Best public high schools in the Chicago metro area

Written by:
May 14, 2025
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Best public high schools in the Chicago metro area

Stacker compiled a list of the best public high schools in the Chicago metro area using data from the Niche. Niche uses seven weighted factors for its rankings. A majority of the score is based on academics, but other factors include culture and diversity; sports; clubs and activities; resources; and surveys of parents, teachers, and students.

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#25. Deerfield High School

- Location: Township High School District No. 113, IL
- Enrollment: 1,483 (12:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A+

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#24. Waubonsie Valley High School

- Location: Indian Prairie Community Unit School District No. 204, IL
- Enrollment: 2,766 (16:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A+

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#23. Evanston Township High School

- Location: Evanston Township High School District No. 202, IL
- Enrollment: 3,691 (14:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A+

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#22. Naperville Central High School

- Location: Naperville Community Unit School District No. 203, IL
- Enrollment: 2,551 (14:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A+

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#21. Highland Park High School

- Location: Township High School District No. 113, IL
- Enrollment: 1,739 (12:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A+

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#20. Naperville North High School

- Location: Naperville Community Unit School District No. 203, IL
- Enrollment: 2,553 (14:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A+

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#19. Glenbard West High School

- Location: Glenbard Township High School District No. 87, IL
- Enrollment: 2,324 (18:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A+

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#18. James B. Conant High School

- Location: Township High School District No. 211, IL
- Enrollment: 2,503 (16:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A+

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#17. Lake Forest High School

- Location: Lake Forest, IL
- Enrollment: 1,438 (11:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A+

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#16. Barrington High School

- Location: Barrington Community Unit School District No. 220, IL
- Enrollment: 2,802 (16:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A+

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#15. Vernon Hills High School

- Location: Community High School District 128, IL
- Enrollment: 1,505 (13:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A+

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#14. Metea Valley High School

- Location: Indian Prairie Community Unit School District No. 204, IL
- Enrollment: 2,715 (14:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A+

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#13. William Fremd High School

- Location: Township High School District No. 211, IL
- Enrollment: 2,708 (17:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A+

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#12. Glenbrook North High School

- Location: Glenbrook High School District 225, IL
- Enrollment: 2,062 (14:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A+

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#11. New Trier Township High School

- Location: New Trier Township High School District No. 203, IL
- Enrollment: 2,856 (11:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A+

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#10. Neuqua Valley High School

- Location: Indian Prairie Community Unit School District No. 204, IL
- Enrollment: 3,156 (15:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A+

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#9. Glenbrook South High School

- Location: Glenbrook High School District 225, IL
- Enrollment: 3,030 (14:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A+

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#8. Hinsdale Central High School

- Location: Hinsdale Township High School District No. 86, IL
- Enrollment: 2,472 (14:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A+

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#7. Lane Tech College Prep High School

- Location: Chicago Public Schools, IL
- Enrollment: 4,496 (17:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A+

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#6. Adlai E. Stevenson High School

- Location: Adlai E. Stevenson High School District No. 125, IL
- Enrollment: 4,489 (18:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A+

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#5. Jones College Prep High School

- Location: Chicago Public Schools, IL
- Enrollment: 1,941 (17:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A+

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#4. Whitney M. Young Magnet High School

- Location: Chicago Public Schools, IL
- Enrollment: 2,148 (17:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A+

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#3. Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

- Location: Aurora, IL
- Enrollment: 624 (14:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A+

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#2. Northside College Preparatory High School

- Location: Chicago Public Schools, IL
- Enrollment: 1,040 (15:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A+

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#1. Payton College Preparatory High School

- Location: Chicago Public Schools, IL
- Enrollment: 1,233 (16:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A+

This story features data reporting by Rob Powell and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 97 metros.

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