Best Schools Guide

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 Charter Schools Ranked for 2025

Discover top charter schools in Cook County to help your child thrive — with data, reviews and standout programs.

Cook County’s Best Public Elementary Schools Ranked for 2025

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

Cook County’s Best Private Schools Ranked for 2025

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

Cook County’s Best School Districts Ranked for 2025

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 Elementary Schools Ranked for 2025

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 Private Schools Ranked for 2025

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

DuPage County’s Best School Districts Ranked for 2025

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

LAKE COUNTY

Lake County’s Best Public Elementary Schools Ranked for 2025

Find the top-rated elementary schools in Lake County based on teacher quality, test scores, diversity and more.

Lake County’s Best Private Schools Ranked for 2025

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

Lake County’s Best School Districts Ranked in 2025

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

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

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Amazing Chicagoland Schools That Should Be on Your Radar

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

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

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

Best Schools for Specialized Learning

Incredible Chicagoland Montessori Schools That Help Kids Thrive

Find top-rated Montessori schools in the Chicago area with programs that support your child’s whole development.

Top 50 Chicagoland Public Schools for Athletes

Explore the top Chicagoland schools for athletes, ranked by Niche based on education data and parent feedback.
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Finding The Best School Resources

How to Make the Most of Your Parent-Teacher Conference

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

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

10 Tips to Help Your Child Thrive This School Year

These little things will make a big impact for them.

How to Help Your Kid Adjust to a New School

These tips can help with the transition.

30 Easy Ways to Support Your Child’s School

Research shows parental involvement matters to kids.

How to Challenge Your Child When School’s Too Easy

Learning boosts to try at home.