For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public middle schools serving 3,444 students in Waukegan, IL.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Waukegan, IL are Learn John Kathy Schreiber Chrtr, John R Lewis Middle School and Edith M Smith Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Waukegan, IL public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 8% (versus the Illinois public middle school average of 24%), and reading proficiency score of 12% (versus the 29% statewide average). Middle schools in Waukegan have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Illinois public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Illinois public middle school average of 61% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Middle Schools in Waukegan, IL (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Learn John Kathy Schreiber Chrtr
Charter School
(Math: 22% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1200 W Glen Flora Ave
Waukegan, IL 60085
(847) 377-0690
Waukegan, IL 60085
(847) 377-0690
Gr: K-8 | 519 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #22.
John R Lewis Middle School
(Math: 12% | Reading: 19%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
600 S Lewis Ave
Waukegan, IL 60085
(224) 303-2560
Waukegan, IL 60085
(224) 303-2560
Gr: 6-8 | 721 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #33.
Edith M Smith Middle School
(Math: 6% | Reading: 12%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
930 New York St
Waukegan, IL 60085
(224) 303-2760
Waukegan, IL 60085
(224) 303-2760
Gr: 6-8 | 493 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #44.
Robert E Abbott Middle School
(Math: 6% | Reading: 9%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1319 Washington St
Waukegan, IL 60085
(224) 303-2360
Waukegan, IL 60085
(224) 303-2360
Gr: 6-8 | 585 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #55.
Jack Benny Middle School
(Math: 4% | Reading: 8%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1401 Montesano Ave
Waukegan, IL 60087
(224) 303-2470
Waukegan, IL 60087
(224) 303-2470
Gr: 6-8 | 475 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #66.
Miguel Juarez Middle School
(Math: 2% | Reading: 4%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
201 N Butrick St
Waukegan, IL 60085
(224) 303-2660
Waukegan, IL 60085
(224) 303-2660
Gr: 6-8 | 651 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Waukegan, IL?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Waukegan, IL include Learn John Kathy Schreiber Chrtr, John R Lewis Middle School and Edith M Smith Middle School.
How many public middle schools are located in Waukegan?
6 public middle schools are located in Waukegan.
What is the racial composition of students in Waukegan?
Waukegan public middle schools minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Illinois public middle schools average of 61% (majority Hispanic).
Which public middle schools in Waukegan are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public middle schools in Waukegan include: Edith M Smith Middle School vs. Jack Benny Middle School, Robert E Abbott Middle School vs. John R Lewis Middle School, John R Lewis Middle School vs. Jack Benny Middle School
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