Great teachers do more than educate — they inspire, mentor and shape the future of their students. If you’re looking for schools with top-rated educators in DuPage County, Niche, a trusted website for school rankings and data, has released its latest list of public schools with the best teachers in the area.
These rankings consider multiple factors, including teacher ratings, student performance on state assessments, teacher salaries and more to highlight schools with the most dedicated and effective educators. Read on to see which schools made the list and what makes them stand out!
Hinsdale Central High School, Hinsdale (A+)
- Address: 5500 S. Grant St., Hinsdale
- District: Hinsdale Township High School District 86
- Why it stands out: A 2021 National Blue Ribbon School recognized for its academic excellence, student support and well-rounded educational experience.
Located 17 miles west of Chicago in DuPage County, Hinsdale Central High School serves more than 2,500 students from Hinsdale, Burr Ridge, Clarendon Hills, Darien, Oak Brook, Westmont and Willowbrook. The school is known for its dedicated faculty and staff, who provide students with a comprehensive education that supports academic, social and emotional growth.
Kennedy Junior High School, Lisle (A+)
- Address: 2929 Green Trails Drive, Lisle
- District: Naperville Community Unit School District 203
- Why it stands out: A high-achieving junior high that fosters adaptability, critical thinking and lifelong learning to prepare students for success in a global society.
Kennedy Junior High School fosters academic excellence by empowering students with adaptability, critical thinking and communication skills. With a supportive environment, dedicated educators and a well-rounded curriculum, it prepares students for lifelong learning and global citizenship.
Walker School, Clarendon Hills (A+)
- Address: 120 Walker Ave., Clarendon Hills
- District: Hinsdale Elementary School District 181
- Why it stands out: A community-driven school focused on student-centered learning, inclusivity and strong academic foundations in a supportive and collaborative environment.
With a history dating back to 1870, Walker Elementary School fosters a close-knit learning community where students, staff, and families work together to create a positive, enriching educational experience. Walker’s dedicated teachers, strong parental involvement and focus on individual student growth make it a standout choice for families in Clarendon Hills.
Ellsworth Elementary School, Naperville (A+)
- Address: 145 N Sleight St., Naperville
- District: Naperville Community Unit School District 203
- Why it stands out: Distinguished by its community-centric approach, Ellsworth focuses on creating strong partnerships with parents and community members. The school’s dedication to enhancing literacy and numeracy skills has consistently yielded outstanding academic results.
With roots tracing back to the early 1900s, Ellsworth has a long-standing tradition of excellence, deeply ingrained in Naperville’s rich educational fabric.
Monroe Elementary School, Hinsdale (A+)
- Address: 210 N Madison St., Hinsdale
- School District: Community Consolidated School District 181
- Why It Stands Out: Monroe’s focus on individualized learning and support services ensures that all students achieve their potential in a caring, nurturing environment.
For decades, Monroe Elementary has stood as a beacon of educational excellence, adapting to new educational challenges and triumphing in student achievement.
Concord Elementary School, Darien (A)
- Address: 1019 Concord Place, Darien
- District: Cass School District 63
- Why it stands out: Concord Elementary is known for its strong academic performance and a commitment to early childhood and gifted education. The school consistently receives high marks for both math and reading proficiency and maintains a favorable student-teacher ratio of approximately 13:1. The school also offers integrated preschool programs, reflecting a well-rounded approach to foundational education. Its high ratings in teacher quality, academics and student diversity make it one of the standout elementary schools in the Darien area.
Concord Elementary opened in 1972 in response to the rapid suburban development of the Hinswood subdivision in Darien. It is part of Cass School District 63, which traces its roots back over 170 years to the post-settlement era of the 1830s. Initially, the area was served by one-room schoolhouses. As the community grew, so did the need for modern facilities, prompting the construction and periodic expansion of Concord Elementary. Today, it continues to evolve alongside its community, remaining a cornerstone of elementary education in Darien.
Butler Junior High School, Oak Brook (A)
- Address: 2801 York Road, Oak Brook
- School District: Butler School District 53
- Why It Stands Out: Butler Junior High is known for its high achievement and top test scores, as well as its nurturing community and personalized learning approach.
Serving over 500 students, Butler Junior High has been recognized with the National Blue Ribbon Award multiple times, highlighting its commitment to educational excellence.
Erickson Elementary School, Bloomingdale (A)
- Address: 277 Springfield Drive, Bloomingdale
- District: Bloomingdale School District 13
- Why it stands out: Erickson Elementary is the newest school in Bloomingdale School District 13 and serves a vibrant student body with a strong emphasis on academic achievement. It has been recognized by U.S. News as one of the best elementary schools in the state, with high reading proficiency rates. Erickson offers a nurturing environment focused on developing both the academic and social skills of its students. The school benefits from modern facilities and a curriculum that prepares students well for middle school and beyond.
Erickson Elementary was built in 1993 to meet the educational needs of Bloomingdale’s growing population. The school was named in honor of William L. Erickson, a former assistant superintendent in the district who passed away in 1990. From its inception, Erickson has emphasized innovation and student engagement. As one of the newer buildings in the district, it was designed with modern classrooms and infrastructure, positioning it to serve the community effectively into the future.
Clarendon Hills Middle School, Clarendon Hills (A+)
- Address: 301 Chicago Ave., Clarendon Hills
- School District: Community Consolidated School District 181
- Why It Stands Out: Clarendon Hills Middle School is a U.S. Department of Education National Blue Ribbon School and consistently ranks among the top middle schools in Illinois.
Opened on Aug. 28, 2000, Clarendon Hills Middle School was established following the passage of a referendum in November 1997.
Westfield Middle School, Bloomingdale (A)
- Address: 149 Fairfield Way, Bloomingdale
- District: Bloomingdale School District 13
- Why it stands out: Westfield Middle School is known for its rich academic and extracurricular programming, particularly in the arts and character development. The school offers foreign language instruction, including Spanish, and emphasizes leadership, responsibility, and community service through its W.A.R.R.I.O.R.S. mission—Welcoming, Ambitious, Respectful, Responsible, Innovative, Optimistic, Reflective and Successful. The school fosters a positive school culture and has received numerous staff and community recognition awards, demonstrating its impact beyond academics.
Westfield Middle School opened in 1975 and was named after the nearby Fairfield and Westlake subdivisions. It was built to accommodate the rising number of middle school-aged children in the growing Bloomingdale area. Over the years, Westfield has adapted its programs and facilities to align with educational trends and technological advancements. Today, it continues to serve as a dynamic learning environment, reflecting decades of community involvement and educational excellence.
This article was recently updated on June 29, 2025, by Chicago Parent writer Sarah Knieff. The update included her fact-checking this list using the latest data from Niche to provide the latest information on Illinois’ best teachers. Questions? Please reach out to editor@chicagoparent.com.
Follow Chicago Parent on Instagram.
