Choosing the right high school is a pivotal decision in shaping your child’s academic journey and future opportunities. For families in Cook County, finding a high school with top-tier academics, diverse programs and excellent teacher support can make all the difference.
To help families make informed choices, this list highlighting the best public high schools in Cook County, 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 best public high schools in Cook County.
Public high schools in Cook County
This section features some of the best public high schools in Cook County and are based on public data, academic performance, community reviews and survey feedback to help families find the right fit.
Glenbrook South High School
- Address: 4000 W. Lake Ave., Glenview
- District: Glenbrook High School District 225
- Why It Stands Out: Glenbrook South is renowned for its strong academic programs, extracurricular activities, and commitment to student development.
The school has a rich history of community involvement.
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 known for its strong emphasis on preparing students for college and beyond.
New Trier High School was established in 1901.
Glenbrook North High School
- Address: 2300 Shermer Road, Northbrook
- District: Glenbrook High School District 225
- Why It Stands Out: Glenbrook North is recognized for its dedicated faculty, and a wide range of extracurricular activities that cater to diverse student interests.
Opened in 1953, Glenbrook North High School was originally named Glenbrook High School before being renamed to distinguish it from Glenbrook South.
William Fremd High School
- Address: 1000 S. Quentin Road, Palatine
- District: Township High School District 211
- Why It Stands Out: “Fremd High School’s students, staff, and parents are committed to academic excellence and support one another during times of triumph and adversity,” according to its website. “We depend on our entire school community to work together to ensure a successful educational experience for our students.”
Opened in 1961, William Fremd High School was named after William Fremd, a long-serving member of the Palatine High School Board of Education.
James B. Conant High School
- Address: 700 E. Cougar Trail, Hoffman Estates
- District: Township High School District 211
- Why It Stands Out: “Each year presents an opportunity for our Cougar community to provide students extraordinary opportunities, innovative teaching and exceptional learning experiences,” according to the school’s website.
Opened in 1964, James B. Conant High School is named after James B. Conant, a former U.S. Ambassador to Germany and a former president of Harvard University.
Evanston Township High School
- Address: 1600 Dodge Ave., Evanston
- District: Evanston Township High School District 202
- Why It Stands Out: “The attendance area of the school is home to Northwestern University and Oakton College, and has a variety of office developments, technology parks, light industrial and shopping districts,” according to the school’s website. “Together, the two communities offer an ethnic, economic, racial and cultural diversity that is reflected in the student body. Evanston Township High School has more than 270 certified staff members, a majority of whom have a Master’s degree or beyond.”
Established in 1883, Evanston Township High School is one of the oldest high schools in Illinois.
Buffalo Grove High School
- Address: 1100 W. Dundee Rd., Buffalo Grove
- District: Township High School District 214
- Why It Stands Out: Buffalo Grove is recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education and a member of NACAC and IACAC.
Opened in 1973, Buffalo Grove High School has a history of high academic standards and community service.
John Hersey High School
- Address: 1900 East Thomas St., Arlington Heights
- District: Township High School District 214
- Why It Stands Out: “One of the most important ingredients to a successful school year is to ensure that . . . students feel connected, inspired and motivated to be active participants in their own educational journey,” school principal Dr. Heath McFaul says.
Opened in 1968, John Hersey High School is named after American writer John Hersey.
Prospect High School
- Address: 801 W. Kensington Road, Mount Prospect
- District: Township High School District 214
- Why It Stands Out: Prospect High School strives for the best and this can be seen within its statistics. With over 44 languages spoken at homes, 2,000 AP tests taken each year, and 950 dual credit enrollments, Prospect aims high.
Prospect High School opened in 1957.
Niles North High School
- Address: 9800 N. Lawler Ave., Skokie
- District: Niles Township Community High School District 219
- Why It Stands Out: Niles North has been “recognized as a top district in the United States and in Illinois. Niles West ranked as a top public high school in Chicago Magazine in 2024,” according to its website. “The school placed 13th among suburban high schools in Cook County.”
Opened in 1964, Niles North High School is part of District 219, which also includes Niles West High School.
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