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2020 High Schools with the Best Teachers in the Chicago AreaAbout this List

Explore the public high schools with the best teachers serving your area. Ranking based on student and parent ratings of teachers, teacher salaries, teacher absenteeism, teacher tenure, student-teacher ratio, and the Niche Academics Grade for the school. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

1 – 25 of 369
Best Teachers
369 results

  1. Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

    • Public School
    • Aurora, IL
    • 10-12
    • 264 reviews
    #1 Best Public High School Teachers in Chicago Area

    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
    • A+
      Teachers
    • 647 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. New Trier Township High School

    • New Trier Township High School District No. 203, IL
    • 9-12
    • 491 reviews
    #2 Best Public High School Teachers in Chicago Area

    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 491 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Teachers
    • 4,057 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. Deerfield High School

    • Township High School District No. 113, IL
    • 9-12
    • 281 reviews
    #3 Best Public High School Teachers in Chicago Area

    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
    • A+
      Teachers
    • 1,633 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. Walter Payton College Prep

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 9-12
    • 340 reviews
    #4 Best Public High School Teachers in Chicago Area

    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
    • A+
      Teachers
    • 977 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Adlai E. Stevenson High School

    • Public School
    • Lincolnshire, IL
    • 9-12
    • 1,103 reviews
    #5 Best Public High School Teachers in Chicago Area

    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
    • A+
      Teachers
    • 4,028 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. Highland Park High School

    • Township High School District No. 113, IL
    • 9-12
    • 238 reviews
    #6 Best Public High School Teachers in Chicago Area

    Alum: Highland Park High School was a warm, accepting community with passionate teachers dedicated to the advancement of their students' educations. The coursework was rigorous and challenging but teachers' doors were always open for help and students cared about their studies and worked to collaborate. I have no doubt that the education I received there made my transition to college academics that much easier. In spite of the fact that affluent kids from the North Shore of Chicago can occasionally be cliquey, privileged and a little uppity, I had a great high school experience in Highland Park.
    Read 238 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Teachers
    • 2,040 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  9. Glenbrook South High School

    • Glenbrook High Schools District 225, IL
    • 9-12
    • 461 reviews
    #7 Best Public High School Teachers in Chicago Area

    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
    • A+
      Teachers
    • 2,972 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Libertyville High School

    • Community High School District No. 128, IL
    • 9-12
    • 414 reviews
    #8 Best Public High School Teachers in Chicago Area

    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
    • A+
      Teachers
    • 1,937 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Northside College Preparatory High School

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 9-12
    • 525 reviews
    #9 Best Public High School Teachers in Chicago Area

    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
    • A+
      Teachers
    • 1,069 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  12. Prospect High School

    • Township High School District No. 214, IL
    • 9-12
    • 439 reviews
    #10 Best Public High School Teachers in Chicago Area

    Senior: I loved Prospect High School! Throughout my past four years as a student there, I was given countless opportunities to thrive and succeed. The academics are rigorous and challenging, but manageable and enriching with the help of the beyond-qualified teachers. Prospect gave me a safe, supportive place to grow personally and intellectually. I feel fully prepared to move on to college, thanks to the incredible resources and knowledge I have been given.
    Read 439 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Teachers
    • 2,152 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  13. William Fremd High School

    • Township High School District No. 211, IL
    • 9-12
    • 549 reviews
    #11 Best Public High School Teachers in Chicago Area

    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
    • A+
      Teachers
    • 2,687 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  14. John Hersey High School

    • Township High School District No. 214, IL
    • 9-12
    • 293 reviews
    #12 Best Public High School Teachers in Chicago Area

    Alum: Hersey's academia was sublime, they definitely focused on college readiness in their students. Teachers were very student oriented, making sure they tended to their students' needs. However, Hersey's administration was more focused on teaching towards the test and common core rather than well rounded, realistic knowledge that students would apply to school and careers in the future. The diversity was close to none and the politics of the faculty was very obviously leaning to the left. Nonetheless, Hersey is a great school with a lot of opportunity both inside and outside the classroom.
    Read 293 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Teachers
    • 1,896 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  15. Hinsdale Central High School

    • Hinsdale Township High School District No. 86, IL
    • 9-12
    • 319 reviews
    #13 Best Public High School Teachers in Chicago Area

    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
    • A+
      Teachers
    • 2,767 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  16. Niles North High School

    • Niles Township Community High School District No. 219, IL
    • 9-12
    • 437 reviews
    #14 Best Public High School Teachers in Chicago Area

    Alum: I absolutely loved Niles North! As a musician, it was a wonderful place that helped me hone my skills. Being a public school, I think Niles North could measure up to any performing arts high school. The faculty is very knowledgable and is always willing to help you with whatever you need, whether it be music or just to talk about anything. Niles North is also a very diverse school. I felt there was a good amount of representation of all races and because of that, I've always felt safe as a minority in school. I've never had to deal with any sort of bullying or rude behavior throughout my experience at Niles North.
    Read 437 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Teachers
    • 2,029 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  17. Glenbrook North High School

    • Glenbrook High Schools District 225, IL
    • 9-12
    • 399 reviews
    #15 Best Public High School Teachers in Chicago Area

    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
    • A+
      Teachers
    • 2,010 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  18. Vernon Hills High School

    • Community High School District No. 128, IL
    • 9-12
    • 306 reviews
    #16 Best Public High School Teachers in Chicago Area

    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
    • A+
      Teachers
    • 1,335 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. Glenbard West High School

    • Glenbard Township High School District No. 87, IL
    • 9-12
    • 302 reviews
    #17 Best Public High School Teachers in Chicago Area

    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
    • A+
      Teachers
    • 2,321 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. Niles West High School

    • Niles Township Community High School District No. 219, IL
    • 9-12
    • 433 reviews
    #18 Best Public High School Teachers in Chicago Area

    Senior: I have gone to Niles West for 3 years, and I had a wide variety of experiences here. First of all, I would like to acknowledge the security staff at this school. After having a real lockdown, the school finally decided to impose more safety drills because we essentially had no safety drills each year. The security staff has always been poor every year I attended because the school hires older retired police officers and others who seem unqualified for the job. The other day, they let my friend into the school after she arrived late without having to show any identification and the security officer even said, "Oh, you don't look like a student, but go ahead." Besides the security, the school has excellent athletic facilities and training staff! However, the football team is horrible.
    Read 433 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Teachers
    • 2,485 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  23. James B. Conant High School

    • Township High School District No. 211, IL
    • 9-12
    • 469 reviews
    #19 Best Public High School Teachers in Chicago Area

    Senior: The diversity at Conant is amazing! You meet people with different backgrounds, views, and from different countries. The teachers are helpful and definitely genuinely care about their students.
    Read 469 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Teachers
    • 2,313 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  24. Lake Forest High School

    • Public School
    • Lake Forest, IL
    • 9-12
    • 148 reviews
    #20 Best Public High School Teachers in Chicago Area

    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
    • A+
      Teachers
    • 1,677 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  25. Whitney M. Young Magnet High School

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 7-12
    • 1,004 reviews
    #21 Best Public High School Teachers in Chicago Area

    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 1,004 Reviews

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

  26. Lyons Township High School

    • Public School
    • La Grange, IL
    • 9-12
    • 629 reviews
    #22 Best Public High School Teachers in Chicago Area

    Senior: Lyons Township offers a wide variety of class options. From Scuba diving to Sports Medicine, Sociology and even Exercise Physiology! The education is rich and the resources are immense. The staff is very helpful and allows students to reach their full potential.
    Read 629 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Teachers
    • 3,981 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  27. Lemont Township High School

    • Public School
    • Lemont, IL
    • 9-12
    • 285 reviews
    #23 Best Public High School Teachers in Chicago Area

    Freshman: I've only been at Lemont High School for a little while, but from my experiences there, I can say without a doubt that Lemont is an excellent school! Lemont offers a sense of community, safety, and goodness. This is a school in which people care about each other. Today in our society, we hear negative things about high school students. We are told that many of them vape, do drugs, vandalize, and don't care about education. Lemont exists tp prove the pundits wrong. Not once have I seen a vape pod, or any drug paraphernalia and usage whatsoever. They have a standard of excellence, an administration who cares about each student, and a staff that is committed to their success. I do believe however that Lemont could improve on its afterschool capabilities. Students should be given an adequate space to work. Other than that, this school is a place that inspires people to be better people. That's very hard to find. That's Lemont.
    Read 285 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Teachers
    • 1,361 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  28. Jones College Prep High School

    • Chicago Public Schools, IL
    • 9-12
    • 610 reviews
    #24 Best Public High School Teachers in Chicago Area

    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
    • A+
      Teachers
    • 1,815 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  29. Neuqua Valley High School

    • Indian Prairie Community Unit School District No. 204, IL
    • 9-12
    • 981 reviews
    #25 Best Public High School Teachers in Chicago Area

    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 981 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Teachers
    • 3,698 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
  30. Sponsored

    Catholic Memorial School

    • Private School
    • West Roxbury, MA
    • 7-12
    • 42 reviews

    Parent: We have been part of the Catholic Memorial community for 8 years and will continue to have a student there for another 5.... it just keeps getting better and better! The academic programs are excellent, not only do they prepare the students well, but the curriculum is relevant and thoughtful. The teachers truly know the students as individuals and provide encouragement for the students to excel in all areas. The administration is extremely organized and the parent communication is outstanding.
    Read 42 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 650 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  35. Sponsored

    The Winchendon School

    • Private School
    • Winchendon, MA
    • 9-12
    • 61 reviews

    Works Here: I have loved being a part of The Winchendon School. Our Executive Director is a visionary, and the faculty and staff are warm, caring, and professional. The community is a small, safe, and nurturing one for students, and the faculty challenge students to be their best and to take appropriate risks. The students come from all over the world and from many different states. Whether freshmen or post-graduates, they find value in the small classes, the co-curricular activities and athletics, the Service Learning and ColLAB programs, and the regular opportunities for self-reflection and feedback. Our alumni visit the School(s) whenever they can, and they love hearing the news about the satellite campus growth. The Winch is a great place, whether in Winchendon or in Brooklyn!
    Read 61 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 275 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  36. Sponsored

    Noble and Greenough School

    • Private School
    • Dedham, MA
    • 7-12
    • 34 reviews

    Alum: Nobles is a special place rich with tradition, oozing with school pride, and steadfast in strong community principles. I feel so fortunate to have spent my high school life in such a place where I was accepted, encouraged and challenged all in perfect harmony. The teachers are happy to be there too--they are also encouraged to challenge themselves and develop as educators and that is clear in the way they immerse themselves in their curriculum and their afternoon program duties. I love nobles more than words can share--could not recommend it more!
    Read 34 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 614 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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