Write a Review
K-12 Schools in Illinois

2018 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.

Best Schools
5,021 results

  1. Walter Payton College Prep

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 9-12
    • 304
    1 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Freshman: I love the relaxed yet intense learning experience at Payton. Sports and clubs at Payton were all very welcoming to me as a freshman. There are so many ways to get involved and meet new people after school at Payton with sport events, clubs, dances, international night, performances, and more. With the Pal system at Payton where chosen juniors and seniors are Pals to groups of freshmen made it very easy to to get fully immersed in the Payton culture and traditions and get any answers to academic, social, or emotional questions I had as a freshman. Payton has wonderful teachers that not only teach but learn from their students to make their class a better experience for everyone. One way to better Payton would be to have an environment that dosen't put so much pressure on academic excellence and getting certain scores or grades because it often leaves students stressed and overworked. Glad I picked Payton!
    Read 304 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 887 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  2. Northside College Preparatory High School

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 9-12
    • 500
    2 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Alum: Northside College Prep has one of the most rigorous academic curricula in the nation; as it constantly places amongst the top 25 high schools. The social structure within the school's student body and staff is very liberal/left-winged, where almost everyone is accepting of each other.

    Despite this, there is an extreme stigma on the grades acquired by students' peers, where if you don't have anything higher than an A- in a class, you're made an outcast; this creates an atmosphere which at times can be very hostile and rejecting of others. This example of grade-based stigmatization is further seen amongst the administration of the school, no one will help you unless you have at least a 3.8 GPA, this has led to students fending for themselves academically as well as psychologically.

    The school's teachers, however, are phenomenal and 9/10 of them deserve the highest regards in terms of providing my peers and I with the support we needed at tough times and for making learning fun!
    Read 500 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,056 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  3. Adlai E. Stevenson High School

    • Public School
    • Lincolnshire, IL
    • 9-12
    • 1,010
    3 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Senior: Adlai E. Stevenson High School is unlike any other. What sets it apart is the sheer amount of opportunities and the great academics. Academia is the core of this school. The students want to learn and better themselves as intellectuals, and the teachers do everything in their power to allow the students to achieve this goal. Teachers are very flexible, but have a sturdy curriculum intended to push students to the next level. Also, the clubs at Stevenson make it possible to become involved in any part of the community that a student wants to be part of. Because there are over 100 clubs offered at this school, every student can find their own role within the school. It's so great to be a part of such an accepting yet academically demanding institution!
    Read 1,010 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,932 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  5. Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

    • Public School
    • Aurora, IL
    • 10-12
    • 228
    4 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Senior: Wonderful experience! I loved going to IMSA for the past three years. Although the academics are very challenging, and many late nights will be spent studying, the teachers care about the students and want to see them grow and succeed. The opportunities here are endless, including a wonderful SIR (Student Inquiry Research) program which allows the students to spend their Wednesdays researching. The school has also had many new renovations, including new science labs, study areas, and much more. The school is also so diverse, and students are encouraged to share their opinions and life stories. What a wonderful place to study!
    Read 228 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 649 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  6. Whitney M. Young Magnet High School

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 7-12
    • 930
    5 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Freshman: It's decent! The teachers can be hit or miss, but overall I think that they tend to be good, and that they also tend to care a lot about their jobs and work.
    Our sports teams are great, but they tend to be seen as more important than similarly high-preforming preforming & visual arts groups, which is a drag.
    -People at this school care a lot about success
    -Safe in general, but non existent security
    -Administration cares a lot, but are quick to defend themselves when they need to apologize for certain things.
    Read 930 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,153 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  7. Lake Forest Academy

    • Private School
    • Lake Forest, IL
    • 9-12
    • 38
    1 Best Private High Schools in Illinois

    Parent: There is no place like LFA to prepare your son or daughter for college and life. The enviornment, physical facilities and honor code has proven itself with my two children (and all of their friends) who have received and achieved all that they wished for in the college application process. They are prepared for higher education and life - thanks to LFA. Visit this campus if you are serious about the benefits of preparatory school.
    Read 38 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 435 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
  8. Sponsored

    GEMS World Academy Chicago

    • Private School
    • Chicago, IL
    • PK, K-10
    • 4

    Parent: (Part 1/2)

    WOW!

    What else can be said about this amazing community?

    Let's start with the administration. This team of professionals is second to none. Led by Andrew Sherman at the time of the writing, we received much more than expected. At every stage of our child's time here from admission forward, we were met with courteous, friendly, and professional individuals. Paired with the teaching staff, this group of family-oriented professionals know how to make a family feel welcomed.

    Speaking of the teachers, they all deserve awards! Though we only have one child in the lower school, we often interact with the children in other grades. Be it at a school function, philanthropic event, or social gathering outside of the school, we're constantly impressed by the heightened degree of intellect that these children display. This is a great example of how a child can progress when given the right environment to thrive, the teachers at GEMS World Academy Chicago create this environment...
    Read 4 Reviews

    • NG
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 440 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  9. University of Chicago Laboratory Schools

    • Private School
    • Chicago, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 104
    2 Best Private High Schools in Illinois

    Parent: Plus:
    Extreme college prep (getting tired of other parents telling me how their child thinks MIT was easy after Lab), theme of asking "why" in addition to "what" in every pursuit, general consistency in teaching excellence, well-organized academic programs, culture of excellence among students, nifty vibe on UChicago campus, good facilities, no-cut athletic programs

    Minus:
    This school is very religious (religion of liberalism, social justice, and multiculturalism--which are all laudable, but they lay it on very thick), too many helicopter parents, too much homework, superficial diversity (does not represent the actual SouthSide--seems like most of the black/hispanic kids have rich or famous parents. In general, minimal socioeconomic diversity), virtually no school spirt in a traditional sense (sports, school sweatshirts, dances).
    Read 104 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,051 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  10. Latin School of Chicago

    • Private School
    • Chicago, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 93
    3 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 93 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,155 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  11. North Shore Country Day School

    • Private School
    • Winnetka, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 47
    4 Best Private High Schools in Illinois

    Parent: The school provides a rigorous, well-rounded education. Class sizes are small in the elementary school years so children receive a lot of individualized attention. The science and arts program are quite strong. The only areas of improvement are diversity (less diverse than private schools in Chicago due to location) and breadth of extracurriculars.
    Read 47 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 535 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  13. Francis W. Parker School

    • Private School
    • Chicago, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 45
    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 45 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 935 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  14. New Trier Township High School

    • New Trier Township High School District No. 203, IL
    • 9-12
    • 459
    6 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Senior: I am involved in the IGSS program, which is a newer program. Basically it is a school within a school. It encompasses English, Environmental Science, and History. The method of teaching is very organic. You are taught to think for yourself - there is no wrong answer! The teachers encourage creativity, thinking outside the box, and collaborative learning.
    Read 459 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 4,057 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  15. Hinsdale Central High School

    • Hinsdale Township High School District No. 86, IL
    • 9-12
    • 297
    7 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Sophomore: Hinsdale Central High School is a great school! While the academics are demanding, the teachers are amazing and are always willing to work before/after school with students who need help. While the school does have a "white preppy" vibe, it is a great mix of people who are interested in almost anything you can think of. Finding at least one person who has similar interests is not difficult and finding friends among this friendly group of people. The amount of honors and AP classes is amazing, along with the huge assortment of clubs. Overall, the school is a great place for every type of student!
    Read 297 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,802 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
  16. Sponsored

    Saint Bede Academy

    • Private School
    • Peru, IL
    • 9-12
    • 60

    Parent: Can't say enough about the academics and the preparation for college. So many organizations, clubs to join! There is something for everyone! What a great opportunity for students to study with those from another country. The international boarding program provides a safe environment for students on campus as well as great curriculum and how wonderful to have this interaction with the student population. The spirit of St. Bede touches everyone, everyday!
    Read 60 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 297 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  17. Glenbrook South High School

    • Glenbrook High Schools District 225, IL
    • 9-12
    • 428
    8 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Alum: I loved my time at Glenbrook South High School. This school is dedicated to making everyone feel welcome and helping them find their place. From the first day of freshman orientation, you are told over and over again that joining clubs and other school-wide activities is the thing to do! The academics are fantastic and prepare any student for the next step after high school. The spirit and pride of being a Titan is an exciting part as well! The home games and sprit weeks are some of the most fun I had in high school. GBS's support of the arts is something to admire as well. From advertising musicals and talent shows to school-wide previews for both of these events. In my opinion, there is no better high school in the Northshore.
    Read 428 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,910 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  18. Jones College Prep High School

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 9-12
    • 560
    9 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Alum: Jones College Prep is a very diverse college preparatory school. Students are selected from all over Chicago, and it is evident in the population. Teachers strive to help students succeed both inside the class and outside, and there is ample time provided for extra help. Because the school is college preparatory, the counselors really focus on early applications to colleges and for scholarships. The academics are very understandable and provide a good platform for upward mobility in terms of class selection. One downside is that the school consists of two unconnected building that are 6+ floors high, so a lot of climbing is required!
    Read 560 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,667 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  19. Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart

    • Private School
    • Lake Forest, IL
    • 9-12
    • 41
    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 41 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 145 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  20. Lane Tech College Prep High School

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 7-12
    • 2,660
    10 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Senior: I cried when I got into Lane Tech because I knew about its reputation and it would look great on my college applications and resumes. There are numerous Advanced Placement classes and some offer double periods and dual credit (many Illinois schools do not offer). I have taken cool electives such as AP Psychology, astronomy, neuroscience, zoology, Studio Drawing and Painting, and more. I've met awesome teachers and lifelong friends. There is absolutely no way you can't make friends because there are so many students AND clubs/sports to join; you'll fit in just fine. The school stays relatively clean despite 4,000+ students and staff. A few things I would love to see change are the options for the vending machine, new toilet seats and mirrors for the girl restrooms, and for Lane to bring back Early Dismissal Wednesdays! Despite all that and after 4 long (although it feels short) years, I can proudly say I am graduating from Albert G. Lane Technical College Prep. Go Lane, Go!
    Read 2,660 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 4,049 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  21. Rochelle Zell Jewish High School

    • Private School
    • Deerfield, IL
    • 9-12
    • 37
    7 Best Private High Schools in Illinois

    Alum: I graduated from RZJHS 4 years ago, and it truly was an incredible high-school experience that prepared me well for college as well as entering the professional world. The school has a rigorous dual-degree program with top-notch liberal arts courses, sciences, mathematics, as well as intense Judaics courses. The students who graduate from RZJHS go on to the best universities in the country (Yale, Princeton, Penn, Northwestern, UChicago) and excel there as well. The alumni community is extremely close-knit and the community is really a family from incoming middle-schoolers, to parents, staff, and alumni. If you have the opportunity to attend, I cannot recommend it enough!
    Read 37 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 160 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  24. Libertyville High School

    • Community High School District No. 128, IL
    • 9-12
    • 390
    11 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Sophomore: I absolutely loved my time at Libertyville High School. The teachers are well learned and very approachable. They're flexible with their timing and willing to accommodate with my schedule... and were extremely nice! The clubs are good all around and suitable for many different personalities from debate club for the hardworking, ambitious kind to ultimate frisbee club for the chill, athletic kids. Everyone looks out for one another and the students are encouraged to be friendly as to follow the WIldcat Way. Overall, my years at LHS were amazing. There will always be a part of me connected to the school. Once a wildcat always a wildcat.
    Read 390 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,987 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  25. Glenbrook North High School

    • Glenbrook High Schools District 225, IL
    • 9-12
    • 371
    12 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Senior: I could not possibly feel more blessed to have attended Glenbrook North for 3 (going on 4) years. Glenbrook North is immersed in an inclusive, loving, and thriving community. Within the walls of Glenbrook North lies at atmosphere that can not be found anywhere else. Each day I wake up excited, knowing that I will be spending my day with friends, teachers who care about me, and enthusiastic peers. Each year at GBN I have connected with new peers, whether my age, older, or younger, each student at GBN is special and unique. I build my relationships through class work, projects, electives, or even gym classes. GBN cares about their students' health. I take gym each semester for ninety minutes every other day, as well as fitness tests four times each semester. The faculty truly care about their students achieving their highest potential in their best health. I wish that every student could have a high school experience like the one provided by GBN, and I am tremendously blessed!
    Read 371 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,997 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  26. Vernon Hills High School

    • Community High School District No. 128, IL
    • 9-12
    • 280
    13 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Parent: We are a new family at Vernon Hills High School. I am greatly impressed by the excellent education my kids are receiving at Vernon Hills High School. I am extremely happy with what my son is learning in Math and Science. What my daughter learned in her Health class is amazingly helpful. Also, she has a wonderful Spanish teacher. Her math teacher not only teaches students about math but also how to conduct themselves properly in speech. She likes all her teachers at VHHS. People are friendly and helpful. Keep up your good work, Cougars!
    Read 280 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,287 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  27. University of Illinois High School

    • Public School
    • Urbana, IL
    • 8-12
    • 145
    14 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 145 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 324 Students
    • 24:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  28. Naperville Central High School

    • Naperville Community Unit School District No. 203, IL
    • 9-12
    • 465
    15 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Senior: Overall my whole high school experience with Central, things went by very quick. I made a lot of friends and met a lot of great people, including teachers. The academics were very challenging at times but being at central has gotten me very well prepared for the future. My college path and my future career path. You have many opportunities at central. One thing I would love to see change is the diversity. I’m a Black girl among 50 other black students or less. Out of the 3,000 students that go to the school are majority white. It wasn’t a bad thing but feeling left out was a major thing for many students of the Black american decent. Other than the changes. Parents are really involved and sports and other activities welcome everyone. The school as a whole has earned 5 stars in my book. GO RED HAWKS!
    Read 465 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,874 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
  29. Review Your School

  30. Prospect High School

    • Township High School District No. 214, IL
    • 9-12
    • 390
    16 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Senior: I have been lucky to have a great experience with PHS. It is a very positive atmosphere with a lot of kind students and faculty. We also have a therapy dog named Ringo that you can come and pet whenever you want/need which is amazing.
    The teachers are very helpful and want to see you succeed. They are able to recognize when you are putting in effort, even if it does not show up on your grades. I have not yet had one bad teacher, and a lot of my past teachers have actually given me a lot of amazing life advice. I will definitely keep in touch with some of them after I graduate!
    Read 390 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,176 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  31. St. Ignatius College Preparatory School

    • Private School
    • Chicago, IL
    • 9-12
    • 298
    8 Best Private High Schools in Illinois

    Parent: St. Ignatius is an amazing place - they take their mission of creating "men and women for others" very seriously. The teachers are top-notch and the academics are extremely challenging. The environment is supportive and collaborative. If you are considering Ignatius, visit. Meet the wonderful students and staff for yourself. Best private high school in the city!
    Read 298 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,404 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  32. Neuqua Valley High School

    • Indian Prairie Community Unit School District No. 204, IL
    • 9-12
    • 912
    17 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Freshman: I love Neuqua! As you may know, Neuqua has two buildings, the Main Building (Main) and the Birkett Freshman Center (BFC). The BFC is unique to Neuqua because of it's large and distinct population. The purpose of the BFC is to make a large school small. It is very good at accomplishing that goal. There is some classes at the Main building for freshman, and there is also some classes at the BFC for upperclassmen. There is a shuttle that links both buildings. I am in couple of after-school activities myself, I have Marching Band and Pep Band. They both help with time management because they take up a lot of time and you need to schedule your time to do it well. I am also in Muslim Student Association (MSA). If you are a Muslim, it doesn't matter if you are Shia or Sunni or you go to a different mosque or masjid or if you wear a hijab or not, still attend. I go to a different mosque than everyone else. I would say to join as many clubs as possible. But not too many!
    Read 912 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,764 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
  • 1 of 201
2018 Best Schools in Illinois