Students and parents in the Chicago area are in search of a specific school environment may find it in a charter school. Charter schools are public, and unlike private schools, a charter is free to students. For children who learn best in a small school environment or those who thrive with a regimented, college prep curriculum, charter schools might be the answer.
To help families make informed choices, this list highlighting the best charter schools in the Chicago area, uses a combination of publicly available data from sources like the U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Census Bureau, along with community reviews, survey feedback, and academic performance indicators such as test scores and college readiness.
Read on for our guide to the best charter schools in the Chicago area.
Looking for more of the best schools in Chicagoland? Check out these stories:
- Best Charter Schools in Cook County
- Best Private Schools in Chicagoland
- Best Public Elementary Schools in Chicagoland
Best charter schools in Chicagoland
1. Cambridge Lakes Charter School (A)
- Address: 840 Campus Drive, Pingree Grove
- Why it stands out: Cambridge Lakes Charter School offers up personalized learning plans, athletics options and more in a solid school environment.
Cambridge Lakes Charter School is a charter school located in Pingree Grove serving roughly 620 students in grades K-12.
Students are given an abundance of choice when it comes to their education. They may take Advanced Placement (AP) classes or earn college credit with dual enrollment courses. Each student has their own personalized learning plan.
The school earned the designation as “commendable” in 2024. The ranking is the second-highest designation by the state and means that there are no underperforming student groups and the graduation rate is at least 67%, but its performance is not in the top 10% of schools statewide.
2. Prairie Crossing Charter School (A-)
- Address: 1531 Jones Point Road, Grayslake
- Why it stands out: A K-8 school with a holistic focus on whole-child learning that incorporates place-based education, outdoor classrooms and more.
Prairie Crossing Charter School is a designated “exemplary” school, meaning it is in the top 10% of schools statewide.
The charter offers academics centered around place-based learning, a style of teaching that incorporates a student’s location and community. Lessons use what’s happening in a student’s local environment to get kids engaged and learning.
Students at Prairie Crossing experience a holistic approach to learning. The school says it is “raising environmentally-conscious problem solvers.”
3. Chicago Math & Science Academy Middle & High School (A-)
- Address: 7212 N. Clark St., Chicago
- Why it stands out: Students at this top-ranking charter learn in a STEM environment committed to graduating students ready for college.
For students with an interest in STEM, the Chicago Math & Science Academy might be the right fit. The academy is home to both a middle and high school and serves grades 6-12.
While science, technology, engineering and math are the school’s focus, all students receive more than adequate instruction in English, the arts and electives. Students can choose from courses like African American history, journalism and international politics.
4. Intrinsic Schools – Downtown Campus (A-)
- Address: 79 W. Monroe St., Chicago
- Why it stands out: This high school’s location in the heart of downtown Chicago gives it an edge when it comes to connecting with all the city has to offer.
Intrinsic Schools’ downtown campus was formed in 2019 and serves students in grades 9-12.
The charter offers more than 16 different sports teams, opportunities to earn college credit starting in tenth grade and special coding programs. There’s also a fellowship for juniors and seniors to spend one day a week learning at a local tech company.
The school’s location in downtown Chicago allows students easy access to high quality field trips, professional development, speakers and more.
5. Southland College Prep Charter High School (B+)
- Address: 4601 Sauk Trail, Richton Park
- Why it stands out: A college prep environment where students form a close community.
Southland College Prep Charter High School envelops students in a true college prep environment. Academics are rigorous and extracurriculars are plentiful.
The school has a 98% graduation rate, an average class size of 20 and more than half of teacher’s hold a master’s degree or higher.
The school earned the designation as “commendable” in 2024. The ranking is the second-highest designation by the state and means that there are no underperforming student groups and the graduation rate is at least 67%, but its performance is not in the top 10% of schools statewide.
6. Muchin College Prep (B+)
- Address: 1 N. State St., Chicago
- Why it stands out: Muchin College Prep is part of the Noble charter school network and benefits from its programs.
The Muchin mission is to create graduates who are “intrinsically motivated, socially responsible and well-rounded.”
Muchin, part of the Noble network of charter schools, is located in the heart of downtown Chicago and teaches roughly 936 students from grades 9-12. Students across the Noble network are eligible for the Summer of a Lifetime program, which takes high schoolers through the college application.
7. Horizon Science Academy McKinley Park (B+)
- Address: 2245 W. Pershing Road, Chicago
- Why it stands out: A STEM academy with options for students to participate in the larger charter network’s programs for college readiness.
If your student has expressed a keen interest in science or math, a STEM-focused charter academy might be an option. Horizon Science Academy McKinley Park is a charter devoted to providing students in grades K-12 a fulfilling education centered on STEM.
As part of the Concept Schools charter network, Horizon Science Academy benefits from network-wide programs like the Concept Young Scholars Program (CYSP). The program gives students access to academic competitions, college trips and excursions.
8. ITW David Speer Academy (B+)
- Address: 5321 W. Grand Ave., Chicago
- Why it stands out: This STEM academy stands out for its close tie with global industrial company Illinois Tool Works.
The ITW David Speer Academy is a collaboration between Illinois Tool Works (ITW) and the Noble network of charter schools. The academy provides students with real-life experience with 21st century technology.
Speer students have access to unique internship opportunities thanks to its partnership with ITW. Alumni of the high school who are in college are encouraged to intern with the company.
9. Discovery Charter School (B)
- Address: 800 Canonie Drive, Porter, Ind.
- Why it stands out: This community-minded charter focuses on engaging kids in grades K-8 by using the local environment to teach bigger concepts.
The Discovery Charter Schools’ academic approach is centered around place-based learning. Teachers use what’s happening in a student’s local environment to get kids engaged and learning.
Students at Discovery benefit from outdoor learning, localized lessons and a community-minded approach. Plus, there are options for athletics and extracurriculars for kids who want to get involved.
10. The Noble Academy (B)
- Address: 1443 N. Ogden Ave., Chicago
- Why it stands out: The Noble Academy, a member of the Noble charter network, is known for its use of the Harkness Method of teaching to promote better student learning and engagement.
The Noble Academy has been preparing students for success in college since 2014.
The school uses the Harkness Method, a system of teaching where students in small groups sit in conversation with an instructor. While the method is similar to a Socratic Circle, it differs in the way the instructor interacts. Each teacher using the Harkness Method is a participant in the discussion, rather than leading students to a correct answer.
Graduates of The Noble Academy are be prepared to engage with difficult college content and discussions.
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