Selecting the ideal high school is a crucial step in your child’s educational path, influencing their academic success and future opportunities. For families in the Chicagoland area, choosing a school that offers strong academics, diverse programs and exceptional teacher support is key.
To help families make informed choices, this list highlighting the best public high 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.
Want to explore additional high school school options in the Chicago area? Take a look at these related articles:
- Best Public High Schools in Cook County
- Best Public High Schools in DuPage County
- Best Public High Schools in Lake County
Public high schools in the Chicago area
This section features some of the best public high schools in Chicagoland and are based on public data, academic performance, community reviews and survey feedback to help families find the right fit.
Adlai E. Stevenson High School
- Address: 1 Stevenson Dr., Lincolnshire
- District: Adlai E. Stevenson High School District 125
- Why It Stands Out: Stevenson is renowned for its academic excellence, having received the U.S. Department of Education’s “Excellence in Education” Blue Ribbon Award five times. It has also been named a National School of Distinction in Arts Education by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Established in 1965, Stevenson High School was named after Adlai E. Stevenson II, the 31st Governor of Illinois. The school has consistently ranked among the top public high schools in the nation, with a graduation rate of 99.9% for the class of 2016.
Hinsdale Central High School
- Address: 5500 South Grant St., Hinsdale
- District: Hinsdale Township High School District 86
- Why It Stands Out: Hinsdale Central is known for its academic programs and strong athletic teams. The school’s student-teacher ratio is 14:1.
Founded in 1879, Hinsdale Central is one of the oldest high schools in Illinois. It was originally named Hinsdale Township High School and was later renamed when Hinsdale South High School opened in 1965.
Glenbrook South High School
- Address: 4000 West Lake Avenue, Glenview
- District: Glenbrook High School District 225
- Why It Stands Out: Glenbrook South offers a wide array of Advanced Placement courses and has a strong reputation for its fine arts programs. The school also boasts impressive athletic facilities.
Opened in 1958, Glenbrook South was the second high school established in the Glenbrook district.
Neuqua Valley High School
- Address: 2360 95th St., Naperville
- District: Indian Prairie School District 204
- Why It Stands Out: Neuqua Valley is known for its innovative programs and state-of-the-art facilities. The school has been recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School and offers a variety of specialized programs, including dual credit opportunities.
Opened in 1997, Neuqua Valley was the most expensive high school built in Illinois at the time. It was designed to accommodate a growing student population and has since become a model for modern high school education.
New Trier Township High School
- Address: 385 Winnetka Ave., Winnetka
- District: New Trier Township High School District 203
- Why It Stands Out: New Trier is renowned for its academic programs and extensive extracurricular offerings. The school has a long history of excellence in both academics and athletics.
Established in 1901, New Trier was the first high school in the United States to have an indoor swimming pool. It has since become a leader in educational innovation and student achievement.
Glenbrook North High School
- Address: 2300 Shermer Rd., Northbrook
- District: Glenbrook High School District 225
- Why It Stands Out: Glenbrook North offers a wide range of Advanced Placement courses, and has a reputation for excellence in the sciences and humanities.
Opened in 1953, Glenbrook North was the first high school established in the Glenbrook district. It has undergone several expansions and renovations to accommodate its growing student body.
William Fremd High School
- Address: 1000 S. Quentin Road, Palatine
- District: Palatine Township High School District 211
- Why It Stands Out: William Fremd is recognized for its active student body. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities and has a reputation for excellence in both academics and athletics.
Opened in 1961 as Palatine High School South, the school was later renamed in honor of William Fremd, a longtime member of the school board who donated the land for the school.
Metea Valley High School
- Address: 1801 N. Eola Road, Aurora
- District: Indian Prairie School District 204
- Why It Stands Out: Metea Valley is known for its commitment to student development. The school offers a wide range of Advanced Placement courses and has a strong focus on extracurricular involvement.
Opened in 2009, Metea Valley was established to accommodate the growing student population in the district. It has since become a central part of the educational landscape in Aurora.
Vernon Hills High School
- Address: 145 Lakeview Parkway, Vernon Hills
- District: Community High School District 128
- Why It Stands Out: Vernon Hills High School (VHHS) is celebrated for its academic rigor and student engagement. With an average ACT score of 29 and a student-teacher ratio of approximately 12:1, VHHS emphasizes personalized learning. The school offers a comprehensive array of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, a robust fine arts program, and a variety of extracurricular activities.
VHHS was established following a successful $48.5 million bond referendum in 1997. The school opened its doors to freshmen in 1999 and became a full high school in 2000. The Cougar mascot was chosen through a student poll, symbolizing the school’s spirit and unity.
Barrington High School
- Address: 616 West Main St., Barrington
- District: Barrington Community Unit School District 220
- Why It Stands Out: Barrington High School (BHS) is renowned for its comprehensive educational offerings and strong community involvement. The school provides a wide range of Advanced Placement courses, career pathways, and extracurricular activities. BHS has been recognized as one of the top high schools in Illinois and has earned accolades for its commitment to academic excellence.
Founded in 1949, BHS has a rich history of serving the Barrington community. The school has undergone several expansions to accommodate its growing student population. Notably, BHS has hosted visits from two U.S. Presidents: John F. Kennedy in 1960 and Barack Obama in 2006, underscoring its significance in the region.
Follow Chicago Parent on Instagram.
