Do you happen to live in a windy city and are looking for the best school system for your child? Then you have stumbled onto the right website and list. We are listing down the best public high schools in Chicago as of 2021.

To list down the best and the well-recognized schools in Chicago, we addressed multiple sources to comprise this list. The Schools were chosen based on the school’s faculty, infrastructure, graduation rate, various departments, and more.

I hope you enjoy reading the rest of the article while also gathering some valuable information.

New Trier Township High School

Among the best performing high schools in the country, New Trier has the most wonderful teachers and students who are incredibly gifted and driven, enabling a sense for the other students to be more productive. The pressure at New Trier to succeed can be a little intimidating, but the staff is well equipped and qualified to teach students and look after their individual needs. New Trier has an inclusive environment for students of all abilities, which is unique for most high schools. New Trier Township High School is a public school located in Winnetka, IL, with a student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1. 

Founded In: 1901
Tuition: N/A
Rank: 1
Contact: (847) 446-7000
Financial Aid: Below are some funding programs at New Trier Township High School for students

• Summer Scholarships: Educational fund
• Italian Scholarship: Upto $200- $4,000 

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Northside College Preparatory High School

Students consider themselves fortunate to attend Northside College Prep. Northside has a smaller community which fits well for everyone. The sports and athletics program is well touted, with cross country and track being the top ones. There are several clubs for students to join, like an environmental club, journalism club, or gaming club. Northside offers opportunities for everyone, providing countless opportunities to its students. Northside College Preparatory High School is a public magnet school located in Chicago, IL, with a student-teacher ratio of 18 to 1. 

Founded In: 1999
Tuition: N/A
Rank: 1
Contact: (773) 534-3954
Financial Aid: Click here for detailed information

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Hinsdale Central High School

Hinsdale Central High School prepares you for college and provides a number of opportunities for academic competition. The school boasts an amazing Math Team and Scholastic Bowl team. The level of competition and comradery between students is intense, which only solidifies relationships, forming some lasting friendships.

The teachers are of high caliber and only care about the student’s success, challenging them from time to time. Some of the classes are tough but also the most enjoyable because of the quality teaching. Hinsdale Central High School is a top-rated public school located in Hinsdale, IL, with a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1. 

Founded In: 1879
Tuition: N/A
Rank: 1
Contact: (630) 570-8000
Financial Aid: Earned Scholarships & Awards 

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Jones College Prep High School

Jones College Prep offers a variety of different honors and advances placement making it an amazing school to attend. Jones Student is able to see and connect with neighboring college campuses such as DePaul University and Columbia College. Jones is an amazing school with very few racists incidents that affect its students. The school constantly introduces something or the other to prevent such incidents from happening. Jones College Prep is an outstanding school with a welcoming environment and a dedicated staff. Jones College Prep High School is a public magnet school located in Chicago, IL, with a student-teacher ratio of 18 to 1. 

Founded In: 1938
Tuition: N/A
Rank: 1
Contact: (773) 534-8600
Financial Aid: Click here for detailed information 

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Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

The academics at Illinois Mathematics and Science are top-notch, with more Engineering-focused options for students to choose from. Subjects like medical sciences, chemistry, mathematics, or physics have a fantastic faculty with a good course structure. The workload can be a bit of a challenge but is manageable. The math curriculum can be a bit difficult; however, the administration makes up for it. Many incidents are openly and adequately addressed. The administration makes an effort to communicate with the community. Residence staff and teachers are well respected, being closest with their students. The majority of students, teachers, and staff are lovely. Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy is a public, magnet, alternative school located in Aurora, IL, with a student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1.

Founded In: 1985
Tuition: N/A
Rank: 1
Contact: (630) 907-5000
Financial Aid: N/A

Apply for Admission 

Vernon Hills High School

The experience offered at Vernon Hills High School is nothing short of wonderful. Students tend to enjoy their academic studies and have plenty of other opportunities to join clubs and athletics. The school offers its students a chance to make connections with its teachers. The hands-on environment from the community grants numerous opportunities that most schools do not offer. The school is like a well tightly-knit community that allows students to have friendships and connections that will last a lifetime. Vernon Hills High School is a public school located in Vernon Hills, IL, with a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1. 

Founded In: 2000
Tuition: N/A
Rank: 1
Contact: (847) 932-2000
Financial Aid: Below are some funding programs at Vernon Hills High School for students

• Local Scholarship Application: Educational fund
• FAFSA and CSS: Educational fund

Apply for Admission

Walter Payton College Prep

Walter Payton’s school culture and atmosphere are very welcoming, like a well-knit community. The teachers are quite welcoming and want you to succeed, and there are many students from different cultures and backgrounds that makes finding friends and settling in the school a bit easier.

There are afterschool enrichment clubs and programs created by students and teachers that offer tutoring and community building. Clubs allow you to explore your hobbies and find new ones and clubs that connect you to others of similar ethnic/ racial backgrounds. Walter Payton discusses injustices that happen in the world to promote allyship and support minority students. Walter Payton College Prep is a public magnet school located in Chicago, IL, with a student-teacher ratio of 18 to 1. 

Founded In: 2000
Tuition: N/A
Rank: 1
Contact: (773) 534-0034
Financial Aid: N/A

Apply for Admission 

Adlai E. Stevenson High School

Adlai E. Stevenson High School is amazing as it always caters to the student’s future goals and ambitions. They offer classes and courses for about any interest with a dedicated and qualified staff. It is easy to fit in and find your friend circle. The school has different departments, all staffed by the best in their fields. The school is also known for its productions, whether it be musical or athletic. The school has many clubs, bands, classes, and a variety of choices for the student, making it simple to find comfort among those with the same interests. Adlai E. Stevenson High School is a top-rated public school located in Lincolnshire, IL, with a student-teacher ratio of 15 to 1. 

Founded In: 1965
Tuition: N/A
Rank: 1
Contact: (847) 415-4000
Financial Aid: N/A

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Whitney M. Young Magnet High School

Whitney M. Young Magnet High School has a place for everyone, be it in sports, art, theater, or academic competitions. The basketball and football teams of the school are some of the best teams in the district. The teachers and staff are extremely supportive and easy to talk to. They are well educated and will always lookout for the best interests of the student. The environment of the school is quite pleasing and safe as well. Whitney M. Young Magnet High School is a public magnet school located in Chicago, IL, with a student-teacher ratio of 19 to 1. 

Founded In: 1970
Tuition: N/A
Rank: 1
Contact: (773) 534-7500
Financial Aid: N/A

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Libertyville High School

Libertyville High School offers many different classes and clubs available for students to choose from so that they can focus on their interests with the resources available at the school. The teachers are extremely friendly, understanding, and always offering help to all their students. There’s a lot of school spirit and fun events that take place. The school rents out huge areas in Chicago like the botanical gardens or Navy Pier for their prom and other school field trips.

Libertyville High School is a public school located in Libertyville, IL, with a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1. 

Founded In: 1917
Tuition: N/A
Rank: 1
Contact: (847) 327-7001
Financial Aid: Click here for detailed information

Apply for Admission