Illinois’ 50 Best High Schools for 2026-2027

If you're looking for the best of the best when it comes to education in Illinois, there's a new list of the 50 high schools in Illinois that are tops in the state.

There are so many things to consider when you're looking for the best high school for your kids especially if they're preparing for college. Among all of the national rankings, Niche tends to consider some of the most varied factors in academics to determine which high schools are superior to others. As many are preparing for a new school year, here are their 50 best high schools in Illinois based on the most recent data.

Many high schools excel when it comes to athletics and extra-curricular activities. The majority of the Illinois high schools on this list consist of the best teachers in the state and the highest average grade point averages with exceptional graduation rates. A low teacher-to-student ratio is also important so kids can get the attention they need when they face challenges. The fact that these 50 Illinois high schools have been declared the best in the state is no small achievement. Congratulations to all of the faculty and students who have been named the tops in the Land of Lincoln.