Cook County’s Best School Districts for 2025

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

School districts in Cook County 

This section features some of the best school districts in Cook County and are based on public data, academic performance, community reviews and survey feedback to help families find the right fit. Many of these schools have earned top marks, including A+, A and A– grades.

Glenbrook High School District 225 

• 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.

Evanston Township High School District No. 202 

• Address: 1600 Dodge Ave., 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.

Township High School District No. 211 

• 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.

Niles Township Community High School District No. 219 

• 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.

Barrington Community Unit School District No. 220 

• 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.

Township High School District No. 214 

• Address: 2121 S. Goebbert Road, Arlington Heights
• 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.

New Trier Township High School District No. 203 

• 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.

Consolidated High School District No. 230 

• 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.

Maine Township High School District No. 207 

• 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.

Leyden Community High School District No. 212 

• Address: 3400 Rose St., 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.

River Forest School District No. 90

• Address: 7776 West Lake St., River Forest
• Why It Stands Out: District 90 includes Lincoln Elementary, Willard Elementary, and Roosevelt Middle School, serving grades K–8. It’s known for its strong academics, robust arts and music programs, and foreign language offerings (French, Italian, Spanish). The district places an emphasis on inclusion and offers tailored programs for gifted and special-needs students.

Founded around the mid-1800s, District 90 has grown alongside the River Forest community. It has a long tradition of academic excellence and community involvement, and it feeds into the highly regarded Oak Park and River Forest High School.

Northbrook-Glenview School District No. 30

• Address: 2374 Shermer Road, Northbrook
• Why It Stands Out: This district serves parts of Northbrook and Glenview with three schools: Maple School (grades 6–8), Wescott School (K–5), and Willowbrook School (PreK–5). All three have earned National Blue Ribbon Awards. The district is also known for the Lew Blond Run, a major annual fundraiser and community event.

Established around 1860, District 30 began with what is now Maple School. The district has undergone several waves of renovation, most recently modernizing all three buildings. The schools continue to thrive academically and maintain strong community ties.

Northbrook School District No. 28

• Address: 1250 Sanders Road, Northbrook
• Why It Stands Out: District 28 serves around 1,800 students with three elementary schools (Greenbriar, Meadowbrook and Westmoor) and Northbrook Junior High (grades 6–8). The district emphasizes academic excellence, a low student-teacher ratio, technology integration, and whole-child development. Greenbriar School recently celebrated its 75th anniversary, and the district has a strong reputation for community engagement and teacher quality.

Established in the mid-20th century to serve Northbrook’s growing population, District 28 has expanded its facilities and programs over time. Greenbriar opened in 1949, and the other schools followed as the village developed. The district continues to evolve through facility upgrades and curriculum enhancements to meet modern educational standards.

Northbrook Elementary School District No. 27

• Address: 1250 Sanders Road, Northbrook
• Why It Stands Out: District 27 uses a grade-cluster model with three schools: Hickory Point (PreK–2), Shabonee (3–5), and Wood Oaks Junior High (6–8). The district is known for high test scores, strong financial stewardship, and social-emotional learning initiatives. It also places a heavy emphasis on long-term strategic planning.

Originally founded in 1853, the district was renamed Grove District No. 27 in 1901. A series of new schools opened in the 1950s–70s to accommodate growing enrollment. In 2010, the district consolidated and renovated facilities and recently introduced a new early childhood education program in 2023.

Pleasantdale School District No. 107

• Address: 7450 Wolf Road, Burr Ridge, IL 60527
• Why It Stands Out: Pleasantdale serves students in Burr Ridge and La Grange with one elementary school (PreK–4) and one middle school (5–8). The district is known for high academic performance, National Blue Ribbon recognition, and a supportive school community. Its facilities are modern and well-equipped.

Since its inception, the district has grown in reputation due to academic excellence and continuous facility upgrades. It was recognized with a Blue Ribbon Award in 1997 and has maintained strong student achievement levels since.

Sunset Ridge School District No. 29

• Address: 525 Sunset Ridge Road, Northfield

• Why it stands out: Sunset Ridge District 29 is recognized for its academic excellence and environmental leadership. Its flagship school, Sunset Ridge School, is the first LEED Platinum-certified public elementary school in Illinois, reflecting a commitment to sustainability, innovation and 21st-century learning. The district consistently ranks among the top-performing school systems in the state, thanks to small class sizes, advanced curriculum offerings and strong community support.

The district serves students in grades K–8 through two schools: Middlefork School (grades K–3) and Sunset Ridge School (grades 4–8). In 2018, the district opened a new Sunset Ridge School building, replacing an outdated structure to better serve its educational mission. It is a feeder district to New Trier High School, one of Illinois’ most prestigious public high schools, with a legacy of academic achievement and community involvement dating back decades.

Glencoe School District No. 35

• Address: 620 Greenwood Avenue, Glencoe, IL 60022

• Why it stands out: Glencoe District 35 stands out for its unique age-tiered school system that emphasizes developmentally appropriate instruction through separate schools for primary (K–2), intermediate (3–4), and upper elementary/middle (5–8) grades. The district benefits from a strong tradition of parent involvement and local investment in education, as well as proximity to nature, architecture, and cultural institutions of Chicago’s North Shore.

Public education in Glencoe began in the mid-1800s, with the current district structure evolving over time. South School was built in 1926, Central School in 1929, and West School was added later to accommodate growing enrollment. In the 1970s, the district reorganized into its current age-centered configuration. Glencoe’s schools have a long-standing reputation for excellence, supported by a highly engaged community and historic ties to some of the earliest school buildings in the region.

LaGrange Highlands School District No. 106

• Address: 1750 W Plainfield Road, La Grange Highlands

• Why it stands out: District 106 is unique for operating both its elementary (PreK–4) and middle school (5–8) programs within one modern campus, allowing for a cohesive and community-centered educational experience. It emphasizes a well-rounded approach to student life, offering robust extracurricular activities, arts programs and early access to academic enrichment—all within a close-knit learning environment that supports lifelong learning and character development.

Established to serve the growing suburban communities of La Grange Highlands, Western Springs, Indian Head Park and surrounding areas, the district has developed steadily over the decades. Its single-campus model supports continuity and collaboration among staff and students. While maintaining a small-district feel, LaGrange Highlands has consistently adapted to modern educational demands while preserving a strong local identity rooted in service and academic integrity.

Palos Community Consolidated School District No. 118

• Address: 8800 W 119th St., Palos Park

• Why it stands out: District 118 is known for its academic excellence, modern facilities and deep community roots. In 2022, Palos West Elementary was honored as a National Blue Ribbon School, reflecting the district’s commitment to student achievement and innovation. The district supports over 2,000 students across three schools and is regularly recognized as one of the top-performing elementary districts in Illinois.

Palos 118 has origins dating back to 1858, beginning as a one-room schoolhouse on land donated by local settler Richard C. McLaughry. Over time, six one-room schools consolidated into one district in 1949, evolving through strategic construction and modernization to accommodate the post-war suburban boom. The district has maintained a strong educational mission while honoring its over 160 years of history in Palos Township.

Wilmette School District No. 39

• Address: 615 Locust Road, Wilmette

• Why it stands out: Wilmette District 39 is celebrated for its academic excellence—multiple elementary schools, including Romona and Central, hold an “Exemplary” designation from the Illinois State Board of Education, placing them among the top 10% statewide — while maintaining small class sizes and a structured transition system where students from the four K–4 schools funnel into Highcrest Middle (5–6) before proceeding to Wilmette Junior High (7–8), reflecting a commitment to nurturing students in a developmentally responsive progression.

The district has long been the principal pre‑K–8 system in Wilmette, evolving to include a network of four elementary schools—Romona, Central, McKenzie, Harper—and two middle schools, anchored by the Mikaelian Education Center at 615 Locust Road. Its deeply rooted tradition of strong academics and community engagement continues to shape its role in sending students forward to New Trier High School.

LaGrange School District No. 102

• Address: 333 N Park Road, La Grange Park

• Why it stands out: District 102 is distinguished by its rich history and broad elementary network—serving K–6 across six schools (Cossitt, Ogden Avenue, Forest Road, Congress Park, Barnsdale, plus Park Junior High for grades 7–8)—many of which date back to the early 20th century and have retained unique features (such as Cossitt’s old basement pool, now a multipurpose room), reflecting a dedication to preserving heritage while meeting modern educational needs.

Public education in District 102 traces back to Cossitt Elementary, established in 1883, followed by Ogden Avenue in 1910, with post‑World War II expansions including Forest Road and Congress Park in 1950 and Barnsdale in 2007. Park Junior High was created in 1975. The district continues to evolve, including the recent addition of a Welcome Center at Park Junior High in 2020 to better support students and families, particularly those new to the district.

Western Springs School District No. 101

• Address: 4225 Wolf Road, Western Springs

• Why it stands out: District 101 stands out for its consistently high academic performance — its schools earn “commendable to exemplary” ratings on the Illinois Report Card, often outperforming state averages by more than double in English language arts, math and science. With strong community investment, high per-student spending and a clear structure of three elementary schools feeding into one junior high, the district fosters a well-resourced and academically driven environment.

Formed in 1888 with the original Grand Avenue School, the district expanded over the decades to accommodate growth in Western Springs. McClure Junior High, originally opened as the Wolf Road School in 1924, was renamed in 1935 and underwent significant expansions in 1961. Today, District 101 balances a deep-rooted educational history with modern curriculum and facilities to serve the evolving needs of its students.

Avoca School District No. 37

• Address: 2921 Illinois Road, Wilmette

• Why it stands out: Avoca District 37 is unique in that it serves parts of multiple North Shore communities — Wilmette, Glenview, Winnetka, and Northfield — and is known for its standout programs in music, science and extracurricular achievement. Marie Murphy School’s Science Olympiad team regularly places at the state and national levels, and the district has been recognized multiple times as one of the “Best Communities for Music Education” in the nation.

Founded in 1870, the district began with a simple wood-frame school before constructing a brick building in 1923. Avoca expanded in the postwar years with Avoca East (1957) and Avoca West (1959), which were further modernized in the 1960s. Marie Murphy School was rebuilt in 1992 and now serves grades 6–8. Today, Avoca 37 reflects over 150 years of public education, combining tradition with academic innovation and high community involvement.

La Grange School District No. 105

• Address: 701 Seventh Ave., La Grange

• Why it stands out: District 105 serves the communities of southern La Grange, Countryside and Hodgkins, and is praised for its cultural diversity and high academic expectations. It offers extensive programming from preschool through 8th grade, including strong special education and support services. The district focuses on fostering student growth, inclusion, and preparation for high school — most commonly Lyons Township High School — within a supportive and collaborative community.

Education in the area began as early as 1844, with a small school near Lyonsville. Over time, the district expanded steadily, with enrollment growing from 279 students in 1945 to over 700 by 1950. Today, the district includes five schools — four elementary and one middle school — reflecting a continued commitment to academic development and community responsiveness over more than a century.

Winnetka School District No. 36

• Address: 1235 Oak St., Winnetka

• Why it stands out: Winnetka District 36 is nationally known for its progressive, whole-child educational approach, originating from the famed “Winnetka Plan,” which emphasizes individualized, project-based learning. The district has a strong reputation for academic excellence, innovative instruction, and architectural significance — particularly Crow Island School, a National Historic Landmark and model for modern elementary school design.

Winnetka’s public school system dates back to 1859, with formal organization of the Board of Education in 1892. The district made educational history in 1919 when Superintendent Carleton Washburne introduced the Winnetka Plan, setting a national precedent for progressive education. The construction of Crow Island School in 1940 reinforced this philosophy and placed the district at the forefront of child-centered, design-conscious education for decades to come.

Lincolnwood School District No. 74

• Address: 6950 North East Prairie Road, Lincolnwood

• Why it stands out: Lincolnwood District 74 offers a unique three-school system that transitions students smoothly from early childhood through middle school — Todd Hall (PreK–2), Rutledge Hall (3–5), and Lincoln Hall (6–8). The district is known for strong arts, music, and STEM offerings, alongside a commitment to student wellness and strategic facility updates that support a modern learning environment.

Founded in 1938 with Lincoln Hall as its original school, the district expanded throughout the 20th century to serve the growing Lincolnwood community. Despite facing administrative challenges in the early 2010s, the district undertook significant reforms and financial planning. It adapted quickly during the COVID-19 pandemic with both in-person and remote options, demonstrating flexibility and a renewed focus on transparency and student-centered priorities.

North Palos School District No. 117

• Address: 7825 West 103rd St., Palos Hills

• Why it stands out: North Palos District 117 serves a large, diverse student population across several southwest suburbs, offering comprehensive PreK–8 education. With four elementary schools and one junior high, the district provides a broad array of academic and extracurricular programs. It places strong emphasis on academic excellence, character development and preparing students to become responsible citizens and high school-ready learners.

The district traces its roots back to approximately 1858 when it operated as Palos School District No. 4. With the reorganization of Cook County’s districts in 1900, it became District 117. Since then, it has grown significantly and now includes Conrady Junior High and four elementary schools. North Palos continues to build on its historical legacy with modern facilities and a strong focus on student achievement and equity.

Prospect Heights School District No. 23

• Address: 700 N Schoenbeck Road, Prospect Heights

• Why it stands out: District 23 is known for its unique grade-level configuration, where students attend different schools as they progress: Dwight D. Eisenhower Elementary (PreK–1), Betsy Ross (2–3), Anne Sullivan (4–5), and Douglas MacArthur Middle School (6–8). This setup allows for targeted instruction at each developmental stage. The district also benefits from strong community support and feeds into highly regarded high schools in District 214, providing students with a solid academic foundation and smooth transition to secondary education.

Established in 1912, the district has evolved alongside the suburban development of northwest Cook County. As populations grew and educational needs changed, District 23 expanded its facilities and adapted its structure to better serve students from multiple communities. Its long-standing relationship with Township High School District 214 has reinforced its reputation for academic alignment and quality instruction.

Norridge School District No. 80

• Address: 8151 W Lawrence Ave., Norridge

• Why it stands out: Norridge District 80 offers a small, community-oriented learning environment across two schools — John Leigh School (PreK–4) and James Giles School (5–8). The district is highly rated for its teaching staff and personal attention to students. Known for strong academics and extracurricular support, the district has demonstrated resilience and local pride, especially when the community rallied to maintain arts and music programs during challenging financial periods.

The district has served the village of Norridge for decades, adapting over time to serve its changing demographics and educational priorities. In recent years, it has dealt with budget challenges, including a failed tax referendum in 2016, but has continued to invest in core programs and facility upgrades. Recent initiatives have included science lab improvements and technology integration, helping to modernize its curriculum while preserving its neighborhood school character.

River Trails School District No. 26

• Address: 1900 East Kensington Road, Mount Prospect

• Why it stands out: River Trails District 26 is known for its commitment to preparing students to be “Life Ready” through personalized learning, STEM integration, and strong community engagement. The district offers a 1:1 technology program, coding, and robotics opportunities starting in early grades, along with strong arts and extracurricular offerings. With small class sizes and highly involved families, the district maintains high academic standards in a supportive learning environment.

Originally organized in 1895 as Feehanville School District, River Trails grew rapidly with the suburban boom of the 1960s. In just a decade, enrollment surged from 238 to over 3,000 students, prompting the construction of multiple schools. After restructuring during periods of declining enrollment in later decades, the district focused on modernization, equity, and innovation — earning both Blue Ribbon and Green Ribbon awards for academic and environmental excellence.

Golf Elementary School District No. 67

• Address: 9401 Waukegan Road, Morton Grove

• Why it stands out: Golf District 67 is a small but high-performing district known for its excellent governance, financial stability and award-winning schools. It offers a close-knit learning environment with a focus on literacy, STEM and social-emotional learning. Partnerships with local high schools enhance academic alignment, while initiatives like “Classrooms First” ensure students are well-prepared for the transition to high school.

The district originated in 1927 with the original Golf School, a four-room building serving the then-rural community. As the area urbanized post-WWII, the district expanded with Hynes Elementary in 1957 and a junior high in 1961. Over time, it restructured to meet modern needs, consolidating operations and focusing on academic excellence. Today, it serves students in Morton Grove and parts of Glenview with a reputation for strong academics and effective administration.

Palos Heights School District No. 128

• Address: 12809 S. McVickers Ave., Palos Heights

• Why it stands out: District 128 is known for its consistent academic performance and recent growth in early childhood enrollment, prompting expansions to meet rising demand. Independence Junior High has been recognized as a top-performing school in the state. The district is praised for its cohesive school community, committed staff, and strategic planning aimed at maintaining high-quality education while adapting to demographic shifts.

Serving the Palos Heights community, District 128 operates four schools covering Pre-K through eighth grade. The district has evolved over time to accommodate the needs of a growing suburban population. Its schools have received state-level recognition for academic excellence, and recent infrastructure developments reflect a forward-thinking response to increasing enrollment, especially in preschool and early grades.

Park Ridge–Niles School District No. 64

• Address: 8182 Greendale Ave., Niles

• Why it stands out: District 64 serves a large and diverse student population across five elementary schools, two middle schools and an early childhood center. It offers robust programming, a dedicated faculty and strong community involvement. Known for its well-rounded academic environment, the district is also noted for producing distinguished alumni, including former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Dating back to the 19th century, education in the Park Ridge area began with one-room schoolhouses before consolidating into a formal district in the early 1900s. Officially designated as District 64 in 1901, it grew rapidly alongside the development of the surrounding suburbs. Over the decades, the district added several schools to accommodate the expanding community, maintaining a strong tradition of academic excellence.

West Northfield School District No. 31

• Address: 3131 Techny Road, Northbrook

• Why it stands out: District 31 is recognized for its commitment to academic achievement, small class sizes, and inclusive learning environments. It serves a culturally and linguistically diverse student body and has received national honors, including a Blue Ribbon Award for Field Middle School. The district also emphasizes equity, innovative instruction, and community engagement.

West Northfield District 31 originated from a single K–8 school and expanded significantly in the mid-20th century. Field Middle School was established in the 1960s and named in honor of local philanthropist Stanley Field. Continued growth led to the opening of Winkelman Elementary. The district has maintained a strong reputation through thoughtful expansion, modernization, and a deep connection to the local community.

Community Consolidated School District No. 15

• Address: 580 N. 1st Bank Drive, Palatine

• Why it stands out: District 15 is the second-largest elementary-only school district in Illinois, serving over 11,000 students across more than 20 schools. It is widely recognized for its diversity, academic rigor, and innovative programs. The district has earned national accolades, including multiple Blue Ribbon Awards and the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, highlighting its commitment to continuous improvement and student success.

Founded in 1946, District 15 has grown alongside the suburban expansion of northwest Cook County. It has consistently invested in modern education practices, inclusive programming, and school infrastructure. With a strong track record of educational leadership and community collaboration, the district continues to serve as a model of comprehensive, high-quality public education.

This article was recently updated on Aug. 18, 2025, by Chicago Parent 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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