The 30 Best High Schools in Cook County, IL: Rankings and Academic Performance
Cook County, Illinois, represents one of the nation’s most competitive educational landscapes, housing exceptional high schools that consistently rank among the top performers nationwide.
The county encompasses diverse communities from urban Chicago to affluent suburbs, each offering unique educational opportunities through specialized programs, advanced coursework, and innovative teaching approaches.
Parents and students seeking academic excellence will find Cook County’s top 30 high schools deliver outstanding college preparation, specialized learning tracks, and comprehensive educational experiences that prepare students for future success.
These institutions span from highly selective college preparatory programs to specialized magnet schools focusing on science, technology, arts, and career preparation, providing families with numerous pathways to academic achievement.
Here are the 30 best high schools in Cook County, IL:
1. Northside College Preparatory High School
Northside College Preparatory High School stands as Cook County’s premier public high school. The selective enrollment institution consistently ranks among the top 3-5 high schools in Illinois.
Located at 5501 N. Kedzie Avenue in Chicago’s North Park neighborhood, the school serves 1,032 students in grades 9-12. It operates as part of Chicago Public Schools district.
Academic performance sets Northside apart from other institutions. Over 91% of 11th-grade students achieve proficiency or better in SAT Mathematics and English Language Arts assessments.
The school offers Advanced Placement courses and maintains a Gifted & Talented program. Students can participate in 25 different sports programs alongside rigorous academic coursework.
Northside College Prep ranks within the top 1% of all Illinois public schools. The institution attracts high-achieving students through its competitive admission process and reputation for college preparation excellence.
2. Lane Technical College Prep High School
Lane Technical College Prep High School stands as one of Chicago’s premier selective enrollment magnet schools. Located in the Roscoe Village neighborhood on the north side, this institution serves 4,525 students in grades 7-12.
The school ranks within the top 1% of all public schools in Illinois. Lane Tech offers Advanced Placement courses and maintains a Gifted & Talented program for academically exceptional students.
As part of Chicago Public Schools, Lane Tech operates as a four-year selective enrollment program. The school’s full name is Albert Grannis Lane Technical College Preparatory High School.
Lane Tech consistently appears on rankings of Chicago’s best high schools. The institution focuses on college preparation while maintaining its technical education heritage.
Students benefit from the school’s magnet program structure, which attracts motivated learners from across the city.
3. Walter Payton College Preparatory High School
Walter Payton College Preparatory High School stands as one of Chicago’s premier selective enrollment institutions. The school opened in 2000 and quickly established itself as a leader in academic excellence.
Located at 1034 N Wells Street in Chicago, Payton serves as an international model for global teaching and learning. The school maintains a selective admission process that attracts high-achieving students from across the city.
U.S. News & World Report ranked Walter Payton as the 5th best high school nationally in recent rankings. The school boasts a 100% graduation rate, demonstrating its commitment to student success.
Payton offers Advanced Placement courses and operates a Gifted & Talented program. The school achieved notable recognition when 40 students scored perfect 36s on the ACT exam.
The institution emphasizes student discovery, intellectual curiosity, and international exploration as core educational principles.
4. Young Magnet High School
Young Magnet High School stands among Cook County’s most prestigious public institutions. The school ranks within the top 1% of all public schools in Illinois.
Located in Chicago, Young Magnet serves 2,221 students across grades 7-12. This makes it one of the larger magnet schools in the Chicago Public Schools system.
The school offers Advanced Placement courses and maintains a Gifted & Talented program. These academic offerings attract high-achieving students from across the county.
As a magnet school, Young Magnet draws students through a selective admissions process. The competitive environment fosters academic excellence among its diverse student body.
The institution consistently receives high rankings from multiple educational rating organizations. Test scores and college readiness metrics place it among Chicago’s elite public high schools.
5. Schaumburg High School
Schaumburg High School serves grades 9-12 in the city of Schaumburg, Illinois. The school has maintained consistent academic performance over recent years.
The institution has ranked among the top 61 high schools in Illinois for three consecutive school years. SchoolDigger awarded the school a 5-star rating based on its academic metrics.
Schaumburg High School stands as the primary high school serving the Schaumburg community. The school provides comprehensive educational programs for its student population.
Academic performance data shows the school performs well compared to state averages. Students have access to various educational opportunities and resources.
The school’s location in Cook County places it within a district that generally performs above state benchmarks. Faculty and staff work to maintain the institution’s academic standards and reputation.
6. Steinmetz College Prep
Steinmetz College Prep serves as a public four-year high school in Chicago’s Belmont Cragin community area on the Northwest Side. The school operates within the City of Chicago School District 299.
The institution enrolls 1,513 students across grades 9-12. It maintains a student-teacher ratio of 16.8 to 1, providing reasonable class sizes for instruction.
Steinmetz offers multiple advanced academic programs including International Baccalaureate and dual credit opportunities. These programs allow students to earn college credits while completing high school requirements.
The school features a Professional Career Center health clinic that provides healthcare services to students and the surrounding community. This facility operates within the school building.
Students can participate in various extracurricular activities beyond the standard curriculum. The school emphasizes its role as a neighborhood institution serving local families in the 21st century.
7. Niles North High School
Niles North High School serves 2,015 students in grades 9-12 in Skokie, Illinois. The school operates within Niles Township High School District 219.
The school ranks within the top 30% of all public schools in Illinois. Both Niles North and its district partner Niles West earned spots among the top 80 Illinois public high schools in U.S. News and World Report rankings.
Located in Skokie, the school provides comprehensive educational programs for its large student body. The district’s dual-school structure allows for specialized resources and programs across both campuses.
Niles North’s consistent ranking performance demonstrates academic quality and student achievement. The school’s placement in statewide rankings reflects strong educational outcomes and college preparation programs for students in the northern Cook County area.
8. Wheeling High School
Wheeling High School serves students in grades 9-12 in Wheeling, Illinois. The school enrolls over 1,700 students, making it a relatively large institution in the area.
The school ranks 133 out of 813 high schools in Illinois. This performance earned it a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger.
Wheeling High School is the only high school serving the city of Wheeling. The school operates within Cook County’s educational system.
Students at Wheeling High School have access to comprehensive academic programs. The school’s size allows it to offer diverse educational opportunities for its large student body.
The institution maintains its position as a notable educational option in Cook County. Its ranking places it in the upper portion of Illinois high schools statewide.
9. Barrington High School
Barrington High School serves grades 9-12 in the Barrington CUSD 220 district. The school consistently ranks among the top 30 high schools in Illinois.
SchoolDigger has awarded the school a 5-star rating for exceptional academic performance. This rating reflects the institution’s commitment to educational excellence.
The school boasts an impressive 96.4% four-year graduation rate. This statistic demonstrates strong student retention and academic success.
Over the past decade, Barrington High School has maintained statewide rankings between 18-35. The consistent performance indicates stable academic standards and quality instruction.
Students at Barrington High School benefit from a well-established educational program. The school’s track record shows sustained academic achievement across multiple years.
The institution represents one of Cook County’s premier public high school options. Families in the Barrington area have access to this highly-rated educational facility.
10. Conant High School
James B. Conant High School serves 2,598 students in grades 9-12 in Hoffman Estates. The school ranks within the top 10% of all public schools in Illinois.
Located in Township High School District 211, Conant consistently demonstrates strong academic performance. The school offers comprehensive educational programs designed to prepare students for college and career success.
Conant High School provides students with diverse academic opportunities and extracurricular activities. The school’s size allows for extensive course offerings while maintaining manageable class sizes.
The institution has earned recognition for its commitment to academic excellence and student achievement. Faculty members focus on delivering quality education that meets the needs of a diverse student population.
Conant High School’s location in Hoffman Estates provides students with access to suburban amenities while remaining connected to the broader Chicago metropolitan area educational network.
11. Palatine High School
Palatine High School stands as one of the notable public high schools in Cook County. The school serves students in grades 9-12 and maintains a solid reputation within the community.
Located in Palatine, Illinois, the school offers comprehensive educational programs for its diverse student body. Academic performance data shows the school competes well with other institutions in the region.
The school provides various extracurricular activities and sports programs. Students have access to advanced placement courses and college preparatory programs.
Palatine High School consistently appears in regional rankings of top public schools. The institution benefits from experienced faculty and modern facilities that support student learning.
The school’s location in Cook County provides students with access to broader educational and career opportunities in the Chicago metropolitan area.
12. Hersey High School
John Hersey High School stands as one of Cook County’s top-performing educational institutions. Located in Arlington Heights, the school serves 2,035 students across grades 9-12.
The school consistently earns recognition in state and national rankings. U.S. News & World Report ranked Hersey 22nd in Illinois and 560th nationally in their 2023-2024 rankings.
Hersey operates within the top 5% of all public schools in Illinois. The school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 16.5 to 1, providing reasonable class sizes for effective learning.
Academic excellence translates into strong graduation outcomes. The school achieves a 95% graduation rate, demonstrating its commitment to student success.
As part of Township High School District 214, Hersey benefits from district-wide resources and support systems. The school ranks as the 81st largest public high school in Illinois.
13. Fremd High School
William Fremd High School serves 2,657 students in grades 9-12 in Palatine, Illinois. The school operates within Township High School District 211.
Fremd ranks within the top 5% of all public schools in Illinois. Chicago magazine recently included the school among the top 5 best high schools in Cook County.
The school demonstrates strong academic performance across multiple measures. Students benefit from comprehensive educational programs and resources.
Fremd’s location in Palatine provides access to a suburban community setting. The school maintains recognition for its academic achievements and student outcomes.
The large student body allows for diverse programming and extracurricular opportunities. District 211 supports the school’s operations and educational standards.
14. Glenbrook North High School
Glenbrook North High School stands as one of Cook County’s premier educational institutions. Located in Northbrook, this public high school serves 2,077 students in grades 9-12.
The school ranks within the top 5% of all public schools in Illinois. Recent rankings place Glenbrook North at No. 19 among Illinois high schools and No. 464 nationally.
Established in 1953, Glenbrook North operates under the Northfield Township High School District 225. The school maintains a favorable student-teacher ratio of 12.8 to 1.
Principal Paul Pryma leads the institution with a focus that extends beyond standardized testing. The school emphasizes comprehensive academic programs and diverse educational opportunities.
Glenbrook North consistently appears on best high school lists throughout Illinois. The institution represents the 75th largest public high school in the state.
15. Glenbrook South High School
Glenbrook South High School serves 3,015 students in grades 9-12 in Glenview. The school operates within Northfield Township High School District 225.
The school ranks within the top 10% of all public schools in Illinois. Recent rankings place it at 17th in the state according to U.S. News and World Report. Other sources rank it 26th out of 697 Illinois high schools.
Glenbrook South maintains a 95% graduation rate. The school consistently performs among the top 25-90 high schools in Illinois over the past three years.
The campus is located at 4000 West Lake Avenue in Glenview. Students benefit from the district’s reputation for academic excellence and comprehensive programming.
The school competes with its sister institution, Glenbrook North High School, both maintaining strong state rankings. Rankings consider factors including graduation rates, academic performance, and student outcomes.
16. Mundelein High School
Mundelein High School serves as the sole high school for students in grades 9-12 in Mundelein, Illinois. The school consistently ranks in the top 20% of Illinois high schools.
SchoolDigger has maintained a 4-star rating for the institution over the past three years. This rating reflects sustained academic performance and student outcomes.
Niche has recognized Mundelein High School among the top 100 public high schools for multiple consecutive years. In 2018, the school ranked 76th among Illinois high schools in Niche’s comprehensive analysis.
The ranking system evaluates academic data from the U.S. Department of Education alongside test scores and college readiness metrics. Student life factors and user ratings also contribute to the overall assessment.
Mundelein High School’s performance demonstrates stability in educational quality. The school serves its community through consistent academic standards and student support programs.
17. New Trier Township High School
New Trier Township High School operates on two campuses in the affluent North Shore suburbs. The freshman campus is located in Northfield, while grades 10-12 attend the Winnetka campus.
The school consistently ranks among the top 10 high schools in Illinois. It maintains a 5-star rating from School Digger and falls within the top 5% of all public schools statewide.
New Trier serves approximately 2,792 students across its campuses. The school district demonstrates strong academic performance with impressive graduation rates and standardized test scores.
The institution recently earned recognition as the top high school in suburban Cook County. This ranking reflects the school’s sustained excellence in academics and student outcomes.
Students and parents give New Trier an average review of 4.1 stars on Niche. The school is praised for its rigorous academic programs and college preparation.
18. Rolling Meadows High School
Rolling Meadows High School serves 2,067 students in grades 9-12 in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. The school consistently ranks in the top 15% of Illinois high schools.
The school maintains a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger and has held this rating for three consecutive years. It ranks within the top 30% of all public schools in Illinois.
Rolling Meadows High School achieves a 91.5% four-year graduation rate. The school maintains a low 1% dropout rate.
The school has ranked between 105-126 among Illinois high schools over the past three years. Test scores fall slightly below district and state averages despite strong overall performance.
Rolling Meadows High School represents the only high school serving the city of Rolling Meadows. The school demonstrates consistent academic achievement and student retention.
19. Buffalo Grove High School
Buffalo Grove High School serves 2,038 students in grades 9-12 within Township HSD 214. The school maintains a 95 percent graduation rate and consistently ranks among Illinois’s top high schools.
The school holds a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger and places within the top 54-61 schools statewide over the past three years. U.S. News ranks Buffalo Grove High School at No. 67 in Illinois among 17,680 reviewed schools nationwide.
Located in Buffalo Grove, the school ranks within the top 20% of all public high schools in Illinois. The institution demonstrates strong academic performance across multiple ranking systems.
Buffalo Grove High School stands as the sole high school serving the Buffalo Grove community. The school provides comprehensive education with established programs supporting student achievement and college preparation.
20. Deerfield High School
Deerfield High School consistently ranks among Illinois’ top educational institutions. The school holds a position within the top 5% of all public schools statewide.
With an enrollment of approximately 1,483 students in grades 9-12, the school maintains a manageable size. This allows for focused attention on academic excellence and student support.
The school achieves a remarkable 95.3% four-year graduation rate. This performance significantly exceeds the state average and demonstrates strong student retention and success.
Deerfield High School has earned a 5-star rating from School Digger. The school maintains consistent rankings within the top 30 high schools in Illinois.
Recent rankings place the school at No. 17 statewide and No. 493 nationally according to U.S. News & World Report. These rankings reflect the school’s commitment to providing quality education and preparing students for future success.
21. Crystal Lake Central High School
Crystal Lake Central High School serves 1,498 students in grades 9-12 in Crystal Lake, Illinois. The school operates within Community High School District 155.
U.S. News & World Report named Crystal Lake Central among the nation’s best high schools in 2024. The school ranks within the top 50% of all public schools in Illinois.
Crystal Lake Central offers Advanced Placement courses and Project Lead The Way curriculum. Newsweek recognized the school as a Top STEM High School.
The school maintains a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger. District 155 earned recognition as the best district in McHenry County according to Niche rankings.
Students participate in competitive programs including musical theatre. The school received nominations at the Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards for individual student performances.
22. Palatine Township High School
Palatine Township High School serves students in the northwest suburban Cook County area. The district operates multiple campuses to accommodate its student population.
William Fremd High School stands as one of the top-performing schools within the township. The school consistently ranks among the best public high schools in Illinois.
Palatine High School represents another major campus in the district. Both schools offer comprehensive academic programs and extracurricular activities.
The township’s schools benefit from strong community support and resources. Students have access to advanced placement courses, career preparation programs, and competitive athletics.
Test scores at Palatine Township schools generally exceed Cook County averages. The district maintains a reputation for college preparation and academic excellence.
23. Willowbrook High School
Willowbrook High School serves 1,952 students in grades 9-12 in Villa Park, Illinois. The school operates within District 88 and ranks in the top 50% of all public high schools across Illinois.
The school maintains solid academic standing within Cook County’s competitive educational landscape. Students benefit from a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare them for post-secondary education and career opportunities.
Located in Villa Park, Willowbrook High School provides educational services to families throughout the surrounding communities. The school’s size allows for diverse programming while maintaining manageable class sizes for effective instruction.
The institution continues preparing for the upcoming 2025-26 academic year with various initiatives and improvements. Willowbrook High School represents a reliable educational option for families seeking quality public education in the Cook County area.
24. Naperville Central High School
Naperville Central High School serves students in the western Chicago suburb of Naperville as part of District 203. The school consistently ranks among Illinois’ top high schools.
The comprehensive four-year institution earned recognition from multiple ranking organizations. U.S. News & World Report included it in their Best High Schools in Illinois list for 2024.
SchoolDigger awarded Naperville Central a 5-star rating and placed it in the top 25 high schools statewide. The school ranks alongside other high-performing institutions in the Naperville area.
Naperville Central maintains strong academic performance metrics. Test scores and key statistics place it among the most competitive schools in Cook County.
The school’s location at 440 Aurora Ave provides students access to comprehensive educational programs. District 203’s commitment to excellence contributes to the school’s sustained high performance levels.
25. Lyons Township High School
Lyons Township High School serves 3,842 students in grades 9-12 in La Grange, Illinois. The school operates within the Lyons Township HSD 204 district.
The school ranks 33rd out of 697 Illinois high schools for the 2023-2024 school year according to SchoolDigger. It maintains a 5-star rating from the same organization.
U.S. News and World Report ranked Lyons Township High School 17th among all high schools in Illinois. The school places within the top 10% of all public schools statewide.
Located at 100 S Brainard Ave in La Grange, the school serves students in Cook County. The district phone number is (708) 579-6300.
Lyons Township High School consistently demonstrates strong academic performance across multiple ranking systems. The school provides comprehensive educational programs for its large student body.
26. Downers Grove North High School
Downers Grove North High School serves 2,104 students in grades 9-12 within Community High School District 99. The school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1.
Academic performance shows 53% of students achieving proficiency in math and 49% in reading according to state test scores. The school ranks within the top 20% of all public schools in Illinois.
Both U.S. News & World Report and other ranking organizations consistently recognize Downers Grove North among the state’s top high schools. The institution operates alongside Downers Grove South High School as part of the highly-regarded District 99.
The school’s consistent performance in state assessments and national rankings demonstrates its commitment to academic excellence. District 99’s reputation contributes to both schools’ standing among Illinois’s premier public high schools.
27. Evanston Township High School
Evanston Township High School serves 3,691 students in grades 9-12 as the sole high school in the Evanston Township HSD 202 district. The school maintains a strong academic reputation with a 93.2% four-year graduation rate.
The school ranks #39 out of 724 high schools in Illinois according to 2024 U.S. News rankings. It consistently places in the top 20% of all public schools statewide.
Students at Evanston Township regularly outperform state averages on standardized tests. The school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, supporting personalized learning opportunities.
The student body reflects economic diversity, with 39.8% of students receiving free or reduced lunch assistance. This rate falls below the Illinois state average of 46.4%.
U.S. News and World Report has recognized Evanston Township High School as one of America’s best high schools for multiple years.
28. Community High School District 99
Community High School District 99 operates two highly regarded schools in Cook County. Both Downers Grove North and South High Schools consistently rank among Illinois’s top public institutions.
North High School earned the 42nd position out of 699 Illinois high schools. The school received a 5-star rating for its academic performance and student outcomes.
South High School also maintains strong rankings within the state. Both schools offer comprehensive educational programs with diverse learning opportunities.
The district focuses on college readiness and vocational training. Students have access to advanced coursework and specialized programs designed to prepare them for higher education.
District 99 schools regularly receive recognition from U.S. News and World Report. Their consistent high rankings reflect strong academic standards and effective teaching methods.
29. Prospect High School
Prospect High School ranks within the top 10% of all public schools in Illinois. The school serves 2,249 students in grades 9-12 and is located in Mount Prospect.
The school operates under Township High School District 214. It maintains a student-teacher ratio of 17.8 to 1, which supports personalized attention for students.
Prospect High School stands as the 58th largest public high school in Illinois. Nationally, it ranks as the 1,135th largest high school in the United States.
The school’s academic performance and size make it a notable institution in Cook County. Students benefit from the resources and programs available at this large suburban high school.
The Mount Prospect location provides students with access to both suburban amenities and proximity to Chicago-area opportunities.
30. Elk Grove High School
Elk Grove High School serves 1,976 students in grades 9-12 in Elk Grove Village. The school is part of Township High School District 214.
Academic performance places the school within the bottom 50% of Illinois public high schools. This ranking reflects standardized test scores and other academic metrics.
The school offers comprehensive programming for its large student body. Students have access to various courses and extracurricular activities typical of a sizable high school.
Located in Cook County, Elk Grove High School provides educational services to the Elk Grove Village community. The school’s size allows for diverse programming options across academic and extracurricular areas.
District 214 oversees the school’s operations and curriculum standards. The school continues to serve families seeking public education options in the northwest suburban area.
What Sets Cook County High Schools Apart
Cook County high schools distinguish themselves through rigorous academic programs and selective enrollment processes that prepare students for top-tier colleges. The schools also serve remarkably diverse student populations while maintaining strong support systems.
Academic Standards and Specialized Programs
Cook County high schools maintain competitive academic standards through selective enrollment processes that identify high-achieving students. These schools consistently send significant numbers of graduates to top colleges and universities nationwide.
Many schools offer specialized programs in STEM fields, liberal arts, and International Baccalaureate curricula. Advanced Placement courses are widely available across multiple subject areas.
The county’s top-performing schools feature:
- Rigorous college preparatory coursework
- Research opportunities and internship programs
- Dual enrollment options with local colleges
- Specialized career pathway programs
Teacher quality remains exceptionally high, with many educators holding advanced degrees in their subject areas. Student-teacher ratios are typically lower than state averages, allowing for more individualized attention.
State test performance varies across the county, with math proficiency averaging 25% and reading proficiency at 27%. However, top-tier schools significantly exceed these averages.
Diversity and Student Life
Cook County high schools serve students from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. This diversity creates rich learning environments where students experience different perspectives and cultures.
Comprehensive support systems help students from various backgrounds succeed academically. Many schools offer multilingual services, counseling programs, and academic intervention support.
Student activities include:
- Competitive athletics programs
- Academic clubs and honor societies
- Arts programs including theater, music, and visual arts
- Community service opportunities
Schools maintain strong connections with local communities and often partner with businesses and organizations for student opportunities. These partnerships provide real-world learning experiences and career exploration.
Navigating the Admissions Process
Cook County high schools operate with specific application deadlines and testing requirements that vary by school type. Students must understand selection criteria and submit complete applications to secure admission to their preferred schools.
Application Requirements
Chicago Public Schools requires students to submit applications through the GoCPS online portal by December 15th for the following school year. Students can list up to 12 school choices in order of preference.
Selective enrollment schools require additional components beyond the basic application. These include standardized test scores, seventh-grade report cards, and attendance records. Students must take the CPS High School Admissions Test, typically administered in October.
Magnet schools focus on specialized programs and consider student interest in specific academic areas. Applications require essays explaining why students want to attend particular programs.
IB schools may require separate applications and interviews. Some programs have prerequisites like foreign language coursework or specific grade point averages.
Private schools maintain independent application processes. These schools typically require entrance exams, transcripts, recommendation letters, and application fees ranging from $25 to $100.
Tips for Prospective Students and Families
Families should begin researching schools during seventh grade to understand program offerings and admission requirements. Attending high school fairs and open houses provides valuable insights into school cultures and academic programs.
Create a balanced school list including reach schools, target schools, and safety options. This strategy ensures students have viable alternatives if their first-choice schools are highly competitive.
Students should prepare for entrance exams by taking practice tests and reviewing seventh-grade coursework. Many schools offer test preparation resources or recommend specific study materials.
Submit applications early rather than waiting until deadlines approach. Early submission allows time to address any technical issues or missing documents that might arise.
Parents should help students organize required documents including transcripts, test scores, and recommendation letters. Creating a checklist ensures all materials are submitted correctly and on time.
