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2019 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
5,020 results

  1. Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

    • Public School
    • Aurora, IL
    • 10-12
    • 237
    1 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 237 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 649 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. Walter Payton College Prep

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 9-12
    • 310
    2 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 310 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 887 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. Northside College Preparatory High School

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 9-12
    • 505
    3 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 505 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,056 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Adlai E. Stevenson High School

    • Public School
    • Lincolnshire, IL
    • 9-12
    • 1,020
    4 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 1,020 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,932 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. University of Chicago Laboratory Schools

    • Private School
    • Chicago, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 106
    1 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 106 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,051 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  7. Whitney M. Young Magnet High School

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 7-12
    • 942
    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 942 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,153 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  8. Sponsored

    Sacred Heart Schools Chicago - The Academy and Hardey Prep

    • Private School
    • Chicago, IL
    • K-8
    • 11

    Parent: Sacred Heart is an amazingly welcoming school that focuses not just on academics (which are excellent) but also on values. Students attend the school knowing they are valued and treated with respect, in challenging but nurturing classrooms.
    Read 11 Reviews

    • NG
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 704 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  9. Lake Forest Academy

    • Private School
    • Lake Forest, IL
    • 9-12
    • 39
    2 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 39 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 435 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. New Trier Township High School

    • New Trier Township High School District No. 203, IL
    • 9-12
    • 463
    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 463 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 4,057 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Jones College Prep High School

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 9-12
    • 567
    7 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 567 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,667 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  13. Vernon Hills High School

    • Community High School District No. 128, IL
    • 9-12
    • 283
    8 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 283 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,287 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. North Shore Country Day School

    • Private School
    • Winnetka, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 49
    3 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 49 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 535 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. Latin School of Chicago

    • Private School
    • Chicago, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 94
    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 94 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,155 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. Sponsored

    Timothy Christian Schools

    • Private School
    • Elmhurst, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 95

    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 95 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,093 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  17. Hinsdale Central High School

    • Hinsdale Township High School District No. 86, IL
    • 9-12
    • 299
    9 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 299 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,802 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  18. Libertyville High School

    • Community High School District No. 128, IL
    • 9-12
    • 390
    10 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
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. Lane Tech College Prep High School

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 7-12
    • 2,674
    11 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 2,674 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 4,049 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  20. Glenbrook South High School

    • Glenbrook High Schools District 225, IL
    • 9-12
    • 431
    12 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 431 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,910 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  21. 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
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  24. Neuqua Valley High School

    • Indian Prairie Community Unit School District No. 204, IL
    • 9-12
    • 920
    13 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 920 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,764 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  25. Naperville Central High School

    • Naperville Community Unit School District No. 203, IL
    • 9-12
    • 473
    14 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 473 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,874 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. St. Ignatius College Preparatory School

    • Private School
    • Chicago, IL
    • 9-12
    • 298
    6 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
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. University of Illinois High School

    • Public School
    • Urbana, IL
    • 8-12
    • 146
    15 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 146 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 324 Students
    • 24:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. Glenbrook North High School

    • Glenbrook High Schools District 225, IL
    • 9-12
    • 377
    16 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 377 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,997 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. Review Your School

  30. University High School

    • Public School
    • Normal, IL
    • 9-12
    • 171
    17 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Senior: Universty High School was an amazing high school experience! U-High offers a wide variety of classes, activities, and clubs. For example, I am currently involved with Orchesis (a dance class and a extracurricular), Art Club, and Creative Writing Club. U-High is a great opportunity for college readiness because of the academic level of classes, the freedom of open campus, and much more. The U-High community also has showed me how important it is to help others around you. The staff is constantly taught how to act in many different scenarios that could occur in a school building (school shooter, heart attacks, etc.). Even though nothing dangerous has happened before, the U-High community is always ready. I absolutely love U-High and I would recommend it to all students.
    Read 171 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 610 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  31. Naperville North High School

    • Naperville Community Unit School District No. 203, IL
    • 9-12
    • 415
    18 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Senior: Being a student at Naperville North for the past four years has been overall a pleasant experience. I've made many friends, fit in pretty well into the curriculum and never found that the school required me to do something I was incapable of doing. Overall, most of the teachers are very good, observant and qualified, always ready to hear a student out and accommodate in case any issues come up. There are a couple nitpicks about certain staff members and administrative issues, but they do not detract from my general school experience. I'm proud to be a Husky!
    Read 415 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,769 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  32. Metea Valley High School

    • Indian Prairie Community Unit School District No. 204, IL
    • 9-12
    • 526
    19 Best Public High Schools in Illinois

    Alum: The majority of teachers at Metea Valley really do care about students. While I was a student at this high school, the teachers I've had were respectable and would cater to the varying learning preferences of students: visual, auditory, hands-on, etc. As of 2017, US News and World Report Best High Schools National Rankings lists Metea at 23rd in Illinois. During my time at this newly built school, I was consistently impressed with how well it is kept up by the janitors; the school is always clean and the environment is conducive to learning. Personally, I was heavily involved in the music department and I cannot thank my instructors enough for their skill and dedication to each student. The music department is even recognized on a national level. In 2016, the Grammy Foundation recognized Metea Valley's music department as one of the top three music programs in the country. In retrospect, I am very thankful to be a graduate of Metea Valley High School in Aurora, Illinois!
    Read 526 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,841 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  33. 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

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 440 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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