Authority

2024 Best High Schools in Illinois

Learn more about high schools in Illinois

Sponsored

What High School Paths Does Illinois Provide?

Illinois is home to 1036 high schools, which is an incredible 113% more than the average state's 486. This means that there are a wealth of options for those in the state for their education, ranking Illinois #46 in the nation for schools per capita. The state's average school rating is a B–, and 57% of schools exceed the national average.

In total, 70% of the state's high schools are public, and they have an average rating of B–. Of those 721 schools, the majority are traditional public schools (622). Approximately 64% of those traditional public schools sit above the national average, so you can be sure that 401 such schools are considered better than normal.

Digging deeper into public high school alternatives, there are also 72 charter schools in the state, which ranks Illinois in the 26th spot for most charter schools per capita vs the average state. Only 25% of those charter schools exceed the national average in quality. Also, of the 27 magnet high schools, 15 earned above average marks.

Turning now to private high schools, there are 279 in total (roughly 27% of all schools). Although the figure may seem relatively small, Illinois actually has 16% fewer private school options than the average state per capita, so despite its larger state population there are still numerous private school options. With a median rating of A–, nearly half (47%) of Illinois' private schools are rated above the national average. About 61% of private high schools in Illinois are religiously affiliated, led primarily by Christian schools which total 112. The state ranks 38th for most religious schools per capita, so it falls slightly below average in terms of how much religious influence there is in its school options. There are also 22 all-boys schools in Illinois, which is a 7% increase from the typical state, while there are 14 all-girls schools, which is 24% more than the average.

At the moment, Illinois does not have any online schools, which puts it tied for last with a handful of other states that also have no online options.

Top 25 Best High Schools in Illinois

Search for the best high schools in Illinois

#1 Best High School in Illinois

Payton College Preparatory High School

Chicago, IL

magnet

School Status

1,191

Students

null:1

Student-Teacher Ratio

9-12

Grade Levels

#2 Best High School in Illinois

Northside College Preparatory High School

Chicago, IL

magnet

School Status

1,041

Students

null:1

Student-Teacher Ratio

9-12

Grade Levels

#3 Best High School in Illinois

Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

Aurora, IL

magnet

School Status

629

Students

null:1

Student-Teacher Ratio

9-12

Grade Levels

#4 Best High School in Illinois

University of Chicago Laboratory Schools

Chicago, IL

private

School Status

2,051

Students

8:1

Student-Teacher Ratio

K-12

Grade Levels

#5 Best High School in Illinois

Lake Forest Academy

Lake Forest, IL

private

School Status

436

Students

6:1

Student-Teacher Ratio

9-12

Grade Levels

#6 Best High School in Illinois

Whitney M. Young Magnet High School

Chicago, IL

magnet

School Status

2,121

Students

null:1

Student-Teacher Ratio

6-12

Grade Levels

#7 Best High School in Illinois

University of Illinois High School

Urbana, IL

public

School Status

314

Students

null:1

Student-Teacher Ratio

6-12

Grade Levels

#8 Best High School in Illinois

Adlai E. Stevenson High School

Lincolnshire, IL

public

School Status

4,315

Students

null:1

Student-Teacher Ratio

9-12

Grade Levels

#9 Best High School in Illinois

Jones College Prep High School

Chicago, IL

magnet

School Status

1,915

Students

null:1

Student-Teacher Ratio

9-12

Grade Levels

#10 Best High School in Illinois

Latin School of Chicago

Chicago, IL

private

School Status

1,155

Students

8:1

Student-Teacher Ratio

K-12

Grade Levels

Sponsored
Compare your school options
Authority

Made in Texas

600 Congress, 17th Floor | Austin, Texas

Trustpilot
Privacy PolicyTerms of Service

2024 Authority - All rights reserved.