private School
    • Elmhurst, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 107 reviews

    Senior: Real authentic Christian education that values community. I have been going to Timothy Christian for the past five years. It is such a wonderful community of people. I genuinely feel excited to go to school every day! There are so many opportunities to participate in sports, academic extra curricular, even e-sports! (And we take home lots of trophies in everything we do). My favorite thing about Timothy Christian is how much the teachers invest into their students-time, energy, and love. We have weekly chapels which prove that this is a true Christian environment that practices what they preach.
    Read 107 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,093 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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