Diversity in schools plays a crucial role in broadening a child’s perspective and fostering inclusivity. For parents and educators seeking a snapshot of diverse learning environments in Cook County, Niche—a trusted platform for school and community rankings—has released its 2025 Most Diverse School Districts list.

This comprehensive ranking evaluates school districts based on ethnic and economic diversity, using detailed data sourced from the U.S. Census. By highlighting diversity across communities, these insights can help families make informed decisions about their child’s education.

See the ranking of the top 10 most diverse school districts in Cook County as well as its overall Niche grade below.

This story was updated on June 8, 2025, by Chicago Parent writer Sarah Knieff. Her work included updating the list with 2025 rankings and adding more detailed information. Questions? Email editor@chicagoparent.com.

Most diverse school districts in Cook County

East Maine School District No. 63, Des Plaines (B+)

• Address: 10150 Dee Rd., Des Plaines
• Why It Stands Out: Serving over 3,600 students, District 63 emphasizes a multicultural perspective and offers a range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music programs, and after-school clubs. Its commitment to differentiated instruction ensures that each student’s unique learning needs are met.

Established to serve parts of Des Plaines, Niles, Glenview, Park Ridge and Morton Grove, the district has a long-standing tradition of educational excellence and community involvement. 

Skokie School District No. 69, Skokie (B+)

• Address: 5050 Madison St., Skokie
• Why It Stands Out: Serving approximately 1,816 students, the district comprises four schools. It offers a preschool program and emphasizes community engagement through various family groups and events.

“District 69 commits to building a vibrant and equitable community where students thrive and continuously grow,” according to its website.

Community High School District No. 218, Oak Lawn (B+)

• Address: 10701 Kilpatrick Ave., Oak Lawn
• Why It Stands Out: Home to Harold L. Richards High School, the district offers a wide variety of programs and services, including college counseling, career advising and student support teams. It serves over 1,500 students in grades nine through 12.

With the high school named after Dr. Harold Leland Richards, who served as superintendent for 33 years, the district has a rich history of educational leadership and community service.

Skokie School District No. 68, Skokie (B)

• Address: 9440 Kenton Ave., Skokie
• Why it stands out: Skokie School District 68 has approximately 1,741 students in grades PK and K-8. The student-teacher ratio is 13 to 1. According to Niche, 22% of students are at least proficient in math and 29% in reading.

“Our school district opened in 1898 in a two-room schoolhouse called Sharp Corner School,” according to its website. “It was located at the corner of Gross Point, Church and Highway 41. The school served a large township; children walked to school from areas now known as Glenview and Evanston. As the community grew, the District added schools to serve the growing population. In 1965 student enrollment in District 68 peaked at 4,216.

Niles Township Community High School District No. 219, Skokie (A+)

• Address: 7700 Gross Point Rd., 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.

Arbor Park School District No. 145, Oak Forest (B-)

• Address: 17301 Central Ave., Oak Forest
• Why It Stands Out: Serving approximately 1,155 students, the district operates four schools and offers a range of programs to support student development. It emphasizes a partnership with students, staff, parents, and the community to create a conducive learning environment.

Established in Oak Forest, the district has a history of serving the educational needs of its community. Notably, Pulitzer Prize finalist Lee Martin attended Kimberly Heights Elementary and Arbor Park Middle School during the 1960s.

Evanston Township High School District No. 202, Evanston (A+)

• 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, Palatine (A+)

• Address: 1750 S. Roselle Rd., 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.

Since 1875, Township High School District No. 211 has grown into one of the largest districts in Illinois, continuously adapting to prepare students for the challenges of tomorrow.

Forest Park School District No. 91, Forest Park (B-)

• Address: 424 Des Plaines Ave., Forest Park
• Why it stands out: Forest Park School District 91 is notable for its small size and close-knit community, fostering personalized attention for each student. With an average class size of 20, the district emphasizes individualized instruction and innovative teaching methods, including project-based learning and the integration of technology. All students are provided with Chromebooks to enhance their learning experience. 

Established in a diverse, urban fringe area approximately 10 miles west of downtown Chicago, Forest Park School District 91 serves a community of about 15,000 residents. The district comprises four schools: two primary schools (grades K–two), one intermediate school (grades three-five), and one middle school (grades six-eight), along with a preschool located at Garfield Primary School.

Alsip-Hazelgreen-OakLawn School District No. 126, Alsip (B-)

• Address: 11900 South Kostner Ave., Alsip
• Why it stands out: District 126 is recognized for its commitment to community involvement and historical preservation. The district’s administrative center is housed within Prairie Junior High School, and the former Hazelgreen School building, constructed in 1916, now serves as the Sportsman Club. The district’s growth post-World War II led to the establishment of several schools, including Lane School, Stony Creek School, Hazelgreen School, Oak View School and Prairie Junior High. 

The district’s origins trace back to 1859 with the establishment of a one-room schoolhouse at 115th and Laramie. Over the years, the district expanded to accommodate the growing population, particularly during the post-war boom. By 1971, enrollment had reached 2,525 students. However, enrollment declined to 1,300 by 1982, leading to the sale of Oak View School to the Oak Lawn Park District. Today, the district encompasses five school sites across a 5.25-square-mile area, serving portions of Alsip and Oak Lawn.

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