Choosing the right high school is a critical milestone in your child’s educational journey. In DuPage County, some public high schools stand out for their exceptional academic performance, teacher quality and diverse student environments.
To help families make informed choices, this list highlighting the best public high schools in the DuPage 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.
Curious if your child’s high school ranks among the best? Keep reading to explore the top-rated schools in DuPage County and what sets them apart.
Public high schools in DuPage County
This section features some of the best public high schools in DuPage County and are based on public data, academic performance, community reviews and survey feedback to help families find the right fit.
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.
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.
Glenbard West High School
- Address: 670 Crescent Blvd., Glen Ellyn
- School District: Glenbard Township High School District 87
- Why It Stands Out: Glenbard West is instantly recognizable thanks to its striking, castle-like architecture perched atop a hill in the heart of Glen Ellyn. Known for its competitive athletic programs—especially football—and its rigorous academics, Glenbard West has cultivated a tradition of excellence in both sports and scholarship.
Opened in 1923, Glenbard West began as a shared school for students in Glen Ellyn and Lombard. The building’s unique turret and ivy-covered walls have become symbolic of the school’s longstanding presence in the community. Its football stadium, Bill Duchon Field, is consistently ranked among the most scenic in the country.
Naperville North High School
- Address: 899 N Mill St., Naperville
- School District: Naperville Community Unit School District 203
- Why It Stands Out: Naperville North has built a strong reputation for academic excellence, student leadership programs, and cutting-edge technology integration. Its Huskie Robotics team and nationally ranked journalism program are just a few examples of what makes this school stand out.
The school opened its doors in 1970 to meet the growing educational needs of northern Naperville. Over the decades, Naperville North has expanded both in facilities and student body, adapting to new educational challenges while maintaining high academic standards.
Naperville Central High School
- Address: 440 Aurora Ave., Naperville
- School District: Naperville Community Unit School District 203
- Why It Stands Out: Known for its academic rigor and diversity in extracurricular offerings, Naperville Central excels in everything from STEM to the arts. The school also houses one of the most unique artifacts in Illinois: an actual ancient Egyptian mummy affectionately known as “Butch.”
Founded in 1916, Naperville Central is one of the oldest public high schools in DuPage County. Originally serving a small farming community, the school has grown with the city into one of the region’s most prestigious institutions.
Waubonsie Valley High School
- Address: 2590 Ogden Ave., Aurora
- School District: Indian Prairie School District 204
- Why It Stands Out: Waubonsie Valley is celebrated for its world-class music and arts programs. The school’s performing arts ensembles have received multiple Grammy Awards for excellence in music education—a rare distinction for a public high school.
Founded in 1975 during a period of rapid suburban expansion, Waubonsie Valley was named after Chief Waubonsie of the Potawatomi tribe. It quickly established a reputation for innovation and inclusion, which continues to this day.
York Community High School
- Address: 355 W St Charles Road, Elmhurst
- School District: Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205
- Why It Stands Out: York offers an extensive array of Advanced Placement courses and a vibrant extracurricular landscape. The school places a strong emphasis on character education and college readiness, earning statewide accolades in both academics and student leadership.
York High School traces its roots back to 1918. The current building, extensively renovated in the early 2000s, combines historical charm with state-of-the-art facilities, reinforcing York’s position as a cornerstone of the Elmhurst community.
Wheaton North High School
- Address: 701 W Thomas Road, Wheaton
- School District: Community Unit School District 200
- Why It Stands Out: Known for its high college matriculation rates and well-rounded student body, Wheaton North has a strong academic reputation. The school is also notable for its civic involvement, with students frequently leading local community service initiatives.
Opened in 1963 as Wheaton’s second high school, Wheaton North helped accommodate the post-war population boom. It has since evolved into a high-achieving institution known for fostering academic, athletic and artistic excellence.
Wheaton Warrenville South High School
- Address: 1920 S. Wiesbrook Road, Wheaton
- School District: Community Unit School District 200
- Why It Stands Out: Wheaton Warrenville South is renowned for its powerhouse athletic teams, particularly in football and track. The school also offers robust programs in the performing arts and STEM education, contributing to its well-rounded profile.
The school was formed in 1992 from the consolidation of Wheaton Central and Wheaton-Warrenville High Schools. With deep roots in the community and a legacy of athletic dominance, the school has embraced both tradition and modern educational goals.
Westmont High School
- Address: 909 Oakwood Drive, Westmont
- School District: Community Unit School District 201
- Why It Stands Out: Though smaller in size, Westmont High School consistently ranks among Illinois’s top high schools. It’s especially praised for its student-focused environment, innovative teaching methods and outstanding performance in college placement.
Westmont High opened in 1974 and has long been a symbol of resilience and ambition in a tight-knit suburban setting. Despite its relatively modest enrollment, it has made impressive gains in academic performance over the last decade.
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