Illinois is the #4 largest school system in the United States, serving 1,881,773 students across the 4,399 public schools for the 2025 school year (there are 1,637 private schools, serving 253,377 students). 88% of all K-12 students in Illinois attend public schools, compared to the national average of 90%.
The percentage of students achieving math proficiency in Illinois is 26%. The percentage of students achieving reading proficiency is 30%.
The top-ranked public schools in Illinois are Payton College Preparatory High School, Northside College Preparatory High School, and Jones College Prep High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test scores.
Minority enrollment is 56%, with the majority being Hispanic and the student:teacher ratio is 14:1.
Top Ranked Public Schools in Illinois (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Student Proficiency
Grades
Location
Rank: #11.
Payton College Preparatory High School
(Math: 96% | Reading: 95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 96% (Top 1%)
Reading: 95% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-12
1034 N Wells St
Chicago, IL 60610
(773) 534-0034
Chicago, IL 60610
(773) 534-0034
Rank: #22.
Northside College Preparatory High School
(Math: 94% | Reading: 90%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 94% (Top 1%)
Reading: 90% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-12
5501 N Kedzie Ave
Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 534-3954
Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 534-3954
Rank: #33.
Jones College Prep High School
(Math: 90% | Reading: 91%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 90% (Top 1%)
Reading: 91% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-12
700 S State St
Chicago, IL 60605
(773) 534-8600
Chicago, IL 60605
(773) 534-8600
Rank: #44.
Young Magnet High School
Magnet School
(Math: 91% | Reading: 89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 91% (Top 1%)
Reading: 89% (Top 1%)
Grades: 7-12
211 S Laflin St
Chicago, IL 60607
(773) 534-7500
Chicago, IL 60607
(773) 534-7500
Rank: #55.
Keller Elementary Gifted Magnet School
Magnet School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 90-94%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 80-84% (Top 1%)
Reading: 90-94% (Top 1%)
Grades: 1-8
3020 W 108th St
Chicago, IL 60655
(773) 535-2636
Chicago, IL 60655
(773) 535-2636
Rank: #66.
Edison Elementary Regional Gifted Center
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 85-89% (Top 1%)
Reading: 85-89% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-8
4929 N Sawyer Ave
Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 534-0540
Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 534-0540
Rank: #77.
Lane Technical High School
(Math: 82% | Reading: 87%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 82% (Top 1%)
Reading: 87% (Top 1%)
Grades: 7-12
2501 W Addison St
Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 534-5400
Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 534-5400
Rank: #88.
Reservoir Gifted School
(Math: 79% | Reading: 87%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 79% (Top 1%)
Reading: 87% (Top 1%)
Grades: 5-8
3706 N Grand Blvd
Peoria, IL 61614
(309) 672-6563
Peoria, IL 61614
(309) 672-6563
Rank: #9 - 119. - 11.
Brook Forest Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 80-84% (Top 1%)
Reading: 80-84% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-5
60 Regent Dr
Oak Brook, IL 60523
(630) 325-6888
Oak Brook, IL 60523
(630) 325-6888
Rank: #9 - 119. - 11.
Thurgood Marshall Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 80-84% (Top 1%)
Reading: 80-84% (Top 1%)
Grades: 1-4
4704 N Rockton Ave
Rockford, IL 61103
(815) 966-3370
Rockford, IL 61103
(815) 966-3370
Overview
This State (IL)
# Schools
4,399 Schools
# Students
1,881,773 Students
Gender %
# Teachers
136,664 Teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
14:1
Student By Grade
State Acdeamy
State Average (IL)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)28%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
50%
Graduation Rate
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.70
# American Indian Students
4,556 Students
% American Indian Students
1%
# Asian Students
103,630 Students
% Asian Students
6%
# Hispanic Students
517,685 Students
% Hispanic Students
28%
# Black Students
303,129 Students
% Black Students
16%
# White Students
837,178 Students
% White Students
45%
# Hawaiian Students
1,684 Students
% Hawaiian Students
n/a
# Two or more races Students
78,057 Students
% of Two or more races Students
4%
All Ethnic Groups
State Revenue and Spending
This State (IL)
Total Revenue (22-23)
$41,381 MM
Spending (22-23)
$39,976 MM
Revenue / Student (22-23)
$21,990
Spending / Student (22-23)
$21,244
Best Illinois Public Schools by County (2025)
County
# Schools
# Students
% Minority
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Illinois?
The top-ranked public schools in Illinois include Payton College Preparatory High School, Northside College Preparatory High School, and Jones College Prep High School.
How many public schools are located in Illinois?
4,399 public schools are located in Illinois.
What percentage of students in Illinois go to public school?
88% of all K-12 students in Illinois attend public schools (compared to the national average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Illinois?
Minority enrollment in Illinois is 56%, with the majority being Hispanic.
Which public schools in Illinois are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Illinois include: Lincoln Elementary School vs. Lincoln Elementary School, Dunlap Valley Middle School vs. Dunlap Middle School, J Sterling Morton East High School vs. J Sterling Morton West High School
Recent Articles
Segregation in K-12 Education: Colonial Era
Explore the origins of educational segregation during the colonial era and the differential treatment of Native American, African American, and white students. This article delves into the historical context, policies, and societal attitudes that shaped early education in colonial America, highlighting the disparities and injustices that persisted within the schooling systems of that time.
2011 Classroom Size Update: Are Classes Still Growing Larger?
Since the recession, public school classrooms have seen major budget cuts - and many increases in class sizes. How is the situation in 2011? Read this article to find out.
Will Single Sex Classrooms Save Public Schools?
Learn about the benefits of single sex classrooms and why public schools are hoping this type of classroom will save the American school system.
