Top 10 Public High Schools in Illinois

Direct Answer

The Best Overall public high school in Illinois is Northside College Preparatory High School in Chicago, a selective-enrollment magnet where roughly 97% of students graduate, the average SAT score lands near 1340, and nearly every senior enrolls in college. The Best Value pick is the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) in Aurora — a tuition-free, state-funded residential STEM academy that delivers outcomes rivaling elite private boarding schools at zero cost to families.

This list is built for families and students weighing Illinois public options, from Chicago's selective-enrollment magnets to top suburban district schools across the Chicago metro and beyond. Every pick below uses real, publicly reported data from U.S. News, the Illinois State Board of Education, and the College Board.

How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted each school against the priorities families repeatedly raise when choosing where their kids will spend four years. We drew on published data from U.S. News & World Report, Niche, GreatSchools, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), the College Board, and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

The weighting:

• Academic performance — 25%
• College and post-grad outcomes — 20%
• Value and cost — 15%
• Teachers and resources — 15%
• Environment and safety — 15%
• Extracurriculars and fit — 10%

A school that posts elite test scores but offers thin programs, or feels unsafe despite strong academics, drops fast. The winners balance all six.

1. Northside College Preparatory High School 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Type: Public Magnet (selective enrollment) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: High-achieving students who want the strongest academic profile in the state

Opened in 1999 on Chicago's North Side, Northside College Prep is consistently ranked the #1 public high school in Illinois by U.S. News. It enrolls roughly 1,100 students drawn citywide through Chicago Public Schools' selective-enrollment exam.

The average SAT sits around 1340, the graduation rate is about 97%, and AP participation is broad, with strong pass rates across more than 15 AP courses. The student-teacher ratio runs near 17:1. Graduates routinely matriculate to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the University of Chicago, and selective out-of-state universities.

Its block schedule and rigorous humanities and STEM tracks make it a genuine peer to top private schools.

Pros:

• Ranked #1 public high school in Illinois year after year
• Average SAT near 1340, among the highest in the state
• Graduation rate around 97% with near-universal college enrollment
• Deep AP catalog and strong, accessible teaching staff

Cons:

• Admission requires a competitive selective-enrollment exam
• Open only to Chicago residents

Verdict: The most complete public high school in Illinois — elite academics, outcomes, and resources with no real weak spot.

2. Walter Payton College Preparatory High School

Type: Public Magnet (selective enrollment) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Students who want a small, globally minded selective-enrollment school

Named for the Bears legend, Walter Payton College Prep opened in 2000 near downtown Chicago and enrolls roughly 1,100 students. It frequently trades the top Illinois spot with Northside, posting an average SAT around 1340 and a graduation rate near 98%. Payton is known for its international exchange programs, a one-to-one technology model, and one of the strongest world-language departments in any public school, offering Mandarin, Arabic, and more.

AP offerings are extensive and pass rates are high. Nearly all graduates enroll in four-year colleges, many at highly selective institutions.

Pros:

• Graduation rate near 98% with near-universal college enrollment
• Standout international exchange and world-language programs
• Average SAT around 1340, rivaling the state's best
• Strong technology resources and small, focused community

Cons:

• Highly competitive selective-enrollment admission
• Limited to Chicago residents only

Verdict: A globally focused academic powerhouse — essentially tied with Northside for the top of the list.

3. Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) 💎 BEST VALUE

Type: Public Magnet (residential, state-funded) | Tuition: Free (public, room and board state-subsidized) | Best for: STEM-driven students statewide who want a free residential academy

Founded in 1985 in Aurora, IMSA is a tuition-free, state-funded residential academy serving roughly 650 academically advanced students in grades 10–12 from across Illinois. Because the state funds tuition and heavily subsidizes room and board, IMSA delivers boarding-school-caliber STEM education at essentially no cost to families — the clearest value in the state.

Average SAT scores rank among the highest in Illinois, and students conduct mentored research with university and corporate partners. IMSA's alumni include the co-founders of YouTube and PayPal. Graduates feed top engineering and science programs nationwide.

Pros:

• Free, state-funded residential STEM education open statewide
• Among the highest average SAT scores in Illinois
• Mentored research and university partnerships built into the program
• Alumni include founders of YouTube and PayPal

Cons:

• STEM-intensive focus is not ideal for humanities-first students
• Residential model requires students to live away from home

Verdict: The best value in Illinois — elite, free, residential STEM rigor that rivals costly private academies.

4. Whitney M. Young Magnet High School

Type: Public Magnet (selective enrollment) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Well-rounded students who want academics plus elite athletics and arts

Whitney Young, opened in 1975 on Chicago's Near West Side, was the city's first public magnet high school and enrolls roughly 2,200 students — larger than most selective-enrollment peers. The average SAT sits near 1240, with a graduation rate around 95%. Young is famous for combining rigorous academics with championship athletics (alum Michelle Obama and NBA stars among its graduates) and a strong arts program.

It offers a wide AP slate and gifted and IB-style academic tracks. Its size means broader extracurriculars than smaller magnets.

Pros:

• Broadest extracurricular and athletic programs among Chicago magnets
• Graduation rate around 95% with strong college placement
• Historic, well-resourced magnet with deep alumni network
• Wide AP catalog plus gifted and accelerated tracks

Cons:

• Larger enrollment means a less intimate environment
• Selective-enrollment exam required for admission

Verdict: The best all-rounder among Chicago magnets — top academics with unmatched sports and arts depth.

5. Jones College Preparatory High School

Type: Public Magnet (selective enrollment) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Students who want a top selective school in the heart of the South Loop

Jones College Prep, rebuilt as a modern South Loop campus in 2013, enrolls roughly 2,000 students and ranks among the top selective-enrollment schools in Chicago. The average SAT lands near 1270, and the graduation rate is about 95%. Jones offers an extensive AP program and a pre-law and pre-engineering focus, and its central location gives students access to downtown internships and cultural institutions.

College matriculation is strong, with many graduates heading to in-state flagships and selective private universities.

Pros:

• Modern downtown campus with internship access
• Average SAT around 1270 with a 95% graduation rate
• Broad AP catalog plus pre-law and pre-engineering tracks
• Strong, consistent college matriculation

Cons:

• Selective-enrollment admission is competitive
• Urban campus has limited athletic facilities

Verdict: A top-tier selective school with a downtown edge — ideal for students who want city access with rigor.

6. Adlai E. Stevenson High School

Type: Public (district) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: North suburban families who want an elite, open-enrollment district school

Located in Lincolnshire in Lake County, Stevenson High School is a nationally recognized open-enrollment public school serving roughly 4,400 students across its district — no entrance exam required. The average SAT sits near 1230, the graduation rate exceeds 96%, and Stevenson is widely cited as a model Professional Learning Community.

It offers one of the largest AP programs in Illinois, with more than 25 AP courses, plus extensive electives, arts, and championship athletics. Its resources and counseling support are exceptional for a public school.

Pros:

• Open enrollment — no entrance exam for district families
• More than 25 AP courses and vast electives
• Graduation rate above 96% with strong outcomes
• National model for teaching and student support

Cons:

• Access depends on living in the Lincolnshire-area district
• Very large enrollment can feel impersonal

Verdict: The premier suburban district school — elite resources and AP breadth with no admissions exam.

7. New Trier Township High School

Type: Public (district) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: North Shore families who want a historic, deeply resourced public school

New Trier, serving the affluent North Shore from its Winnetka and Northfield campuses, enrolls roughly 4,000 students and has long been one of the most prestigious public high schools in the country. The average SAT lands near 1280, and the graduation rate tops 97%.

New Trier offers an enormous catalog of AP and advanced courses, championship athletics, and an adviser system that pairs students with the same adviser for four years. Graduates routinely attend the nation's most selective universities.

Pros:

• Graduation rate above 97% with elite college placement
• Four-year adviser system for personalized guidance
• Vast AP, arts, and athletics offerings
• One of the most resourced public schools in the nation

Cons:

• Access tied to expensive North Shore residency
• High-pressure academic culture for some students

Verdict: A storied, lavishly resourced public school — outcomes that rival the best private schools in the region.

8. Hinsdale Central High School

Type: Public (district) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: West suburban families who want strong academics and athletics

Hinsdale Central, in the western suburb of Hinsdale, enrolls roughly 2,700 students and ranks among the top district high schools in the Chicago area. The average SAT sits near 1250, and the graduation rate is about 96%. The school offers a robust AP program with more than 20 courses, a strong music and arts department, and consistently competitive athletics.

College matriculation is strong, with many graduates attending the University of Illinois, Big Ten schools, and selective private universities.

Pros:

• Graduation rate around 96% with strong college outcomes
• More than 20 AP courses and deep arts programs
• Competitive athletics across many sports
• Open enrollment for district families — no exam

Cons:

• Access depends on living in the affluent Hinsdale district
• Large, achievement-driven environment is intense

Verdict: A top west-suburban pick — well-rounded rigor for families inside the district.

9. Naperville North High School

Type: Public (district) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Families in Naperville who want a large, high-performing district school

Naperville North, in fast-growing Naperville, enrolls roughly 2,900 students and is a perennial top-ranked Illinois district school. The average SAT lands near 1230, and the graduation rate exceeds 95%. The school offers a wide AP catalog, strong STEM and business programs, and well-funded athletics and activities.

Naperville's strong tax base supports excellent facilities and teaching resources, and graduates frequently enroll at the University of Illinois and other strong public and private universities.

Pros:

• Graduation rate above 95% with broad AP offerings
• Strong STEM, business, and extracurricular programs
• Excellent, well-funded facilities
• Open enrollment for Naperville district families

Cons:

• Access tied to Naperville-area residency
• Large enrollment can dilute individual attention

Verdict: A standout Naperville option — big-school resources with consistently strong outcomes.

10. Lane Tech College Prep High School

Type: Public Magnet (selective enrollment) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Students who want a large selective school with the widest program menu in the city

Lane Tech, founded in 1908 on Chicago's North Side, is the city's largest selective-enrollment high school, with roughly 4,400 students on a historic campus. The average SAT sits near 1210, and the graduation rate is about 94%. Lane's scale enables an unmatched range of programs — including an Academic Center for younger gifted students, dozens of AP courses, robust engineering and arts tracks, and one of the largest athletics programs in the state.

Its breadth makes it a strong fit for students who want choice within a selective setting.

Pros:

• Widest range of programs and electives of any Chicago magnet
• Graduation rate around 94% with strong college placement
• Academic Center plus dozens of AP courses
• Massive athletics and extracurricular offerings

Cons:

• Very large size can feel overwhelming
• Selective-enrollment exam required

Verdict: The best pick for breadth — a selective school where almost any interest finds a home.

Which One's Right for You?

What to Look For When Choosing a Public High School

• Real academic data — Check published average SAT/ACT, AP pass rates, and graduation rates from U.S. News and ISBE, not reputation alone. Northside and Walter Payton lead Illinois on these metrics.
• Admission type — Chicago's best magnets require a selective-enrollment exam, while top suburban schools like Stevenson and New Trier are open enrollment for district residents. Know which path applies to you.
• College and post-grad outcomes — Look at matriculation lists and college-enrollment rates, not just test scores. The top schools here send nearly all graduates to four-year colleges.
• Program fit — A STEM-driven student may thrive at IMSA, while a broad, well-rounded student may prefer Whitney Young or Lane Tech. Match the school's strengths to the student.
• Resources and class size — Student-teacher ratios, counseling support, and facilities vary widely. New Trier's adviser system and Stevenson's support model are standout examples.
• Environment and safety — Visit if you can; campus culture and safety matter as much as rankings for daily life.

What matters less than marketing implies: glossy facilities photos, single-year ranking jumps, and selective-school prestige for its own sake. A school's graduation rate, AP access, and college outcomes tell you far more about results than a building tour.

FAQ

Which public high school is the best in Illinois? Northside College Prep in Chicago is consistently ranked the #1 public high school in Illinois, with an average SAT near 1340, a graduation rate around 97%, and near-universal college enrollment.

What is the best free public high school for value in Illinois? IMSA in Aurora is the best value — a tuition-free, state-funded residential STEM academy open statewide that delivers boarding-school-caliber outcomes at essentially no cost to families.

Do Chicago's top public high schools require an entrance exam? Yes. Chicago's selective-enrollment magnets — including Northside, Walter Payton, Whitney Young, Jones, and Lane Tech — admit students through a competitive selective-enrollment exam and are open to Chicago residents.

Which Illinois suburban public high schools are the best? Stevenson (Lincolnshire), New Trier (Winnetka), Hinsdale Central, and Naperville North are perennial top suburban district schools, all open-enrollment for families living in their districts.

Which Illinois public high school is best for STEM? IMSA is the state's premier STEM school, with mentored research, university partnerships, and alumni who founded YouTube and PayPal. Lane Tech also offers strong engineering tracks.

How were these Illinois public high schools ranked? We weighted academic performance (25%), college outcomes (20%), value and cost (15%), teachers and resources (15%), environment and safety (15%), and extracurriculars and fit (10%), using U.S. News, Niche, GreatSchools, ISBE, the College Board, and NCES data.

Bottom Line

For families weighing Illinois public high schools, Northside College Prep is our Best Overall — the state's top-ranked public school, with an average SAT near 1340, a graduation rate around 97%, and near-universal college enrollment. IMSA in Aurora is our Best Value, offering free, state-funded residential STEM rigor that rivals costly private academies.

If your priorities lean toward an open-enrollment suburban school, broad programs and athletics, or downtown access, use the decision tree above to route yourself to Stevenson, New Trier, Whitney Young, Lane Tech, or Jones instead. Choose on academic data, college outcomes, and program fit — not reputation alone — and your student will be well served.

Sources

• U.S. News — Best Illinois High Schools rankings
• Niche — Best Public High Schools in Illinois
• GreatSchools — Illinois high school ratings
• Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) — Illinois Report Card
• College Board — SAT and AP data
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
• Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA)
• Chicago Public Schools — Selective Enrollment High Schools
• Adlai E. Stevenson High School District 125
• New Trier Township High School District 203

*Public high schools in Illinois review — best public high schools Illinois, rankings, ratings, review 2027, and a review of the top picks for families.*