Four Chicago-area high schools ranked among the nation’s best public high schools for 2027 in a new report, with multiple suburban school districts also landing among the top-ranked districts in the country.
School ranking website Niche released the report which covers more than 93,000 public schools, 30,000 private schools and 11,000 school districts nationwide on Monday.
“These rankings provide families with a clear, holistic view of the best educational options in their area and across the U.S.,” a release announcing the report said.
Public schools and districts were ranked using a number of factors, including state assessment data, racial and economic diversity. Clubs and activities, teacher salaries, sports offerings and and facility and school condition were also taken into account.
For 2027, Niche also released standalone rankings for elementary schools, middle schools and high schools. School districts and private schools were also ranked.
On the report’s list of Best High Schools, four Chicago-area schools ranked in the top 15: Payton College Preparatory High School at No. 7; Northside College Preparatory High School at No. 8; Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy in Aurora at No. 13; and Whitney M. Young Magnet High School at No. 14.
Two suburban school districts also made the report’s “Best School Districts in America:” Glenbrook High School District 225, ranked No. 1, and New Trier Township High School District 203, in Northfield, ranked No. 4.
Several other suburban school districts also ranked high on the list of America’s best, including Community High School District 128 in Vernon Hills; Hinsdale Township High School District 86 in Hinsdale; Indian Prairie Community Unit School District 204 in Aurora; and Township High School District No. 113 in Highland Park.
The full report of the top schools and districts in America can be found here.
