We know that finding the right school for your kids is a top priority.
A good school gives them a solid foundation, the best opportunities, and a place they’ll thrive. Whether it’s academics, extracurriculars, or community involvement, schools contribute more than just classroom learning.
In this guide, we explore the best school districts in the Chicago area, making your search easier.
The Chicago area is home to some standout schools, but if you’re looking for the top-ranked districts, it’s the suburbs that provide excellent options. With strong funding, impressive test scores, and a range of extracurricular programs, these suburban districts consistently raise the bar.
While metro Chicago has its own highly-regarded options, like selective enrollment high schools Whitney M. Young, Jones College Prep, and Payton College Prep, we’re highlighting the best school districts in the suburbs.
These districts are often the top choice for families who prioritize highly rated schools.
#1 - Adlai E. Stevenson High School District No. 125
Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, IL, is one of the top-ranked public high schools in Illinois, with a 96% graduation rate and 72% proficiency in both math and reading. The school has 4,500 students with an 18:1 student-teacher ratio.
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A+ | Academics | B+ | Diversity |
| A+ | Teachers | A+ | College Prep | |
| A+ | Clubs & Activities | A+ | Administration | |
| A | Sports | A+ | Food | |
| A+ | Resources & Facilities |
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#2 - Glenbrook High School District No. 225
Glenbrook High School District 225, located in the northern suburbs of Chicago, encompasses Glenbrook North High School in Northbrook and Glenbrook South High School in Glenview. It has a 96% graduation rate and offers a diverse curriculum with over 200 clubs and activities, 62 sports programs, and a variety of advanced placement courses. The district has 5,132 students with a 15:1 student-teacher ratio.
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A+ | Academics | B | Diversity |
| A+ | Teachers | A+ | College Prep | |
| A+ | Clubs & Activities | A+ | Administration | |
| A | Sports | A+ | Food | |
| A+ | Resources & Facilities |
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#3 - Evanston Township High School District No. 202
Evanston Township High School District 202, located in Evanston, Illinois, is renowned for its academic excellence and diverse student body. The school has a 92% graduation rate, and in the 2023–2024 school year, ETHS ranked 47th out of 697 Illinois high schools, placing it in the top 7% statewide. The school has 3,691 with a student-teacher ratio of 14:1.
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A+ | Academics | A | Diversity |
| A+ | Teachers | A+ | College Prep | |
| A+ | Clubs & Activities | A | Administration | |
| A | Sports | B+ | Food | |
| A+ | Resources & Facilities |
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#4 - Township High School District No. 113
Township High School District 113, located in Highland Park, Illinois, is made up of Deerfield High School and Highland Park High School. In the 2020–2021 academic year, the district achieved a graduation rate of 94%, consistently surpassing the state average of 87%. The district has 3,222 students and a student-teacher ratio of 12:1.
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A+ | Academics | C+ | Diversity |
| A+ | Teachers | A+ | College Prep | |
| A+ | Clubs & Activities | A | Administration | |
| B | Sports | A+ | Food | |
| A+ | Resources & Facilities |
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#5 - Hinsdale Township High School District No. 86
Hinsdale Township High School District 86, located in Hinsdale, Illinois, comprises Hinsdale Central High School and Hinsdale South High School. In the 2020–2021 academic year, the district achieved a graduation rate of 91%, surpassing the state average of 87%. The district serves approximately 3,843 students with a student-teacher ratio of 14:1.
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A+ | Academics | B+ | Diversity |
| A+ | Teachers | A+ | College Prep | |
| A+ | Clubs & Activities | A | Administration | |
| B+ | Sports | A+ | Food | |
| A | Resources & Facilities |
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#6 - Community High School District No. 128
Community High School District 128, located in Vernon Hills, Illinois, comprises Libertyville High School and Vernon Hills High School. In the 2020–2021 academic year, the district achieved a graduation rate of 94%, surpassing the state average of 87%. The district has 3,316 students with a student-teacher ratio of 13:1.
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A+ | Academics | B | Diversity |
| A+ | Teachers | A+ | College Prep | |
| A+ | Clubs & Activities | A | Administration | |
| A | Sports | A+ | Food | |
| A | Resources & Facilities |
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#7 - Township High School District No. 211
Township High School District 211, located in Palatine, Illinois, comprises five high schools: William Fremd, James B. Conant, Hoffman Estates, Palatine, and Schaumburg High Schools. In the 2020–2021 academic year, the district achieved a graduation rate of 93%. The district serves 12,270 students with a student-teacher ratio of 15:1.
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A+ | Academics | A | Diversity |
| A+ | Teachers | A+ | College Prep | |
| A+ | Clubs & Activities | A | Administration | |
| A | Sports | B+ | Food | |
| A | Resources & Facilities |
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#8 - Niles Township Community High School District No. 219
Niles Township Community High School District 219, located in Skokie, Illinois, comprises Niles North High School and Niles West High School. In the 2020–2021 academic year, the district achieved a graduation rate of 92%. The district serves 4,619 students with a student-teacher ratio of 13:1.
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A+ | Academics | A | Diversity |
| A+ | Teachers | A+ | College Prep | |
| A+ | Clubs & Activities | A- | Administration | |
| A- | Sports | A+ | Food | |
| A+ | Resources & Facilities |
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#9 - Barrington Community Unit School District No. 220
Barrington Community Unit School District 220, located in Barrington, Illinois, serves 12 schools, including Barrington High School. In the 2020–2021 academic year, the district achieved a graduation rate of 95%. The district has 8,161 students and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 13:1.
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A+ | Academics | B+ | Diversity |
| A+ | Teachers | A+ | College Prep | |
| A+ | Clubs & Activities | A+ | Administration | |
| A+ | Sports | A+ | Food | |
| A+ | Resources & Facilities |
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#10 - Indian Prairie Community Unit School District No. 204
Indian Prairie Community Unit School District 204, located in Aurora, Illinois, serves students across 33 schools, including three high schools: Neuqua Valley, Waubonsie Valley, and Metea Valley. In the 2020–2021 academic year, the district achieved a graduation rate of 95%. The district has 25,687 students and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 14:1.
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A+ | Academics | A | Diversity |
| A+ | Teachers | A+ | College Prep | |
| A+ | Clubs & Activities | A+ | Administration | |
| A | Sports | A- | Food | |
| A | Resources & Facilities |
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There you have it, the best school districts in the Chicago area.
And just like finding the right school is essential for your family, choosing the right real estate team can make all the difference in your home search.
You want a team that understands the market, listens to your needs, and knows how to find a perfect fit—whether it's the best neighborhood for school options or a home that meets your unique criteria.
That’s why you seriously want to contact us if you’re buying a home in Chicago. We’re the Ben Lalez Team and here to guide you every step of the way. We combine local expertise with a commitment to helping you make confident, informed decisions. Join over a thousand families who we’ve helped find their perfect property.
