News Summary
Three Chicago high schools have been recognized among the top 100 in the nation for their academic excellence. Payton College Preparatory High School ranked No. 32, Northside College Preparatory High School No. 40, and Lane Technical High School No. 72. Illinois has also seen improvement, moving up to 22nd among all U.S. states. This recognition highlights Chicago’s academic strengths and establishes a benchmark for schools aiming to enhance their performance across various metrics.
Chicago Schools and Illinois Improve in National High School Rankings
Chicago, IL — Three high schools from Chicago have been recognized among the top 100 high schools in the country for the 2025-2026 academic year, according to recent rankings released by U.S. News & World Report. The rankings evaluate over 24,000 public high schools across the United States to identify schools excelling in various performance metrics.
Top-Ranking Chicago High Schools
Among Chicago’s high schools, Payton College Preparatory High School achieved the highest national ranking at No. 32. Following closely were Northside College Preparatory High School, ranked No. 40, and Lane Technical High School, which secured the No. 72 spot. These schools stood out for their strong academic performance and college preparation efforts.
State and Regional Performance
Illinois as a state advanced slightly in national standings, ranking 22nd among all U.S. states and the District of Columbia. This marks an improvement from the 24th position last year, reflecting statewide progress in key educational indicators.
Suburban Schools and Regional Leaders
Unlike in previous years, no suburban Chicago high schools made the top 100 list this year. The highest-ranked school outside Chicago is located in Aurora, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, which ranked No. 120 overall. This indicates a concentration of top-ranked schools within the Chicago city limits, with suburban schools earning recognition beyond the top tier.
Core Evaluation Metrics and Methodology
The rankings are based on six key performance indicators, including:
- Student achievement on state assessments required by each state
- High school graduation rates
- College readiness indicators, particularly participation and performance in Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs
The assessment methodology was developed in collaboration with RTI International and utilized data from the 2022-2023 school year. The comprehensive analysis ensures that various aspects of academic success and preparedness are accurately reflected in the rankings.
Specialized and Other Rankings
In addition to traditional rankings, the list incorporates specialized categories for STEM schools and charter schools, providing a broader perspective on school performance across different educational models. These rankings aim to highlight schools that excel in specific areas or serve specialized student populations.
Implications for Schools and Communities
The recognition of Chicago high schools in the national top 100 underscores the city’s academic strengths and provides benchmarks for other schools aiming to improve performance. The rankings serve as an important measure for parents, students, and policymakers seeking to understand school quality at the national level and identify models of success within the region.
Overall, the 2025-2026 rankings reflect ongoing efforts in Illinois and Chicago to enhance educational achievement and college readiness, emphasizing excellence in both curriculum and student outcomes.
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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 WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, 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 regional 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 National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
