A top notch education sets the foundation for your student’s later success.
Some schools prioritize rigorous athletics alongside academics while others might prepare students for a successful STEM career. Every child is different and her schooling can be, too. Magnet schools in the Chicago area offer parents more diverse options for education.
We use a trusted platform for school rankings, has analyzed and graded the best magnet schools in the Chicago area. These scores are based on crucial factors like state test scores, teacher effectiveness and school diversity.
Read on for our list of the best magnet schools in the Chicago area.
1. Payton College Preparatory High School, (A+)
- Address: 1034 N. Wells St., Chicago
- Why it stands out: Payton snags the top spot for a reason–excellent academics, global instruction and great extracurriculars.
This selective enrollment public high school is a two-time National Blue Ribbon Award winner. Students experience a truly global classroom at Payton from its location in the heart of Chicago.
The school affords many opportunities for learners to broaden their horizons. There’s a choice of Advanced Placement (AP) classes, competitive sports and international study opportunities. Payton students also have the option to explore topics through its Seminar Program, with subjects ranging from horseback riding to acoustic guitar. The school is home to a Confucius Institute, designed to support its Mandarin Chinese Language Program.
On SAT scores last year, nearly 69% of Payton students exceeded the proficiency level compared to roughly 11% of students statewide.
2. Northside College Preparatory High School, (A+)
- Address: 5501 N. Kedzie Ave., Chicago
- Why it stands out: Students with a desire to dig deep into different subjects will find advanced classes with expert teachers at Northside.
Student life is just as robust as the academics at Northside College Preparatory High School. Northside is a selective enrollment high school where dedicated students thrive.
Students with an interest in pushing themselves further will find the necessary courses at this school. For learners with a particular interest, like math or fine arts, Northside offers very advanced levels, allowing students to delve deeper into subject matter.
The school also offers many language programs, including Chinese, Japanese and Latin.
3. Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, (A+)
- Address: 1500 Sullivan Road, Aurora
- Why it stands out: This premier math and science academy offers on-campus living for high schoolers.
Academically talented students with an interest in STEM can find a like minded group of peers at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA).
The school is one of the premier math and science academies in the country. Students in grades 10-12 partake in its advanced residential academic program. Students with varied interests outside of STEM courses also have options–IMSA offers classes in fine arts, world languages and literature.
The academy is unique for its residential aspect. Students live away from home in an environment that prepares them for their future studies.
4. Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, (A+)
- Address: 211 S. Laflin St., Chicago
- Why it stands out: High achieving students with a desire for a complete high school experience can find it at Whitney M. Young.
Whitney M. Young Magnet High School provides a comprehensive education for its students, complete with a dynamic student life.
There’s the option for dual credit and dual enrollment as well as Advanced Placement (AP) classes. Students can choose from 36 AP classes and 88 Honors classes overall. Plus, unique classes like graphic design, sculpture and video production are available.
Students seeking a rigorous academic program but who don’t want to give up the “high school experience” should consider this magnet school.
5. Jones College Prep High School, (A+)
- Address: 700 S. State St., Chicago
- Why it stands out: This college prep high school prepares students to thrive in their future studies and their careers.
Students at Jones College Prep High School have amassed some serious accolades: a 99 percent college acceptance rate, 1278 average SAT score and 98 percent of students earning an Advanced Placement (AP) score of 3 or higher.
Students can choose from more than 125 course offerings, with many honors classes and more than 25 AP options. Plus, students can earn dual credit through a partnership with Loyola University and off-campus dual enrollment courses through the City Colleges of Chicago.
6. Lane Tech College Prep High School, (A+)
- Address: 2501 W. Addison St., Chicago
- Why it stands out: An award-winning school with a rich history of excellence, including standout athletics and a new STEM lab.
Housed on a picturesque 30-acre campus, Lane Tech College Prep High School educates girls and boys in grades seven-12.
The National Blue Ribbon Award-winning school boasts extensive Advanced Placement (AP) choices, a STEM program with a renowned science fair, award-winning fine arts programs and championship athletics teams. The school recently added new labs and facilities, including a STEM wing featuring an aquaponics facility.
The school says that more than 90% of students go on to earn college degrees in fields like architecture, engineering, medicine, mathematics, science, journalism, accounting, music, art and teaching.
7. Lincoln Park High School, (A)
- Address: 2001 N. Orchard St., Chicago
- Why it stands out: Lincoln Park High School is both a neighborhood school and a magnet school. It stands out for its diversity of programs, including the option for the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma program.
Lincoln Park High School is a neighborhood school with attendance boundaries as well as an option for three magnet programs.
The school offers magnet programs focused on the following subjects: performing arts, visual art, advanced college prep and the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Students have the option to push their learning further thanks to the school’s many specialty programs.
Another unique aspect to Lincoln Park High School students is the ability for all students in grades 9-10 to participate in the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP). IB MYP is a rigorous academic program meant to encourage critical thinking skills in learners.
8. Gwendolyn Brooks College Preparatory Academy, (A)
- Address: 250 E. 111th St., Chicago
- Why it stands out: A standout college prep environment with a focus on using real-world experiences to enhance learning.
This college prep high school located in the South Side neighborhood of Chicago is known for its rigorous academic programming.
The school offers honors, Advanced Placement (AP) and dual credit alongside its Proficiency-Based Learning (PBL) approach. The PBL approach asks students to use real-world situations and experiences to better understand lessons. Students work through complex subjects using “critical thinking, collaboration, creativity and communication,” says the school.
Athletics are another benefit to studying at this academy. Student athletes can choose from sports like bowling, tennis and water polo alongside classics like football and basketball.
9. Hawthorne Scholastic Academy, (A)
- Address: 3319 N. Clifton Ave., Chicago
- Why it stands out: A magnet-only school for students in grades K-eight with high-flying academics.
Hawthorne Scholastic Academy is a K-grade eight magnet-only school operating on a city-wide lottery.
The state ranks Hawthorne Scholastic Academy as “exemplary” meaning it performs in the top 10% of schools statewide with no underperforming student groups. Students far outperform the state average on testing across the board.
Hawthorne provides a well-rounded education. Students can participate in athletics, after-school clubs, field trips, festivals and more.
10. Decatur Classical School, (A)
- Address: 7030 N. Sacramento Ave., Chicago
- Why it stands out: A K-8 school devoted to developing the whole child. Engaged teachers and staff help children reach their potential.
This 2020 National Blue Ribbon-award winning school sets its young learners up for future success through a comprehensive curriculum.
Students at Decatur outperform state averages across tests and the school is ranked among the top elementary schools statewide. Decatur offers more than just academics, though. Kids can get involved with FIRST LEGO League, sports and summer camp.
The school also uses restorative practices in place of traditional discipline. In the case of conflict or harm, school staff lead students to discuss their feelings and find solutions together.
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