Lake County’s Best School Districts for 2025

Read more: Best School Districts in Chicagoland

Best school districts in Lake County 

Adlai E. Stevenson High School District No. 125, Lincolnshire (A+)

• Address: 1 Stevenson Drive, Lincolnshire
• Why it stands out: Often lauded for its rigorous academic programs and emphasis on student involvement, Stevenson High School District offers a plethora of extracurricular activities and exceptional college preparedness.

Established in 1965, the district has been a leader in educational innovation with its continuously updated curriculum to adapt to changing educational needs.

Township High School District No. 113, Highland Park (A+)

• Address: 1040 Park Ave W, Highland Park
• Why it stands out: Focused on crafting an inclusive and challenging curriculum, the district excels in providing AP courses and individualized learning opportunities.

With roots dating back to the early 20th century, District 113 has been a beacon of educational progression and community collaboration.

Community High School District 128, Vernon Hills (A+)

• Address: 50 N. Lakeview Pkwy, Vernon Hills
• Why it stands out: Community High School District 128 is noted for its commitment to student success, with a comprehensive counseling program and high graduation rates.

After merging two local high schools in 1999, the district rapidly developed a reputation for educational superiority and community involvement.

Grayslake Community High School District No. 127, Grayslake (A+)

• Address: 400 N. Lake St., Grayslake
  
• Why it stands out: Grayslake Community High School District 127 is renowned for its rigorous academic programs, exemplary extracurriculars, and a strong emphasis on community engagement. The district consistently ranks at the top for student performance, graduation rates, and college readiness, earning it a prestigious A+ rating.

Established in 1946, District 127 has grown alongside the expanding community of Grayslake. Over the decades, it has invested significantly in state-of-the-art facilities and diverse programming to meet changing educational demands, fostering a tradition of excellence and innovation.

Lake Zurich Community Unit School District No. 95, Lake Zurich (A)

• Address: 832 S Rand Road, Lake Zurich
  
• Why it stands out: Lake Zurich CUSD 95 boasts a strong academic curriculum coupled with cutting-edge technology integration. The district prioritizes small class sizes and personalized learning, reflected in its A rating. Their commitment to athletics, arts, and STEM education also contributes to the district’s balanced approach.

With roots dating back to the early 1900s, this district has evolved from small rural beginnings to a comprehensive modern educational system. Emphasizing community collaboration, District 95 has adapted through continuous improvements in infrastructure and teaching methods.

Community High School District No. 117, Lake Villa (A+)

• Address: 1625 Deep Lake Road, Lake Villa
  
• Why it stands out: District 117 boasts academically rigorous programs with a strong focus on student development and career readiness. Their A+ rating comes from high test scores, innovative curriculum, and an active community partnership aimed at supporting diverse student needs.

Originally established to serve rural communities, District 117 has expanded and modernized to accommodate population growth and educational trends. Its long-standing commitment to excellence has made it a pillar in the Lake Villa area.

Lincolnshire–Prairieview School District No. 103, Lincolnshire

• Address: 111 Barclay Boulevard, Suite 100, Lincolnshire, IL 60069
• Why it stands out: Lincolnshire–Prairieview School District 103 is consistently ranked among the top-performing elementary school districts in Lake County and the state of Illinois. Known for its academic excellence and highly qualified educators, the district includes three schools — Laura B. Sprague School (grades K–2), Half Day School (grades 3–5), and Daniel Wright Junior High School (grades 6–8). All three schools have been recognized with multiple National Blue Ribbon Awards. Daniel Wright Junior High, in particular, ranks in the top 1% of Illinois middle schools and has earned state and national honors for student performance and growth.

The roots of District 103 trace back to 1836 when Laura B. Sprague opened Lake County’s first school in a one-room log cabin. In 1842, the formal establishment of Half Day School marked the community’s growing commitment to education. Originally known as District 1, the area became District 103 following countywide renumbering in the early 20th century. The district steadily expanded throughout the 1900s to accommodate population growth, adding classrooms, buildings, and educational programs. Laura B. Sprague School was built in 1963, and Daniel Wright Junior High School followed in 1972. Although Half Day School was closed in 1983 due to declining enrollment, it was reopened in 1992 as the community rebounded.

Kildeer Countryside Community Consolidated School District No. 96, Buffalo Grove

• Address: 1050 Ivy Hall Lane, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
• Why it stands out: Kildeer Countryside CCSD 96 is widely recognized for its academic excellence, modern facilities, and award-winning schools. Serving approximately 3,200 students in seven schools across a 20-square-mile area, the district has earned multiple National Blue Ribbon School awards across elementary and middle school levels. Schools such as Ivy Hall, Woodlawn, Prairie, and Twin Groves have been honored for both academic and physical education achievements. The district’s reputation is reinforced by accolades from regional and national publications, highlighting its consistent high performance. It has received an Illinois Green Ribbon District designation for its commitment to sustainability and environmental education.

Established in 1946, Kildeer Countryside CCSD 96 was formed through the consolidation of four small one-room school districts, evolving to serve a growing suburban population. Over the decades, the district adapted to community needs with new school construction, modernization, and the development of grade-specific centers. A major reorganization in 1999 led to the creation of an Early Childhood/Kindergarten Center and the restructuring of elementary schools to serve grades 1–5, with middle schools serving grades 6–8.

Lake Bluff Elementary School District No. 65, Lake Bluff

• Address: 121 E. Sheridan Place, Lake Bluff, IL 60044
• Why it stands out: Lake Bluff School District 65 is a close-knit, K–8 public school district serving around 900 students in the village of Lake Bluff. It is recognized for its commitment to fostering academic achievement, personal growth, and a strong school community. With a district motto of “Excellence in Education, Enthusiasm for Life, Every Student, Every Day,” the district emphasizes individualized learning, a student-centered environment, and staff satisfaction. The schools are known for nurturing both academic success and the social-emotional well-being of students, supported by modern facilities and dedicated educators who are deeply involved in the community.

The district has deep roots in Lake Bluff’s history, with the earliest school established in 1895. In the 1970s, the schools transitioned from neighborhood-based schools to grade-level centers. As the community’s needs changed, the district underwent major restructuring. In 2007, a narrowly passed referendum enabled the district to build a new consolidated elementary school, which opened in 2009, replacing both West and Central Elementary Schools. The new facility was constructed on land obtained through a property swap with the local park district. Later, in 2016, Lake Bluff Middle School was extensively renovated with the addition of new classroom wings, a library, a modern cafeteria, and a Makerspace to support STEM education.

Hawthorn Community Consolidated School District No. 73, Vernon Hills

• Address: 841 West End Court, Vernon Hills
• Why It Stands Out: Hawthorn District 73 is committed to excellence, aiming to be in the top 10% for both growth and proficiency. The district offers a vibrant array of clubs and extracurricular activities, catering to diverse interests and passions.

Serving approximately 3,937 students as of 2020, Hawthorn District 73 encompasses nine schools spread across two campuses: the North Campus and the T.G. Oakson Campus. The district has a history of expanding its dual language program and has recently opened the Hawthorn School for Young Learners in 2020.

Lake Forest School District No. 67, Lake Forest

• Address: 300 South Waukegan Road, Lake Forest, IL 60045
• Why it stands out: Lake Forest School District 67 serves approximately 1,600 students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade across three elementary schools and one middle school. The district is known for its high academic standards, strong community support, and an emphasis on whole-child development. It maintains a balanced educational approach with a focus on academic achievement, arts, and social-emotional learning. Schools in the district are frequently recognized for their excellence in teaching and learning, supported by experienced leadership and high parent engagement.

Established in 1862, District 67 has been a cornerstone of education in the Lake Forest community for over 160 years. Over time, it has evolved to include Cherokee, Everett, and Sheridan Elementary Schools, along with Deer Path Middle School. The district has a long tradition of adapting to the educational needs of its residents while maintaining a strong academic foundation rooted in local values.

North Shore School District No. 112, Highwood

• Address: 445 Sheridan Road, Highwood, IL 60040
• Why it stands out: North Shore School District 112 serves approximately 3,800 students in preschool through 8th grade across multiple elementary and middle schools in Highland Park, Highwood, and the Fort Sheridan area. The district is known for its commitment to equity, innovation, and personalized learning. With a focus on inclusive practices and 21st-century skills, the district emphasizes student voice, community collaboration, and continuous improvement. It is actively undergoing a long-range facilities plan aimed at modernizing its buildings and aligning them with contemporary learning goals.

District 112 has deep roots in the North Shore area. It was formed through the consolidation of several local districts to better serve a growing population. Today, it continues to evolve through ongoing curriculum updates, facility upgrades, and a focus on future-ready education.

Deerfield School District No. 109, Deerfield

• Address: 517 Deerfield Road, Deerfield, IL 60015 (located within Kipling Elementary School)
• Why it stands out: Deerfield School District 109 is recognized for its high academic performance, innovative programs, and strong community involvement. Serving approximately 2,900 students across four elementary schools and two middle schools, the district boasts a highly qualified teaching staff, with nearly 70% holding advanced degrees. It places strong emphasis on inclusive education, creativity, student-centered learning, and staff development.

District 109 traces its origins back to the 1840s and was formally organized in 1860. After a fire destroyed the original wooden schoolhouse in 1913, the community approved a new school building through a successful referendum. In 1978, District 109 merged with District 110 to create a more unified system serving the Deerfield and Riverwoods communities. This consolidation allowed the district to expand its services and improve educational outcomes for a broader student base.

Millburn Community Consolidated School District No. 24, Old Mill Creek

• Address: 18550 W Millburn Rd., Old Mill Creek, IL 60083
• Why it stands out: Millburn School District 24 is a small but highly regarded K–8 district serving just under 1,100 students. The district is known for its tight-knit community, emphasis on individualized learning, and a strong connection to local history. Students benefit from low student-to-teacher ratios, personalized support, and a curriculum that integrates academic rigor with social-emotional development.

The district was formed around 1919–1920 through the consolidation of several one-room schoolhouses, including the Hockaday, Dodge, and Grubb schools, later joined by Waterbury and Browe. A brick school building was constructed shortly after the consolidation, followed by further expansions in the 1960s. In 1962, a new facility was built to accommodate a growing student population, with additional wings added in 1968. In the 2000s, a second campus, Millburn West, was opened, helping the district manage ongoing growth while preserving its small-school culture.

Fremont School District No. 79, Mundelein

• Address: 28855 North Fremont Center Road, Mundelein, IL 60060
• Why it stands out: Fremont School District 79 serves approximately 2,100 students from preschool through 8th grade and spans parts of seven municipalities in Lake County. The district is unique in that it operates multiple schools on a shared campus, fostering a collaborative and cohesive school culture. Known for its strong academic performance, Fremont also excels in financial stewardship, consistently earning the state’s Financial Recognition Award and national accolades like the Meritorious Budget Award.

Fremont’s beginnings date back to the 1950s as a small, single-building district. The campus expanded over the years to accommodate growing enrollment. In 1998, the elementary school (grades K–2) was opened, followed by the intermediate school (grades 3–5) in 2007. The middle school (grades 6–8) has undergone continuous renovations, most recently in 2018. The Lincoln Early Learning Center, added in partnership with nearby districts, provides preschool education.

This article was recently updated on Sept. 4, 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 Lake County. Questions? Please reach out to editor@chicagoparent.com.

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