Best Wilmette Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public schools serving 3,552 students in Wilmette, IL (there are 7 private schools, serving 3,476 private students). 51% of all K-12 students in Wilmette, IL are educated in public schools (compared to the IL state average of 88%). Wilmette has one of the highest concentrations of top-ranked public schools in Illinois.
The top-ranked public schools in Wilmette, IL are Romona Elementary School, Marie Murphy School and Central Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Wilmette, IL public schools have an average math proficiency score of 63% (versus the Illinois public school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 68% (versus the 30% statewide average). Schools in Wilmette have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 1% of Illinois public schools.
Minority enrollment is 27% of the student body (majority Asian), which is less than the Illinois public school average of 55% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Schools in Wilmette, IL (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Romona Elementary School
(Math: 69% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
600 Romona Rd
Wilmette, IL 60091
(847) 512-6400
Gr: PK-4 | 479 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Rank: #22.
Marie Murphy School
(Math: 70% | Reading: 70%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
2921 Illinois Rd
Wilmette, IL 60091
(847) 251-3617
Gr: 6-8 | 267 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #33.
Central Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
910 Central Ave
Wilmette, IL 60091
(847) 512-6100
Gr: K-4 | 456 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #44.
Highcrest Middle School
(Math: 64% | Reading: 71%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
569 Hunter Rd
Wilmette, IL 60091
(847) 512-6500
Gr: 5-6 | 747 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #55.
Harper Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
1101 Dartmouth St
Wilmette, IL 60091
(847) 512-6200
Gr: K-4 | 370 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #66.
Mckenzie Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
649 Prairie Ave
Wilmette, IL 60091
(847) 512-6300
Gr: K-4 | 463 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #77.
Wilmette Junior High School
(Math: 59% | Reading: 63%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
620 Locust Rd
Wilmette, IL 60091
(847) 512-6600
Gr: 7-8 | 770 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
[+] Show Closed Public Schools in Wilmette, Illinois

Wilmette, Illinois Public Schools (Closed)

School
Location
Quick Facts
1200 Hibbard Rd
Wilmette, IL 60091
(847) 446-4300

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Wilmette, IL?
The top-ranked public schools in Wilmette, IL include Romona Elementary School, Marie Murphy School and Central Elementary School. Wilmette has one of the highest concentrations of top-ranked public schools in Illinois.
How many public schools are located in Wilmette?
7 public schools are located in Wilmette.
What percentage of students in Wilmette go to public school?
51% of all K-12 students in Wilmette are educated in public schools (compared to the IL state average of 88%).
What is the racial composition of students in Wilmette?
Wilmette public schools minority enrollment is 27% of the student body (majority Asian), which is less than the Illinois public schools average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Wilmette are often viewed compared to one another?

Recent Articles

How Public Schools Train Staff Each Year
How Public Schools Train Staff Each Year
Learn how public schools train staff each year through professional development, safety training, technology instruction, and ongoing educational support.
What Substitute Teachers Experience in Public Schools
What Substitute Teachers Experience in Public Schools
Discover what substitute teachers experience in public schools, including daily responsibilities, challenges, rewards, and their role in student success.
How Teachers Collaborate Across Departments in Public Schools
How Teachers Collaborate Across Departments in Public Schools
Learn how teachers collaborate across departments to improve student outcomes, strengthen instruction, and prepare students for real-world success.

Quick Links