2026 Top Schools listed

Illinois School Rankings: What Families Should Know in 2026 

Illinois continues to be one of the most academically diverse states in the country, with standout high schools, strong suburban districts, and a wide range of performance levels across communities. For families in the western suburbs—especially Naperville and surrounding areas—the latest rankings offer encouraging insights into school quality and statewide—

Best of Schools

• Naperville North High School
• Naperville Central High School
• Neuqua Valley High School
• Metea Valley High School
• Waubonsie Valley High School
• Oswego East High School
• Oswego High School
• Plainfield Central High School
• Plainfield North High School
• Plainfield South High School
• Hinsdale Central High School
• Hinsdale South High School
• Downers Grove North High School
• Downers Grove South High School
• Glenbard East High School
• Glenbard West High School
• Wheaton North High School
• Wheaton Warrenville South High School
• York Community High School
• Fremd High School
• Barrington High School

Top Illinois school districts often include suburban areas like New Trier, Glenbrook, Hinsdale, Stevenson, and Naperville districts (203/204), consistently ranked high for academics, resources, and post-high school success.

top-Ranked Districts (Examples): by US NEWS AND WORLD REPORT 2024

• New Trier Township High School District 203 (Winnetka)
• Glenbrook High School District 225 (Northbrook/Glenview)
• Hinsdale Township High School District 86 (Hinsdale)
• Stevenson High School District 125 (Lincolnshire)
• Barrington Community Unit School District 220 (Barrington)
• Township High School District 113 (Highland Park/Deerfield)
• Indian Prairie Community Unit School District 204 (Naperville/Aurora)
• Naperville School District 203
• Elmhurst School District