New rankings highlight outstanding educational institutions across Illinois
A recent report has revealed the 25 top-performing high schools in Illinois, with a notable presence from both Chicago and its surrounding suburbs.
Published by U.S. News and World Report under the title "2024 Best High School Rankings," the comprehensive assessment evaluated over 24,000 public high schools nationwide. Editors analyzed various criteria such as college readiness, state assessments, graduation rates, college curriculum offerings, and support for underserved students.
This process resulted in a detailed ranking of more than 17,660 public high schools nationwide, providing valuable insights into educational excellence at the secondary level. Furthermore, the report also delineated the leading high schools in each state, offering a comprehensive overview of educational standards across the country.
Among the key findings, the report highlighted that charter and magnet schools represented 11.5% and 4.4%, respectively, of the ranked public high schools nationally. Leading the charge were states like Florida and Arizona, each boasting 12 high schools within the top 100, followed closely by California with 11.
In Illinois, a total of 673 schools underwent evaluation, with the top five positions dominated by selective enrollment or magnet schools located in Chicago. Notable mentions in the top 25 included high-performing institutions from the suburbs of Chicago.
Walter Payton College Preparatory High School clinched the coveted top spot in Illinois, closely followed by Northside College Preparatory High School. Other notable contenders in the top five included Young Magnet High School, Jones College Prep High School, and Lane Technical High School.
The report also indicated the prominence of suburban Chicago schools, with Adlai E Stevenson High School from Lincolnshire securing a commendable sixth position. Of note, 24 out of the top 25 schools were located in the Chicago metropolitan area.