Hey Chicago!
We’re well into summer, and although we know you and the family are still enjoying the sun and good vibes, the next school season is just around the corner.
Two years ago, we wrote an article on the top 10 school districts in Chicago, and we thought it would be a great time to update that list for 2026.
For most Chicago-area homebuyers, the school district is just as important as square footage or commute time. Whether a family is moving from the city to the suburbs or trading up within a neighborhood, the question “How are the schools?” comes up a lot in our conversations with clients.
With new 2026 rankings from Niche and fresh local reporting, this guide brings together verified data on the top high‑performing public school districts in the Chicago metro area. Each district here earns an A or A+ overall grade from Niche and is recognized by local outlets like Patch and education publications as among the best in Illinois.
By the way, we’re the Ben Lalez Team, and we help buyers and sellers with all their property needs in Chicago. We’ve been doing this a long time, and we’re happy to share our insights with you.
How These Rankings Were Put Together
Niche is one of the most widely used school-ranking platforms in the country, combining federal and state education data with millions of reviews from students and parents.
Their 2026 Best School Districts rankings analyze more than 11,000 districts nationwide using metrics such as test scores, graduation rates, college readiness, teacher quality, and student and parent reviews, producing overall grades (A+ through D) plus subgrades for Academics, Teachers, College Prep, Diversity, Clubs & Activities, Sports, Resources & Facilities, Administration, and Food.
Local coverage has highlighted which Chicago-area districts appear near the top of these lists. Patch’s reporting on Niche’s 2026 rankings notes that Illinois has three of the top five school districts in America. Several Chicago‑metro districts earned A+ overall grades and high national positions.
For this article, our rankings emphasize districts that:
- Are listed in Niche’s 2026 “Best School Districts in the Chicago Area” ranking.
- Earn an A or A+ overall grade, with strong academics, college prep, and teacher quality.
- Are highlighted by local reporting as among the top public districts in Illinois and the nation.
Let’s move on to our rankings!
2026 Chicago-Area Top School Districts
| Rank | District | Overall Grade | Illinois Rank | Students (Approx.) | Total Schools |
| #1 | Glenbrook High School District 225 | A+ | #1 | 5,034 | 4 |
| #2 | New Trier Township High School District 203 | A+ | #2 | 3,656 | 2 |
| #3 | Township High School District 113 | A+ | #3 | 3,098 | 2 |
| #4 | Community High School District 128 | A+ | #4 | 3,196 | 3 |
| #5 | Hinsdale Township High School District 86 | A+ | #5 | 3,815 | 3 |
| #6 | Township High School District 211 | A+ | #6 | 12,458 | 7 |
| #7 | Niles Township Community High School Dist. 219 | A+ | #7 | 4,645 | 4 |
| #8 | Indian Prairie CUSD 204 | A+ | #9 | 26,108 | 34 |
| #9 | Barrington CUSD 220 | A+ | #10 | 7,936 | 12 |
| #10 | Naperville CUSD 203 | A+ | #11 | 16,047 | 22 |
1. Glenbrook High School District 225 (Glenview / Northbrook)
Glenbrook High School District 225 is recognized as the best school district in the United States in Niche’s 2026 rankings with an A+ overall grade.
Test data shows that approximately 80% of students are at least proficient in math and 84% in reading, far above statewide averages. Reviews from students and parents consistently mention rigorous academics, extensive AP offerings, competitive athletics, strong arts programs, and a supportive school culture, all within well‑maintained facilities.
2. New Trier Township High School District 203 (Northfield / Winnetka)
One of three Illinois districts in Niche’s national top five, New Trier runs a two-campus setup: a freshman campus in Northfield and an upper campus in Winnetka for grades 10 through 12, and has long been known for high academic performance.
The district enrolls more than 3,600 students and maintains a relatively low student–teacher ratio of about 11:1. Proficiency rates in reading and math run well above state averages, and SAT and ACT results put graduates in a strong position for selective college applications. The district offers a wide range of AP options, well-regarded arts and music programs, and a college counseling program that students and alumni consistently praise as one of its strengths. The experience is often described as having a small-college feel.
3. Township High School District 113 (Highland Park / Deerfield)
District 113 covers two North Shore high schools: Highland Park High School and Deerfield High School. The district holds an A+ overall grade and consistently ranks among the top public high school districts in the country.
The district enrolls more than 3,000 students across both campuses and maintains a student-teacher ratio of about 12:1. Proficiency rates in reading and math are well above state averages, and a large share of graduates go on to four-year colleges, including highly selective institutions. Arts, athletics, and academics are all well developed across both schools.
4. Community High School District 128 (Libertyville / Vernon Hills)
District 128 serves Libertyville and Vernon Hills with an A+ overall grade and a 23rd-place national ranking from Niche, placing it among the top-performing districts in the country.
The district enrolls roughly 3,200 students across three schools. The academic program offers strong AP and college-prep courses, as well as fine arts, theater, and competitive sports. A College Resource Center supports students through the college application process and the transition into higher education.
Parents and students consistently point to a strong sense of community and academic culture as two of its best qualities.
5. Hinsdale Township High School District 86 (Hinsdale / Darien and Western Suburbs)
Hinsdale 86 serves the western suburbs through two high schools: Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South. The district holds an A+ overall grade and has built a long-standing reputation for high achievement and college preparation.
The district enrolls more than 3,800 students, with a student-teacher ratio of about 14:1. Proficiency rates and test scores exceed state averages, and the program catalog offers a wide range of AP courses, competitive athletics, and extracurricular opportunities. The overall experience is often described as rigorous and broad in scope across both campuses.
The district’s motto, “A Tradition of Excellence,” reflects its long‑standing emphasis on high achievement and college preparation.
6. Township High School District 211 (Palatine Area)
One of the largest high school districts in Illinois, District 211 serves multiple northwest suburban communities through seven schools and earns an A+ overall grade.
The district enrolls more than 12,000 students. Programming spans AP and honors courses, career-oriented pathways, and a broad range of clubs and activities. The scale provides families with access to options that smaller districts can’t offer, and national education rankings consistently place District 211 among the top 50 public school districts in the country.
For northwest suburban buyers, District 211 offers a wide variety of programs within a large, well‑resourced district, making it especially appealing for families who want options across multiple schools.
7. Niles Township Community High School District 219 (Skokie Area)
District 219 serves Skokie and surrounding communities through four schools: Niles West, Niles North, Niles Central, and the Bridges Transition Center. It holds an A+ overall grade and places 6th in Illinois and 33rd nationally in Niche’s 2026 rankings.
The district has more than 4,600 students enrolled and is known for its diversity. The student body draws from a broad range of cultural and linguistic backgrounds, and the district earns an A-level diversity grade. Academics, college prep, and clubs and activities all receive top marks, and the arts program is frequently praised by students as a strength.
For buyers considering Skokie and nearby suburbs, District 219’s combination of high rankings, strong academics, and diversity makes it a good choice, especially for families who are looking for an inclusive environment with global perspectives.
8. Indian Prairie Community Unit School District 204 (Aurora / South Naperville Area)
Indian Prairie 204 covers parts of Aurora, south Naperville, and surrounding communities and is one of the largest public school districts in the Chicago region. It earns an A+ overall grade.
The district serves more than 26,000 students across 34 schools, providing a broad range of academic programming, with music programs and athletics among the most frequently highlighted. Families deciding between the far western suburbs often compare District 204 with neighboring Naperville 203.
9. Barrington Community Unit School District 220 (Barrington Area)
Barrington 220 serves Barrington and surrounding communities and holds an A+ overall grade, consistently ranking near the top of Niche’s Illinois and Chicago-metro district lists.
The district has nearly 8,000 students across 12 schools. Academic performance, teacher quality, and college prep are consistently strong, and the extracurricular program is broad. Barrington has a small-town character that carries into the school culture, and the district appeals to families who want high-performing schools with small-town character.
10. Naperville Community Unit School District 203 (Naperville)
Naperville 203 is one of two large public school districts serving Naperville and holds an A+ overall grade, consistently ranking among the top districts in Illinois and the nation.
The district enrolls more than 16,000 students across 22 schools. Strong academics, high graduation rates, and extensive AP and honors offerings are paired with well-regarded arts and athletics programs and excellent college counseling.
Naperville itself regularly ranks among Illinois’s most livable cities, and for most families considering the western suburbs, the school district and the surrounding community are very appealing.
For homebuyers, Naperville 203 represents a “complete package” district – its A+ rating with a national reputation.
What This Means If You’re Thinking Of Buying
Although we’ve done our best to highlight the best school districts according to our criteria, no single ranking can fully capture what’s “best” for every child. The perfect fit depends on personality, needs, and family priorities.
If you’ve narrowed down your choice to a handful, we can help you connect the dots by comparing these districts, identifying neighborhoods for specific schools, and weighing factors like commute, budget, and lifestyle so you end up in a community you’ll love.
Reach out to us, and we’ll be happy to share everything we know! Until next week’s article, stay hydrated out there!
