Choosing the right school district is a critical decision that can greatly influence your child’s academic success and future opportunities. In Cook County, certain school districts consistently stand out with higher performance scores than others.
To help families make informed choices, this list highlighting the best school districts 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 to see which Cook County school districts made the list.
Read more: Best School Districts in Chicago Area
Best school districts in Cook County
1. Glenbrook High School District 225 (A+)
- Address: 3801 W. Lake Ave., Glenview
- Why it stands out: Glenbrook High School District 225 is renowned for its commitment to nurturing a well-rounded educational experience. With rigorous academic programs complemented by extensive extracurricular activities, students are encouraged to explore their passions and excel in multiple domains.
Established in 1947, the district has a storied tradition of excellence, consistently evolving its curriculum and facilities to meet the demands of an ever-changing world.
2. Evanston Township High School District No. 202 (A+)
- Address: 1600 Dodge Avenue, Evanston
- Why it stands out: Evanston Township High School District No. 202 boasts an impressive array of Advanced Placement courses and an award-winning arts program. The district’s diverse student body fosters a unique learning environment rich in cultural exposure.
Founded in 1883, it has a long legacy of academic distinction and community engagement, championing progressive education reforms and inclusivity.
3. Township High School District No. 211 (A+)
- Address: 1750 S. Roselle Road, Palatine
- Why it stands out: With cutting-edge technology integration and state-of-the-art facilities, this district is at the forefront of modern educational trends. The district also emphasizes career-readiness with comprehensive vocational programs.
4. Niles Township Community High School District No. 219 (A+)
- Address: 7700 Gross Point Road, Skokie
- Why it stands out: Known for its remarkable diversity and commitment to innovative teaching methods, District 219 provides students with numerous resources for academic and personal growth.
In operation since 1938, the district has championed diversity, equity, and inclusion long before they became educational buzzwords.
5. Barrington Community Unit School District No. 220 (A+)
- Address: 515 W. Main St., Barrington
- Why it stands out: This district is celebrated for its dynamic educational programs and robust community involvement, with a strong focus on sustainability and global citizenship.
Since its inception in 1973, Barrington 220 has been a pioneer in environmental education and innovative learning models.
6. Township High School District No. 214 (A+)
- Address: 2121 S. Goebbert Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60005
- Why it stands out: District 214 is illustrious for its Career Pathways program, which provides practical experiences in various industries, ensuring students graduate with marketable skills.
Operating since 1914, the district has transformed from a small suburban school system into a leader in career-focused education.
7. New Trier Township High School District No. 203 (A+)
- Address: 7 Happ Road, Northfield
- Why it stands out: New Trier is synonymous with excellence, offering a wide array of advanced placement courses and a nationally recognized performing arts program.
With roots dating back to 1901, the district has a century-long legacy of producing leaders and innovators.
8. Consolidated High School District No. 230 (A+)
- Address: 15100 S. 94th Ave., Orland Park
- Why it stands out: Known for its collaboration with local businesses and its focus on personalized learning, District 230 prepares students exceptionally well for post-secondary success.
Since opening, the district has expanded and refined its offerings to meet the needs of a diverse suburban population.
9. Maine Township High School District No. 207 (A+)
- Address: 1177 S. Dee Road, Park Ridge
- Why it stands out: Maine Township’s dedication to student mental health and well-being, alongside a comprehensive academic curriculum, sets it apart as a nurturing environment for holistic development.
Established in 1902, Maine 207 has led initiatives focused on emotional and academic support systems, benefiting students immensely.
10. Leyden Community High School District No. 212 (A)
- Address: 3400 Rose Street, Franklin Park
- Why it stands out: With a strong emphasis on technology-enhanced learning and bilingual education, this district fosters an inclusive and forward-thinking atmosphere.
Since its foundation in 1924, Leyden District 212 has been dedicated to preparing students for a rapidly evolving global society by championing innovation and inclusivity.
This article was recently updated on April 13, 2025 by Chicago Parent’s writer, Sarah Knieff. The update included her research and fact-checking expertise to provide the latest information on the best school districts in Cook County. Questions? Please reach out to editor@chicagoparent.com.
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