The Best High Schools in Chicago in 2022

Chicago has one of the most phenomenal high schools in the US. We will discuss 10 of these schools to help you select a preferred option for your choice of high school. Choosing the best school for your academics is a difficult decision because it will impact your growth.

In this article, we will provide answers to your most asked question about high schools in Chicago. And also recommend a few we think you should consider. Individually our definition of best varies, however, this article will highlight schools based on national ranking. As well as the availability of an athletic program and a good facility that supports research and global learning.

To begin with, below is a list of ten (10) of the best high schools in Chicago. This ranking is based on National competition, athletics, facilities, and a few other criteria. Below is a list 10 best high schools in Chicago in no specific order.

  1. Payton College Preparatory High School
  2. Northside College Preparatory High School
  3. Jones College Prep High School
  4. Young Magnet High School
  5. Lane Technical High School
  6. Proviso Math and Science Academy
  7. Adlai E Stevenson High School
  8. Vernon Hills High School
  9. Hinsdale Central High School
  10. New Trier Township High School Winnetka

Now to answer the question, which high school is best for you? Read our detailed analysis of each of these highlighted schools.

You might also like to READ about the Top 20 Best Public High Schools in the US in 2022

The Best High Schools in Chicago

1. Payton College Preparatory High Schoool

Just as the name suggests this is a preparatory high school in Chicago. It is the number one best high school in Chicago. According to the US News for Education, it is nationally the 5th best high school in the United States. Education in Payton College Preparatory High School which is also known as the Walter Payton College Preparatory High School is centered to prepare students for their honors degree program. This is through their abilities to provide AP classes in mathematics, sciences, language, and the humanities, among other subjects.

The Payton College Preparatory High School has a very versatile department that supports open learning. The departments in Payton college have a very inclusive academic curriculum, you can review their study curriculum by clicking HERE.

Departments and Groups in Payton Preparatory High School

The following are academic departments, and study groups available at Payton College;

Administration
Counseling
Custodian
Diverse Learners
Engineers
English
Library
Lunchroom
Math and Computer Science
Physical Education
School Operations
Science
Security
Senior Leadership Team
Social Studies
Student Support Services
Technology
Visual and Performing Arts
World Language
Academic Departments in Walter PaytonHigh School

As the fifth-best high school in the US, it maintains its national ranking by ensuring that its students have very inclusive access to adequate learning materials. It is also one of the public high schools in Chicago that has incorporated a STEM curriculum into its learning work scheme. Payton preparatory high school has a student enrollment record of over 1200 high school students.

Their student body reflects a highly diverse group of students who are of different ethnical societies. Therefore, it shows an acceptable ratio of Whites, Hispanics, Asians, Blacks, Pacific Islanders, Alaska Natives as well as other races of students. It also has a student Graduation ratio of 99% which is above the state of Chicago’s median.

You might also like to READ about the University of Chicago Acceptance Rate

Admission of Students into the Payton Preparatory High School

The admission of students into the Payton Preparatory High School requires an online application process, which you can begin by clicking HERE. To ensure that students and applicants have a good background understanding of the school, the school hosts a yearly open house event. This open house event is programmed to educate parents and student applicants about the school curriculum and to make them aware of school standards.

However, transfer students have a separate application route since their application requires more documentation processes. The acceptance of transfer students in Payton Preparatory high school is highly competitive. Therefore, transfer students are requested to make an early inquiry to confirm their suitability and acceptance quality in the school.

2. Northside College Preparatory High School

This is also a preparatory high school in the Chicago Public School District. This is a public high school with a total enrollment record of 1050 students among other schools in the district. It is the 2nd best high school in the whole of Chicago. And also according to the US news for education, it has a national ranking of 31 among the total number of high schools in the United States. Just like other high schools, it is actively competing to maintain its consistent winning streak in the district.

The Northside College Preparatory High School is rooted in academics such that its curriculum reflects its intentions in maintaining global education standards. It has an advancing curriculum that tutors physics, constitutional law, computer science as well as language-related courses.

ALSO CHECK OUT:  Engineering Scholarships for International Students 2022

Most classes in the Northside College Preparatory High School hours its students the opportunity to engage in AP courses as well as workshops to support their growth. Northside college preparatory high school also shows a very diverse community of students which reflects on it is students as well as the schooling council. It has a percentage diversity ratio of 67.8% which is higher compared to that of the Walter Payton Preparatory High School.

Northside College Preparatory High School sets a graduation requirement for its students. Such that if any student does not meet this requirement they won’t be considered for graduation. Therefore, such students would remain in class and graduate with a subsequent class of students if considered for graduation.

You might also like to read about the 17 best high schools in Florida.

Admission Process in the Northside College Preparatory High School

The admission of students into the Northside College Preparatory High School follows a highly merit base process. It has a highly selective enrolment procedure such that only students who are of good academic record and can survive the academic rigor of the school are considered for admission.

The provides sessional updates on the admission of students on their admission portal which you can access by clicking HERE.

3. Jones College Preparatory High School

Jones College Preparatory High School is the third-best high school in Chicago. This ranking is based on its efficiency in ensuring a well universal education for its students. It is the 51 best high school in the United States and it is ranked 2nd among 156 other high schools in the Chicago Public School district.

The Jones College Preparatory High School has an approximate student enrollment record of about 1,920 students. It promotes the integrity of its students through an engaging academic curriculum and a holistic approach to learning. The school is made up of a very diverse group of students. However, its inclusive environment engages students to participate more actively in the activities of the school.

The school also offers Advanced Courses in Mathematics, English, Science, and Art courses and pre-law courses for students interested in a career in lawyering. You like to read about the Top 10 Highest Paid Criminal Lawyers in 2022

Admission Process into Jones College Preparatory High School

The admission of students into the preparatory High School follows a highly competitive process. The admission process follows a routine that supports early applicants, therefore interested applicants are to make early submission of interest for admission.

After application students vividly wait for the recipient of an offer letter from the high school to confirm their admission into school which is done after the committee reviews all available applicants. However, students are to submit a medical fitness report during their application process. To begin your application process kindly click HERE. Also, note that the website, as well as the registration portal, can only be accessed from states in the United States.

Also, Read; 7 Best Medical Schools in Michigan

4. Young Magnet High School

The Young Magnet High School is the 4th best high school in Chicago. It actively allows its students to engage in both regional and internal competitions to maintain its competitive edge amongst other high schools in the state. Nationally, it ranks as the 67th best high school in the United States among 23,400 other high schools.

As a developing high school, it has a student body size of about 1,864 students. With its enhanced academic structure, it has a state assessment proficiency of rank of 89 and a College Curriculum Breadth Index Rank of 113. The Young Magnet High School is also one of the most diverse high schools in the Chicago Public High School District, it has a minority enrollment record of 72.8% among other high schools in the area.

The young Magnet High School educates its students using an updated school curriculum that covers courses in STEM, Climate action, governance, counseling, and several others.

Admission into the Young Magnet High School

The admission of students into the Young Magnet High School follows three primary paths which are;

  1. Application as a Freshman: Applying as a freshman is one of the easiest application routes to gain admission into the Young Magnet High School. It requires the submission of an intent form on the school application portal. You can easily submit your application by clicking HERE.
  2. Application during Open House Visitation: The young Magnet Hgh School yearly opens up for physical visitation by intending student applicants and students. This is to ensure that students and parents are fully aware of the capacity of the school. Also, during the open house visitation students are to begin their registration process.
  3. Application as a Transfer Student: This application request series of documentation. It requires a student to be physically available during the application process. However, before the application process, transfer students are to make a physical inquiry before submission or the beginning of an application process. This is to help the student become aware of necessary documents before the application begins. Transfer students also need to meet the following application requirement;
  • 3.0 unweighted GPA and demonstrated success in a rigorous curriculum
  • Excellent attendance record
  • No suspensions or major disciplinary infractions
  • Has completed all credits and graduation requirements up to and including the current grade level and is in good academic standing at current school
ALSO CHECK OUT:  Top 15 Best Meteorology Schools In The US

5. Lane Technical High School

The lane technical high school is one of the best high schools in Chicago. It is the 5th best high school in Chicago according to the US News for Education. However, it is ranked as the 84th high school amongst  23,529 others in the United States.

Lane Technical High School has a total minority enrollment record of 61%, it offers students the opportunity to engage in advance placement courses and workshops to build their portfolio among other high schools in the Chicago public school district it has a mathematics proficiency of 90% and a reading proficiency of 88%. And it has a total student body of about 4,140 students across its high school grades.

Admission Process into the Lane Technical High School

The admission of students into the Lane Technical High School is a highly selective process such that 1,200 freshmen are selected from more than 13,000 applicants. Therefore students who are interested in pursuing admission to the lane technical high school should proceed by filling out their application form. You can begin this application process by clicking HERE

For more details on the application process into the Lane Technical High School and also information on the admission of transfer students, Kindly click HERE.

Trending now: Trent Scholarship for International Students.

6. Proviso Math and Science Academy

Yes, just as the name states Math and science academy. Proviso Math and Science Academy is the 6th best high school in Chicago and it has one of the leading science programs in the United States for High School Students. . It educates its students with an advanced curriculum that prepares them to be international excellent among other high schools during global and regional competitions.

Proviso Math and Science has a very inclusive academic curriculum that supports all races. Its academic department includes English, Mathematics, Music and theatre, Technology and Engineering, Science and social science, Wellness, art, and visual education. These courses support the growth of students in all spheres.

Admission Process into Proviso Math and Science Academy

The admission of students into the Proviso Math and Science Academy follows a very rigorous process that admits students into three major curricula math, science, technology, and engineering. The school sets a standard for students to be considered for admission and its admission process requires a series of documents. Click HERE to review the application process.

7. Adlai E. Stevenson High School

Adlai E. Stevenson High School is the seventh-best high school in Chicago. It is one of the high-performing high schools in the Illinois region. Its academic curricula engage its students through a well-structured routine of advanced courses as well as workshops. Adlai E. Stevenson High School also ensures that its students maintain a competitive edge among other high schools in the district. It has a total minority enrollment record of 48%.

Adlai E Stevenson High School is also the only high school in the Adlai E Stevenson High School District 125.

Admission of Students into the Adlai E. Stevenson High School

The admission of students into the Adlai E. Stevenson High School is one of the most competitive admission processes in the schooling district. It requires the provision of a few necessary documents such as Birth Certificates, Residential Documents, Reference letters from the previous schools, a Transcript as well as a health record document, or an immunization record. To review the application process at the Adlai E. Steveson High School click HERE.

8. Vernon Hills High School

Vernon Hills High School is the eighth-best public high school in Chicago in Vernon Hills. The Vernon Hills High School is highly notable for its ability to produce high-achieving graduates for their college careers. It educates its students with an advanced curriculum that promotes inclusive learning and a routine flow of workshop training to enhance the hands-on experience of its students.

The Vernon Hills High School competes regionally and globally in competitions with schools in the districts and other districts to maintain its winning streak. Vernon Hills High School has a minority diversity record of 42.4% enrollment record. It is composed of a uniform mix of students who are Hispanic, American, black, and several others.

Admission Process in Vernon Hills High School

The admission of students into Vernon Hills High School requires the submission of an application through the school’s online application portal. You can begin your online application process by clicking HERE. However, students are always allowed to explore the activities of the school before submitting an online application. And this information can be accessed by clicking HERE.

ALSO CHECK OUT:  15 Best HVAC Schools In The US

The following are the enrollment and registration tips for prospective students;

  • Have your form completed when you see your counselor for your appointment.
  • Juniors: Counselors will meet with each current junior individually. Students are strongly advised not to miss their appointment dates, however,  if they are going to, they are to contact their counselor to schedule another appointment.
  • Freshmen: Current freshmen will be enrolled during their physical education class.
  • Parents are to call the counselor if there are any questions regarding course enrollment.

Students applying to this school must follow this guide thoroughly because these criteria are very essential for their admission into the school.

9. Hinsdale Central High School

This is the ninth-best public high school in Hinsdale Central High School. It is one of the best high schools in the Illinois School District of Chicago. The Hinsdale Central High School has an AP participation rate of 68% among other high schools in the schooling area. It gives students a closer advantage in experiencing the academic lifestyle of college.

Admission of Students into Hinsdale Central High School

Admission into the Hinsdale Central High School is similar to other high schools in the Chicago schooling District. The admission of students requires the submission of an online application form which can be accessed by clicking HERE. The Hinsdale Central High School has a particular criterion which is that its students must reside within the locality of the schooling district.

Since you are still here, read about these Scholarships for Botswana Students

10. New Trier Township High School Winnetka

And lastly, the New Trier Township High School Winnetka. This is the tenth best high school in Chicago. It was built with the intent to pass knowledge and tutor students on way to building a sustainable economy. It is the top high school in Winnetka of Chicago. New Tier Township Hgh School Winnetka has a total student enrollment record of 3,034 students between grade 10 and grade 12.

The high school is highly invested in the growth of its students therefore it offers high placement courses in Mathematics, English, Foreign Languages, and a few others.

Admission Process into the New Trier Township High School Winnetka

The admission process of students into the New Trier Township High School Winnetka follows a precise application process. It is also a highly competitive application process due to its new stem curriculum. This process follows a routine that supports early applicants, therefore interested applicants are to make early submission of interest for admission. You can begin this process and also review other application processes by clicking HERE.

Conclusion

There are over 1,292 high schools in Chicago of which 1,018 public schools and 274 private schools. The schools are distributed in different residential areas of Chicago. This article should give you a detailed perspective of the high schools in Chicago and also help you narrow down your search based on your interest.

High schools in Chicago prioritize a good learning environment for their students and it however ensures that its students are actively engaged in learning. Most of the high schools in the Chicago Schooling District have an athletic program and students who are interested in sporting programs have access to funding and resources that supports them.

FAQ(s) on the best high school in Chicago

What is the top best high school in Chicago?

The best high school according to the US news for Education is Payton College Preparatory College. It has the resource that prepares students for a competitive career in Science, STEM, Art, and Humanities. It also has a well-diverse academic structure that supports learning.

Do High Schools in Chicago offer stem courses?

Yes, there are several high schools in the Chicago Schooling District that tutor students on the fundamentals of STEM education. A few of these high schools include; Payton College Preparatory High School, Jones College Prep School, young Magnet High School, and a lot more.

Do I need a recommendation from my previous school to apply to high schools in Chicago?

Yes, this is an essential document. Most high schools require written proof from your past teachers that you were up to task done in the school and that you were also of good behavior.

Is there an advantage in studying in the top 10 high schools in Chicago?

The best high schools in Chicago have structures and equipment that support learning. Their facilitates ensures that students have optimal access to educational resources that help them compete globally. However, this list of high schools is curated to highlight the key factors that are common among top high schools in Chicago. And from the article above we can see that the 10 best high schools in Chicago have a genuine interest in the development of their students either through academics, sports, art, STEM, and several others.

What are the main admission criteria for admission into Chicago High School?

The High Schools in Chicago have different methods of enrollment and varying requirements for admission. However, new student applicants must possess a reference letter from their previous school.

READ ALSO: Free Accredited High School Diploma Online for Adults

COPYRIGHT WARNING! Contents on this website may not be republished, reproduced, redistributed either in whole or in part without due permission or acknowledgment. All contents are protected by DMCA.

The content on this site is posted with good intentions. If you own this content & believe your copyright was violated or infringed, make sure you contact us at [xscholarshipc(@)gmail(dot)com] and actions will be taken immediately.

Photo of author

Queen

My name is Queen! For five years, I have been actively involved in helping students get scholarship opportunities in Europe, the USA, and Canada. Currently, I am the Admin of www.xscholarship.com