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If you live in the Prairie State (or maybe you’re considering a move) you might be asking yourself what the best public high schools in Illinois are. Well, you’re in luck! Whether in the Windy City proper, the suburbs, or even out on the plains, Illinois has no shortage of exceptional educational opportunities. In this blog, I’ve narrowed the best public high schools in Illinois down to a smooth list of 20. For ease of presentation, this list is ordered alphabetically. Let’s dive in!

Best Public High Schools in Illinois

1)

• Location: Lincolnshire (Adlai E. Stevenson High School District 125)
• Enrollment: 4,573
• Teacher-Student Ratio: 18:1
• Average SAT Score (ELA/Math): 597.4 / 609.6

With only 2% of its enrolled students qualifying as low income, it should come as no surprise that ASHS provides an extensive array of educational opportunities. It offers the usual selection of AP courses, summer enrichment, and travel opportunities (e.g., Europe, India, Taiwan). Its website also includes a “Virtual Calming Space,” that provides links to various YouTube videos of scenery, live animal webcams, and links to IRL activities. It’s unclear what you’re supposed to do if your stress is caused by technology. Fun fact – ASHS is one of the 20 biggest brick-and-mortar high schools in the country!

2)

• Location: Barrington (Barrington Community Unified School District 220)
• Enrollment: 2,726
• Teacher-Student Ratio: 16:1
• Average SAT Score (ELA/Math): 550.1 / 545.4

BHS’s mission is just what you’d expect from one of the best high schools in Illinois. They aim to “develop in our students a love for life-long learning, the ability to think critically, communicate clearly, and take risks willingly to realize their potential.” Did you know that Kristin Cavallari (from Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County and erstwhile spouse of Jay Cutler) attended Barrington High School (for a year)?

3)

• Location: Deerfield (Township High School District 113)
• Enrollment: 1,395
• Teacher-Student Ratio: 12:1
• Average SAT Score (ELA/Math): 591.2 / 591.7

The only district on the list (so far) with its own chatbot, I thought I’d let it do the talking. When I asked, “What’s so great about Deerfield High School?” the District 113 chatbot replied: “Deerfield High School is celebrated for its commitment to student academic growth and achievement, supported by a dedicated team of educators and staff. The school emphasizes equity, student well-being, and a positive school climate, which contribute to its success. Additionally, it offers a wide range of extracurricular activities that foster personal growth, leadership, and community engagement. The diverse curriculum is designed to cater to various interests and aspirations, ensuring that every student can find their path to excellence.” I mean, it’s bland, but what do you expect from an LLM?

4)

• Location: Northbrook (Glenbrook High School District 225)
• Enrollment: 2,033
• Teacher-Student Ratio: 14:1
• Average SAT Score (ELA/Math): 584.5 / 593.2

With 23 AP courses, a bevy of fine and applied arts opportunities, as well as the Glenbrook Academy of International Studies, GNHS offers a top-notch education. At the same time, Glenbrook might still be most famous for its cameo in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” The film’s director is even an alumnus.

5)

• Location: Chicago (Chicago Public Schools)
• Enrollment: 971 (grades 7-12)
• Teacher-Student Ratio: 18:1 (grades 7-12)
• Average SAT Score (ELA/Math): 565.8 / 533.8

I can’t tell you how pleased I was when I found out that Brooks College Prep is named after the one and only Gwendolyn Brooks (of “We Real Cool” fame). While Brooks faces some structural obstacles to student success, including a nearly 50% chronic absenteeism and a 76% chronic truancy rate, it’s still one of the best public high schools in Illinois. Check out its !

6)

• Location: Hinsdale (Hinsdale Township High School District 86)
• Enrollment: 2,385
• Teacher-Student Ratio: 14:1
• Average SAT Score (ELA/Math): 597.4 / 597.5

Hinsdale Central High School began as a single classroom tacked onto an elementary school in 1879. Since then, it’s grown to become one of the best public high schools in Illinois. Aiming to empower students “to pursue their ideal future by acquiring critical skills and knowledge to collaborate, create and connect with an ever-changing world,” HSH is committed to both excellence and .

7)

• Location: Chicago (Chicago Public Schools)
• Enrollment: 1,024
• Teacher-Student Ratio: 16:1
• Average SAT Score (ELA/Math): 559 / 539.8

While Hancock’s AP participation rate and dual-credit program are impressive, more impressive is that it’s Chicago’s first “.” This designation means that Hancock works with other organizations (e.g., Mikva Challenge) to integrate democratic processes into the local and national school systems. As a selective school of choice, it’s no surprise that competition is tough to get into Hancock.

8)

• Location: Arlington Heights (Township High School District 214)
• Enrollment: 2,038
• Teacher-Student Ratio: 19:1
• Average SAT Score (ELA/Math): 563.2 / 549.8

Named after the ground-breaking writer and journalist, John Hersey High School is the home of the huskies (the mascot’s name is Nanook). At Hersey, each student chooses one of 16 career clusters to explore their potential post-secondary path. Students then follow a multi-year academic program of study within their career pathway. What’s more, JHHS seems to have a first-class badminton team.

9)

• Location: Chicago (Chicago Public Schools)
• Enrollment: 1,960
• Teacher-Student Ratio: 17:1
• Average SAT Score (ELA/Math): 617.7 / 608.8

The stated mission of Jones is admirable. They aim to “help students develop themselves as leaders through a rigorous college prep program that focuses on educating the whole person.” The values of the school include 1) The belief that the world can become a better place by nurturing children to their full potential; 2) the commitment to equality and dignity of all persons regardless of background, 3) The goal of excellence in all endeavors; 4) the power of the mind and heart. At the same time, it seems like Jones has had to have some difficult conversations around racism in the past few years.

10)

• Location: Lake Forest (Lake Forest Community High School District)
• Enrollment: 1,366
• Teacher-Student Ratio: 11:1
• Average SAT Score (ELA/Math): 586.6 / 578.1

On the one hand, LFHS admirably asserts that it is “actively work[ing] to eliminate barriers, systems, and practices that maintain or contribute to disparities, inequities, discrimination, and intolerance of any kind.” On the other hand, only 5.5% of its students qualify as “low income” (the state average is 49.8%) and 76.7% of its students are white (the state average is 45.3%). I’ll leave you to puzzle out how that structural rubber meets the pedagogical road.

11)

• Location: Chicago (Chicago Public Schools)
• Enrollment: 4,515 (grades 7-12)
• Teacher-Student Ratio: 17:1 (grades 7-12)
• Average SAT Score (ELA/Math): 632.2 / 609.8

Any school that calls itself “School of Champions” better be able to back up that claim. While Lane Tech’s mission statement is pretty standard — “fully prepare students for post-secondary endeavors in the collegiate and career setting…outstanding 21st-century curricular offerings” — one of its e-sports teams recently won the national title for Valorant, so you know they’re doing something right. (It also offers something called the “Alpha Honors STEM program” for budding scientists.)

12)

• Location: Libertyville (Community High School District 128)
• Enrollment: 1,765
• Teacher-Student Ratio: 14:1
• Average SAT Score (ELA/Math): 568.9 / 565.1

Libertyville High School stands out for its excellent academic and extracurricular programs. This is understandable, given that its mission it to encourage students to “discover new passions, build lasting friendships, and thrive in a supportive and dynamic environment.” Situated in the picturesque village of Libertyville, the school offers a newly renovated .

13)

• Location: Winnetka (New Trier Township High School District)
• Enrollment: 2,759 (grades 10-12)
• Teacher-Student Ratio: 11:1 (grades 10-12)
• Average SAT Score (ELA/Math): 606.1 / 592.5

There are actually two high schools in New Trier Township – the Northfield campus (9th grade only) and the Winnetka campus (grades 10-12). Their mission statement is impressively earnest — “to commit minds to inquiry, hearts to compassion, and lives to the service of humanity.” With an average AP score of 4 and 34 National Merit Semifinalists, New Trier certainly qualifies as one of the best public high schools in Illinois. (It also boasts an and a newly renovated athletic complex.)

14)

• Location: Naperville (Indian Prairie Community Unified School District)
• Enrollment: 2,951
• Teacher-Student Ratio: 15:1
• Average SAT Score (ELA/Math): 588 / 585.2

Continuing with the big-cat-themed mascots, the home of the Wildcats has everything you’d expect from one of the best public high schools in Illinois. With over 3000 AP tests taken by over 1000 students in a recent year, NHS offers a top-notch education. And if you’re wondering what IPSD 204’s chatbot has to say about NVHS, you’re in luck. “Neuqua Valley High School is notable for its rigorous college preparatory curriculum, offering over 200 courses tailored to student needs and aligned with Common Core State Standards. The school has received recognition as a 2017 Department of Education Blue Ribbon School and is fully accredited by the Illinois State Board of Education. Additionally, Neuqua Valley boasts impressive academic achievements, including a high percentage of students attending college, with 91.4% of the Class of 2023 planning to pursue higher education. The school also emphasizes personal growth and community involvement, fostering a supportive learning environment.”

15)

• Location: Chicago (Chicago Public Schools)
• Enrollment: 1,030
• Teacher-Student Ratio: 15:1
• Average SAT Score (ELA/Math): 668.1 / 658.7

There’s no doubt that NCPHS is one of the best public high schools in Illinois. It offers all the AP and college credits you could ask for. It also has one of the more coherent mission statements out there, which advocates for engagement, ethics, curiosity, collaboration, and empathy. At the same time, I am completely puzzled by the statement, “To live the Northside Experience is to take The Road Less Traveled.” The term in in italics, so at first I thought it referred to Morgan Scott Peck’s famous book regarding the nature of discipline, love, religion, and grace, but that doesn’t seem right. Maybe they’re glossing over Frost’s “The Road Not Taken”? In any case, Northside offers a host of clubs and activities, including Irish dance, the Taylor Swift club, and origami club.

16)

• Location: Normal (ISU Laboratory Schools)
• Enrollment: 630
• Teacher-Student Ratio: 14:1
• Average SAT Score (ELA/Math): 584.4 / 583.3

University High School is part of Illinois State University’s Laboratory Schools program, which offers high-quality academic programs and promotes ongoing teacher education. ISU’s Lab School also offers learning opportunities for teacher candidates and serves as a place where future teachers can observe, study, and practice education theory. ISU’s lab schools serve as an environment to conduct research and development activities. I know it sounds a bit like this school is using students as pedagogical guinea pigs, but with a 14:1 student-teacher ratio and a full slate of clubs and athletics, this school imagines a different kind of secondary education.

17)

• Location: Vernon Hills (Community High School District 128)
• Enrollment: 1,442
• Teacher-Student Ratio: 13:1
• Average SAT Score (ELA/Math): 562.3 / 572.2

Vernon Hills High School is known for its strong academic programs and . Nestled in the suburb of Vernon Hills, the school features a state-of-the-art fitness center and extensive outdoor athletic facilities. It also has a lively student-led club scene, including “eXtreme Flag Football” and the mysteriously titled “Whispers.”

18)

• Location: Chicago (Chicago Public Schools)
• Enrollment: 1,257
• Teacher-Student Ratio: 16:1
• Average SAT Score (ELA/Math): 661.1 / 653.5

If you ask ten people to name the best public high school in Illinois, at least 7 of them are going to name Payton Prep. Honestly, it’s not only one of the best in the state — it’s often ranked top ten in the country. As a “selective-enrollment” public high school, Payton draws students from all over the city. Because of this, its student population is markedly different from the surrounding district. While 76% of the students in the district are low-income, only 33% of Payton’s students qualify. Similarly, while just over 11% of the students in the district are white, over 45% of Payton’s student body is melanin-deprived. Perhaps because of this, Payton offers both lacrosse and sailing.

19)

• Location: Palatine (Township High School District 211)
• Enrollment: 2,568
• Teacher-Student Ratio: 17:1
• Average SAT Score (ELA/Math): 562 / 571.1

Home of the Vikings and what has to be the most awkwardly named student newspaper ever (Logue — as in dialogue?), Fremd is situated in the picturesque ‘burb of Palatine. Fremd has everything you’d expect in one of the best public high schools in Illinois — AP, dual-enrollment, school trips to France, Spain, and China — but adds a bit of Viking spirit. What’s more, every student at Fremd also benefits from something called the “Harper Promise,” which guarantees every student two years of free tuition at Harper College.

20)

• Location: Chicago (Chicago Public Schools)
• Enrollment: 2,213 (grades 7-12)
• Teacher-Student Ratio: 17:1 (grades 7-12)
• Average SAT Score (ELA/Math): 626.4 / 622.9

The complete name of this school is the Whitney M. Young Magnet High School. Named for the famous civil rights leader, this high school recently had 23 of its graduating seniors score a perfect 36 on the ACT. At the same time, students (“young magnetizers?”) don’t just study — YMHS offers over 140 clubs, including something called the “Get More Sleep Club.”

Final Thoughts

Finding the best public high schools in Illinois can be daunting. At the same time, by focusing on the qualities that make the best public schools in Illinois stand out, you’ll find the right match in no time. And if none of these schools feel right to you, or you’re hoping for more top options, read about the best private schools in Chicago.

Want to read more about excellent high schools? Check out the links below!

• 17 Best Performing Arts High Schools in the US
• 20 Best High Schools in North Carolina
• 20 Best Public High Schools in Texas
• Best High Schools in Florida
• 10 Best Online High Schools
• 20 Best Public High Schools in NYC
• 20 Best Public High Schools in Maryland