Best Chicagoland Schools for Kids in 2025

Best Chicagoland Schools

Browse our Education Hub featuring top picks from preschool to high school—public, private, charter and more in Chicagoland. Compare programs, explore locations and get expert tips.

Editor’s note: To help families make informed choices, this “Best Schools” guide combines public data (U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Census Bureau), community reviews, surveys, and academic indicators like test scores and college readiness. Partner schools receive priority placement and expanded details. For partnerships, contact our marketing team.

Best Schools Near Me in Chicagoland

COOK COUNTY

Cook County’s Best Public High Schools for 2025

Public Schools

Sarah Knieff and Amanda Rahn -

June 1, 2025 0

Find the best public high schools in Cook County with top academics, strong support and standout college prep programs.

Cook County’s best public elementary schools for 2025

Public Schools Amanda Rahn - November 11, 2025 0

Explore the best public elementary schools in Cook County based on academic data, community input and school culture.

Cook County’s Best Faith-Based Schools for 2025

Education

Sarah Knieff -

May 27, 2025 0

Cook County is home to many faith-based schools that offer students a blend of rigorous academics, spiritual development and community engagement. To help families choose...

Cook County’s Best Public Middle Schools for 2025

Public Schools Sarah Knieff - May 26, 2025 0

Explore Cook County’s top public middle schools, which are based on academics, teacher quality and student success.

Cook County’s Best Private Schools for 2025

Private Schools Amanda Rahn - November 7, 2025 0

Explore Cook County’s top private schools offering global learning, college prep and financial aid for qualifying families.

Cook County’s Best School Districts for 2025

Public Schools Amanda Rahn - May 8, 2025 0

Explore the top-rated school districts in Cook County for 2025 to help your child thrive academically and beyond.

DUPAGE COUNTY

DuPage County’s Best Public Middle Schools for 2025

Public Schools

Sarah Knieff -

May 26, 2025 0

Find the best middle schools in DuPage County, with top scores in teacher quality, test results and diversity.

DuPage County’s Best Private Schools for 2025

Private Schools Amanda Rahn - July 31, 2025 0

Explore DuPage County's top private schools offering college prep, global focus and financial aid for qualifying families.

DuPage County’s Best Public Elementary Schools for 2025

Public Schools Amanda Rahn - May 9, 2025 0

Find the top-rated schools in DuPage County based on teacher quality, test scores, and more to make the right choice for your child.

DuPage County’s Best School Districts for 2025

Public Schools Amanda Rahn - May 8, 2025 0

These are the top-rated school districts in DuPage County, with multiple A+ schools offering exceptional education.

DuPage County’s best public high schools for 2025

Public Schools

Amanda Rahn and Sarah Knieff -

June 5, 2025 0

Explore standout public high schools in DuPage County known for academics, college readiness and student-focused environments.

Top DuPage County Public Schools for Athletes

Public Schools

Amanda Rahn and Sarah Knieff -

June 28, 2025 0

Explore the top public schools in DuPage County where student athletes excel—based on data, reviews and school performance.

LAKE COUNTY

Lake County’s Best Faith-Based Schools for 2025

Private Schools

Sarah Knieff -

May 26, 2025 0

Explore top faith-based schools in Lake County offering strong academics and values-driven education for local families.

Lake County’s Best Public High Schools for 2025

Public Schools

Amanda Rahn and Sarah Knieff -

June 5, 2025 0

Discover the top public high schools in Lake County, ranked for academic excellence, teacher quality, diversity and more.

Lake County’s best private schools for 2025

Private Schools Amanda Rahn - November 4, 2025 0

Explore Lake County’s top private schools offering STEM, global learning, and scholarships for families with financial need.

Lake County’s Best Public Middle Schools for 2025

Public Schools

Sarah Knieff -

June 1, 2025 0

Explore top-performing public middle schools in Lake County, known for strong academics, great teachers and parent praise.

Lake County’s Best School Districts for 2025

Public Schools Amanda Rahn - May 8, 2025 0

Uncover the top-performing Lake County school districts helping students succeed in academics, college prep and beyond.

Lake County’s Best Public Schools for Athletes

Public Schools

Amanda Rahn and Sarah Knieff -

June 28, 2025 0

Top Lake County schools where student athletes thrive—based on data, reviews, academics and athletic opportunities.

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Tutoring

Chicago Kids Can Get Free Homework Help at Over 80 Libraries

Education Sarah Knieff - July 23, 2025 0

Chicago students struggling with homework now have over 80 neighborhood libraries where they can walk in and get help – completely free. Through the...

Best Free and Low-Cost Tutoring Programs for Chicagoland Kids

Tutors + Classes Sarah Knieff - July 17, 2025 0

Free and low-cost tutoring programs in Chicago help kids succeed—no matter their zip code or family income.

Special Needs

These are the best Chicago suburban schools that offer special needs programs

Education

Jenna Dolch -

October 17, 2025 0

Families searching for strong special-needs programs outside Chicago will find excellent options across the suburbs. These schools and cooperatives serve students with disabilities through...

Your guide to Chicago’s best therapeutic day schools for students who need extra support

Education

Jenna Dolch -

October 16, 2025 0

When families search for therapeutic day schools in the Chicago area, they’re seeking more than academics. They want safe, structured environments where emotional, behavioral...

Your guide to the best school-based support and resources for special needs in Chicago

Education

Jenna Dolch -

October 15, 2025 0

When families seek extra support beyond the classroom, resource and advocacy centers can bridge gaps, amplify voices and connect to school services. This guide...

Arts and Music Classes

Best Dance Classes for Chicagoland Kids

Tutors + Classes Chicago Parent Editorial Team - July 17, 2025 0

Learn ballet basics, hip hop fundamentals, jazz, tap and more.

Top Music Classes for Kids in Chicagoland

Tutors + Classes Sarah Knieff - July 17, 2025 0

Explore the best kids' music classes in Chicago—from toddler tunes to teen rock bands and elite youth orchestras.

Best Art Classes for Creative Chicagoland Kids

Tutors + Classes Nikki Roberts - May 1, 2025 0

Pottery, finger painting and more! What medium will your child choose to master?

Chicago Parent Best Schools and Education Partners

Keshet First Friends creates community for infants with special needs from the beginning

Sponsored Content Olivia Sims - November 10, 2025 0

Brought to you by Keshet First Friends

How Latin School of Chicago students craft their own journey

Sponsored Content Olivia Sims - October 10, 2025 0

Brought to you by Latin School of Chicago

How Lycée Français de Chicago Builds Global Thinkers from Day One

Sponsored Content Olivia Sims - August 5, 2025 0

Brought to you by Lycée Français de Chicago

How Chicago City Day School Blends Academic Challenge With Social-Emotional Growth

Inside the Music Institute of Chicago’s Approach to Personalized Teaching

Sponsored Content Andreas Mørk-Barrett - June 10, 2025 0

Brought to you by Music Institute of Chicago

Curious Kids Explore Everything from Grossology to the Big Bang in 60+ Summer Courses

Sponsored Content Kim Kovelle - April 15, 2025 0

Brought to you Center for Talent Development at Northwestern

Lakefront Children’s Academy Nurtures Bright Minds Through Hands-On, Heartfelt Learning

Sponsored Content Olivia Sims - August 26, 2025 0

Brought to you by Lakefront Children’s Academy

See Where Community Meets the Classroom With Council Oak Montessori’s Unique Collaboration With Local Professionals

Sponsored Content Olivia Sims - June 9, 2025 0

Brought to you by Council Oak Montessori School

See Where Leadership Meets Innovation at St. John’s Northwestern Academies

Sponsored Content Olivia Sims - June 26, 2025 0

Brought to you by St. John’s Northwestern Academies

A Look Inside Christian Heritage Academy’s Diverse, Faith-Based Community

Sponsored Content Andreas Mørk-Barrett - June 5, 2025 0

Brought to you by Christian Heritage Academy

Amazing Chicagoland Schools and Education Programs That Should Be on Your Radar

Sponsored Content Chicago Parent Editorial Team - November 10, 2025 0

Explore top Chicagoland schools offering strong academics, unique programs, and supportive environments for every learner.

Feel Stuck on What Your Child Needs? The Diagnostic Evaluation Center Offers Answers

Sponsored Content Kim Kovelle - May 21, 2025 0

Brought to you by Sonia Shankman Orthogenic School in Chicago

How Chicago’s ACM School of Music Unlocks Creativity Through Music

Wander Through Wonder Academy is a Globally Minded New Middle School in Chicago

Sponsored Content Kim Kovelle - May 30, 2025 0

Brought to you by Wander Through Wonder Academy

See How Students at Gateway Montessori School Thrive Academically While Cultivating Individual Growth

Sponsored Content Andreas Mørk-Barrett - May 30, 2025 0

Brought to you by Gateway Montessori School

What if Kids Knew Their Rights? How One Chicago School is Empowering Children to Speak Up

Sponsored Content Kim Kovelle - March 4, 2025 0

Brought to you by British International School of Chicago-Lincoln Park

How North Shore Country Day shapes curious, confident leaders

Sponsored Content Olivia Sims - October 8, 2025 0

Brought to you by North Shore Country Day

How Instituto Cervantes transports the culture of Spanish-speaking countries to Chicago

Sponsored Content Naomi Kayser - November 11, 2025 0

Brought to you Instituto Cervantes

Gifted kids have a place to grow and thrive at the Avery Coonley School

Sponsored Content Brandi Calhoun - September 4, 2025 0

Brought to you by The Avery Coonley School

Discover How Baker Demonstration School Unlocks the Power of Hands-On Learning

Sponsored Content Olivia Sims - July 17, 2025 0

Brought to you by Baker Demonstration School

Empowering Kids with Learning Disabilities to Succeed at Hyde Park Day School

How Preschool at The Gardner School in the Chicago Area Lays the Groundwork for Growth

Sponsored Content Kim Kovelle - May 29, 2025 0

Brought to you by The Gardner School

Dive into our Best Schools Guide!

Whether you're just starting your school search or planning ahead for the next step, our e-edition makes it easy (and fun!) to find the right fit for your child.

Read now

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Finding The Best School Resources

How to Make the Most of Your Parent-Teacher Conference

School Issues

Amy Souza -

September 6, 2024 0

Get the most out of parent-teacher conferences with these tips, including key questions to ask, creating an action plan and more.

Who’s Teaching Our Kids? A Detailed Look at K-12 Teachers

School Issues

Grant Policar, Alina Lehtinen-Vela -

January 29, 2024 0

We created a detailed break down of K-12 teachers by education level, race, and more.

November 19, 2020 0

Learning boosts to try at home.

Chicago Parent