These Are The Best Public High Schools In IL, New Ranking Says

Several Illinois schools are among the best public high schools in the country, according to a Monday report released by Niche.

The 2026 Best Public High Schools in America ranking evaluates more than 93,000 public high schools nationwide.

Niche said its rankings, now in the 11th year, differ from others that rely almost exclusively on test scores and academic performance in that it also includes input from students, alumni and parents, as well as quantitative data from sources such as the U.S. Department of Education to evaluate teachers, resources and facilities.

Illinois' top 10 public high schools are:

1. Payton College Preparatory High School, ranked sixth in the nation
2. Northside College Preparatory High School, ranked 10th in the nation
3. Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, ranked 16th in the nation
4. Illinois Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, ranked 28th in the nation
5. Lane Tech College Prep High School, ranked 31st in the nation
6. Jones College Prep High School, ranked 44th in the nation
7. Adlai E. Stevenson High School, ranked 49th in the nation
8. Hinsdale Central High School, ranked 76th in the nation
9. Glenbrook South High School, ranked 83rd in the nation
10. New Trier Township High School, ranked 97th in the nation

According to Niche, the top five public high schools in America are:

1. North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics
2. The Davidson Academy (Nevada)
3. Massachusetts Academy for Math & Science
4. South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics
5. Stuyvesant High School (New York)

“Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions a family can make," Luke Skurman, founder and CEO of Niche, said in a news release. “Our K-12 rankings bring together rigorous data and real experiences from students, parents and educators. This gives families the clarity to choose schools where their children can succeed academically, thrive socially, and build a strong foundation for their future.”