For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public schools serving 3,162 students in Lake Forest, IL (there are 9 private schools, serving 2,263 private students). 58% of all K-12 students in Lake Forest, IL are educated in public schools (compared to the IL state average of 88%). Lake Forest has one of the highest concentrations of top-ranked public schools in Illinois.
The top-ranked public schools in Lake Forest, IL are Rondout Elementary School, Sheridan Elementary School and Lake Forest High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Lake Forest, IL public schools have an average math proficiency score of 60% (versus the Illinois public school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 50% (versus the 30% statewide average). Schools in Lake Forest have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 5% of Illinois public schools.
Minority enrollment is 19% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public school average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Lake Forest, IL (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Rondout Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
28593 N Bradley Rd
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 362-2021
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 362-2021
Gr: K-8 | 151 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #22.
Sheridan Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
300 S Waukegan Rd, Lake Forest
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 234-1160
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 234-1160
Gr: PK-4 | 265 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #33.
Lake Forest High School
(Math: 62% | Reading: 61%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
1285 N Mckinley Rd
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 234-3600
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 234-3600
Gr: 9-12 | 1,359 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #44.
Everett Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
300 S Waukegan Rd, Lake Forest
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 234-5713
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 234-5713
Gr: K-4 | 308 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #55.
Deer Path Middle School East
(Math: 58% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
300 S Waukegan Rd, Lake Forest
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 615-4470
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 615-4470
Gr: 5-6 | 375 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #66.
Cherokee Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
300 S Waukegan Rd, Lake Forest
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 234-3805
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 234-3805
Gr: K-4 | 343 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #77.
Deer Path Middle School West
(Math: 60% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
300 S Waukegan Rd, Lake Forest
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 604-7400
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 604-7400
Gr: 7-8 | 361 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Lake Forest, Illinois Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Sally Potter School/lake Forest Elementary School (Closed 2016)
Special Education School
300 S Waukegan Rd
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 566-9180
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 566-9180
Gr: 3-8 | 84 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Lake Forest, IL?
The top-ranked public schools in Lake Forest, IL include Rondout Elementary School, Sheridan Elementary School and Lake Forest High School. Lake Forest has one of the highest concentrations of top-ranked public schools in Illinois.
How many public schools are located in Lake Forest?
7 public schools are located in Lake Forest.
What percentage of students in Lake Forest go to public school?
58% of all K-12 students in Lake Forest are educated in public schools (compared to the IL state average of 88%).
What is the racial composition of students in Lake Forest?
Lake Forest public schools minority enrollment is 19% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public schools average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Lake Forest are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Lake Forest include: Everett Elementary School vs. Cherokee Elementary School, Cherokee Elementary School vs. Everett Elementary School, Deer Path Middle School East vs. Cherokee Elementary School
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