News Summary
Three Chicago high schools have made it to the top 100 list of U.S. News & World Report’s Best High Schools, with Payton College Preparatory leading at No. 32. The rankings, evaluated from over 24,000 schools, reflect strong academic performance in Illinois. Northside College Preparatory and Lane Technical High School also secured spots at No. 40 and No. 72, respectively. This recognition underscores the academic excellence within Chicago’s educational institutions and highlights the state’s improved national ranking.
Chicago – U.S. News & World Report has released its 2025-2026 rankings for the Best High Schools in the United States, with three Chicago high schools earning spots in the top 100. Payton College Preparatory High School achieved the highest ranking for Illinois at No. 32 nationally, followed closely by Northside College Preparatory High School at No. 40 and Lane Technical High School at No. 72. This notable recognition highlights the strength of educational programs within these institutions.
In total, U.S. News evaluated data from over 24,000 public high schools across the country. The evaluation metrics took into account various indicators of school performance, including student achievement on state-required assessments, graduation rates, and college readiness measures such as Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) participation and performance. The methodology for these rankings was developed in partnership with RTI International and utilized data from the 2022-2023 academic year.
Illinois has improved its standing in the national rankings, moving from 24th to 22nd among U.S. states and the District of Columbia. However, it is notable that none of the suburban high schools in the Chicago area made it to the top 100 list. The highest-ranking school located outside of Chicago is the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy in Aurora, which sits at No. 120 nationally.
Ranking Breakdown
The rankings are based on six key performance indicators, demonstrating a comprehensive evaluation of each school’s effectiveness. These indicators include:
- Student Achievement: This is assessed through students’ performance on state-required assessments.
- Graduation Rates: The percentage of students who graduate within a designated timeframe.
- College Readiness Measures: This focuses on the level of participation and performance in advanced coursework, specifically AP and IB programs.
Chicago High Schools Highlighted
Specifically, the three Chicago high schools recognized in the top 100 list have established robust academic programs that prepare students not only for their high school years but also for future educational opportunities at the college level.
Payton College Preparatory High School, ranked at No. 32, continues to stand out for its rigorous academic curriculum and notable student outcomes. Northside College Preparatory High School, positioned at No. 40, also showcases a strong commitment to academic excellence and student preparedness. Lane Technical High School, at No. 72, rounds out the Chicago representation in national rankings, emphasizing its focus on technical education as well as college readiness.
Context and Implications
The recognition of these schools in the U.S. News rankings underscores the importance of educational quality in Chicago and the city’s commitment to academic achievement. The rankings serve as an essential tool for parents, students, and educators, providing valuable insights into the educational landscape and helping families make informed decisions about high school selections.
Furthermore, the absence of suburban schools in the top 100 may prompt discussions about academic programs and performance metrics among those institutions and their governing bodies. As Illinois aims for continual improvement within its educational system, the state’s placement in national rankings not only reflects current achievements but also influences future educational policies and strategies.
This annual release of school rankings serves as a reminder of the evolving challenges and triumphs faced by public high schools across the United States. The ability of schools to adapt to these challenges and maintain high performance levels is vital for preparing students for success in higher education and beyond.
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Additional Resources
- NBC Chicago
- Wikipedia: U.S. News & World Report
- Patch
- Google Search: Best High Schools
- Fox 32 Chicago
- Google Scholar: Illinois High Schools Rankings
- Hometown Register
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School
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