Choosing the right high school is a crucial decision for your child’s education. In Lake County, some public high schools stand out for their academic excellence and overall performance.
To help families make informed choices, this list highlighting the best public high schools in Lake 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.
Find out which schools earned top grades and see if your child’s high school made the list.
Public high schools in Lake County
This section features some of the best public high schools in Lake County 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 Drive, 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.
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 W. Main St., Barrington
- School District: Community Unit School District 220
- Why It Stands Out: Barrington High School is renowned for its academic programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and an emphasis on college preparation. The school boasts a wide array of extracurricular activities, including award-winning music and theater programs, and a commitment to community involvement.
Established in 1949, Barrington High School was built on a 70-acre site purchased in 1947. The construction was funded through a bond referendum, and the original building was designed by the architectural firm Perkins and Will. The school has undergone several renovations over the years to accommodate growing student enrollment and to modernize facilities.
Lake Forest High School
- Address: 1285 N. McKinley Road, Lake Forest
- School District: Lake Forest Community High School District 115
- Why It Stands Out: Lake Forest High School is distinguished by its blend of academic excellence and historical architecture. The school was constructed in 1935 with funds from the Works Progress Administration and designed to resemble an estate home, integrating seamlessly with the surrounding community. It offers a comprehensive curriculum, including a strong arts program and competitive athletics.
The school opened in 1935 during the New Deal era. Over the years, it has undergone several expansions, including significant renovations in 2007 and 2008, which added new facilities such as a music wing and a commons area. The school’s design reflects the community’s commitment to education and architectural aesthetics.
Highland Park High School
- Address: 433 Vine Ave., Highland Park
- School District: Township High School District 113
- Why It Stands Out: Highland Park High School is known for its strong academic programs, including Advanced Placement courses and a variety of extracurricular activities. The school’s commitment to student achievement is reflected in its high graduation rates and college readiness.
Established in 1886, Highland Park High School has a rich history. Classes were initially held in rented spaces until the current building was constructed in 1900. The school has undergone several expansions and renovations over the years to accommodate growing student populations and to modernize facilities.
Deerfield High School
- Address: 1959 N. Waukegan Road, Deerfield
- School District: Township High School District 113
- Why It Stands Out: Deerfield High School has received multiple National Blue Ribbon Awards, highlighting its commitment to high educational standards.
Deerfield High School opened in 1959.
Libertyville High School
- Address: 708 W. Park Ave., Libertyville
- School District: Community High School District 128
- Why It Stands Out: Libertyville High School is known for its variety of extracurricular activities, including competitive athletics and a robust arts program.
Established in 1901, Libertyville High School has a long history of educational excellence. Libertyville High has undergone several renovations since its inception.
Grayslake Central High School
- Address: 400 N. Lake St., Grayslake
- School District: Grayslake Community High School District 127
- Why It Stands Out: Grayslake Central High School has a commitment to student achievement and offers various programs to support college and career readiness.
Opened in 1954, Grayslake Central High School has a history of serving the educational needs of the Grayslake community.
Lake Zurich High School
- Address: 300 Church St., Lake Zurich
- School District: Community Unit School District 95
- Why It Stands Out: Lake Zurich High School is known for its dedicated staff and teachers.
Lake Zurich High School opened in 1912.
Grayslake North High School
- Address: 1925 N. Illinois Route 83, Grayslake
- School District: Grayslake Community High School District 127
- Why It Stands Out: Grayslake North High School is recognized for its programs that prepare students for future careers.
Opened in 2004, Grayslake North High School was established to accommodate the growing student population in the northern part of the district.
Follow Chicago Parent on Instagram.
