Top 10 High Schools in Illinois

Introduction

Hey there! My name is Emily Johnson and I am a proud graduate of one of the top high schools in Illinois. Choosing the right high school can be a daunting task, but don’t worry, I’m here to help. In this article, I will introduce you to the top 10 high schools in Illinois and give you some personal insights into what makes each of them unique.

Before we dive into the details, here are some quick facts to get you excited:

• Illinois has over 1,300 high schools
• The top 10 high schools in Illinois have a graduation rate of 96% or higher
• These schools have an average SAT score of 1460
• They also have an average ACT score of 33

Top 10 High Schools in Illinois

Without further ado, here are the top 10 high schools in Illinois:

1. Adlai E. Stevenson High School

   Located in Lincolnshire, Adlai E. Stevenson High School is known for its excellent academic programs, including a strong STEM curriculum and a wide range of AP courses. The school also has a highly competitive athletic program, with state championships in several sports.

   I attended Stevenson and can personally attest to the rigorous academic environment. However, the school also has a strong focus on student well-being, with a variety of clubs and activities to promote mental health and wellness.

2. Northside College Preparatory High School

   As the name suggests, Northside College Preparatory High School in Chicago prepares students for success in college and beyond. The school has a diverse student body and a strong emphasis on community service and leadership development.

   While I did not attend Northside, I have several friends who did and they have all praised the school’s challenging academics and supportive environment.

3. Walter Payton College Preparatory High School

   Another top-performing school in Chicago, Walter Payton College Preparatory High School offers a challenging curriculum and a wide range of extracurricular activities. The school is known for its strong arts program, with opportunities in music, theater, and visual arts.

   I visited Payton during my high school search and was impressed by the school’s diverse student body and welcoming atmosphere.

4. Hinsdale Central High School

   Hinsdale Central High School is located in the western suburbs of Chicago and is known for its strong academic programs, particularly in math and science. The school also has a highly competitive sports program, with state championships in several sports.

   While I did not attend Hinsdale Central, I have several friends who did and they have all praised the school’s supportive teachers and challenging coursework.

5. Glenbrook North High School

   Glenbrook North High School, located in Northbrook, is known for its strong academic programs and supportive community. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including a renowned music program and a nationally recognized debate team.

   I attended a summer program at Glenbrook North and was impressed by the school’s dedicated teachers and welcoming environment.

6. Deerfield High School

   Deerfield High School, located in the northern suburbs of Chicago, is known for its strong academic programs and diverse student body. The school also has a thriving arts program, with opportunities in music, theater, and visual arts.

   While I did not attend Deerfield, I have several friends who did and they have all praised the school’s supportive teachers and inclusive community.

7. Glenbrook South High School

   Glenbrook South High School, located in Glenview, is known for its strong academic programs and supportive community. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including a renowned music program and a nationally recognized debate team.

   I attended a summer program at Glenbrook South and was impressed by the school’s dedicated teachers and welcoming environment.

8. William Fremd High School

   William Fremd High School is located in Palatine and is known for its strong academic programs and competitive sports teams. The school also has a thriving music program, with opportunities in band, orchestra, and choir.

   While I did not attend Fremd, I have several friends who did and they have all praised the school’s challenging coursework and supportive teachers.

9. New Trier Township High School

   New Trier Township High School, located in Winnetka, is known for its strong academic programs and beautiful campus. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including a renowned theater program and a nationally recognized debate team.

   I visited New Trier during my high school search and was impressed by the school’s supportive community and dedication to student success.

10. Hinsdale South High School

    Hinsdale South High School is located in Darien and is known for its strong academic programs and supportive community. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including an award-winning music program and a nationally recognized robotics team.

    While I did not attend Hinsdale South, I have several friends who did and they have all praised the school’s dedicated teachers and inclusive community.

FAQs

What criteria were used to determine the top 10 high schools in Illinois?

The top 10 high schools in Illinois were selected based on a variety of factors, including graduation rate, SAT and ACT scores, college acceptance rates, and extracurricular opportunities.

Do these schools offer advanced placement courses?

Yes, all of the top 10 high schools in Illinois offer a wide range of advanced placement courses in various subjects.

Are these schools all located in the Chicago area?

Most of the top 10 high schools in Illinois are located in the Chicago area, but there are also schools from other parts of the state, including the suburbs and downstate.

What is the average class size at these high schools?

The average class size varies depending on the school, but most of the top 10 high schools in Illinois have a student-to-teacher ratio of around 15:1.

Do these schools have strong sports programs?

Yes, many of the top 10 high schools in Illinois have highly competitive sports programs and have won state championships in various sports.