Chicago, August 20, 2025
News Summary
Three high schools from Chicago have been recognized by U.S. News & World Report, ranking among the top 100 high schools in the nation. Payton College Preparatory High School leads Illinois at 32nd, followed by Northside College Preparatory at 40th and Lane Technical High School at 72nd. The rankings, based on student performance and college readiness, highlight the academic excellence of these institutions. Notably, no suburban high schools made the list, with the next highest being Aurora’s Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy at 120th.
Chicago – Three high schools from Chicago have been recognized among the top 100 high schools in the United States by U.S. News & World Report’s recently released Best High Schools 2025-2026 list. This ranking evaluated data from over 24,000 public high schools nationwide, highlighting academic performance and college readiness.
Payton College Preparatory High School emerged as the leading institution from Illinois, securing the 32nd spot nationally. Following closely behind, Northside College Preparatory High School was ranked 40th, and Lane Technical High School achieved a ranking of 72nd. These schools demonstrated an exceptional performance in various metrics, including state-required assessments and graduation rates.
Notably, no suburban high schools from the Chicago area made it to the top 100. The next highest-ranking school outside of Chicago was Aurora’s Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, sitting at 120th nationally.
The rankings are based on six key performance indicators, which include student achievement on state-required assessments, graduation rates, and college readiness measures. The college readiness metrics specifically focus on participation and performance in Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. The methodology for these rankings was developed in collaboration with RTI International and utilized data from the 2022-2023 school year.
Illinois improved its overall ranking from 24th to 22nd among U.S. states and the District of Columbia this year, indicating a positive trend in educational quality within the state.
The U.S. News rankings provide a comprehensive assessment that includes specialized categories for STEM and charter schools, alongside rankings for traditional public high schools. This thorough evaluation aims to give students and parents valuable insights into the performance and resources available at these educational institutions.
Key Performance Indicators
- Performance on state-required assessments
- Graduation rates
- Advanced Placement (AP) participation and performance
- International Baccalaureate (IB) participation and performance
Illinois High School Rankings Overview
| Rank | School Name | National Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Payton College Preparatory High School | 32 |
| 2 | Northside College Preparatory High School | 40 |
| 3 | Lane Technical High School | 72 |
Context and Significance
The U.S. News & World Report’s Best High Schools list serves as a valuable resource for students and parents making decisions about high school education. The rankings reflect not just academic performance but also the schools’ ability to prepare students for the rigors of college. The emphasis on college readiness through advanced courses demonstrates the schools’ commitment to fostering an environment conducive to higher education and success beyond high school.
Conclusion
As education in Illinois continues to evolve, the recognition of Chicago’s high schools among the nation’s best is a testament to the dedication of educators and the resilience of students. With a focus on improving educational outcomes, these institutions are paving the way for future generations.
FAQs
What criteria are used for the U.S. News high school rankings?
The rankings use six key performance indicators which include student achievement on state assessments, graduation rates, and college readiness measures like Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) participation and performance.
How many high schools were evaluated for the 2025-2026 rankings?
Over 24,000 public high schools were evaluated in order to compile the rankings for the Best High Schools 2025-2026 list.
Which Chicago high schools ranked the highest in the recent list?
Payton College Preparatory High School ranked the highest at No. 32 nationally, followed by Northside College Preparatory High School at No. 40, and Lane Technical High School at No. 72.
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Additional Resources
- NBC Chicago
- Wikipedia: U.S. News & World Report
- Patch
- Google Search: Best High Schools
- Fox 32 Chicago
- Google Scholar: Illinois High Schools Rankings
- Hometown Register
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
