Chicago, IL, August 20, 2025
News Summary
In the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings, three Chicago high schools have made remarkable leaps, with Payton College Preparatory securing the top Illinois position at 32nd nationally. Northside College Preparatory follows at 40th, while Lane Technical High School ranks 72nd. No suburban schools placed in the top 100, with Aurora’s Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy at 120th. Illinois improves its overall ranking to 22nd among states, highlighting ongoing efforts to enhance educational outcomes.
Chicago High Schools Shine in U.S. News Rankings
Chicago, IL – Three high schools in Chicago have made significant strides in the recent U.S. News & World Report rankings for the Best High Schools 2025-2026. The report evaluated over 24,000 public high schools across the nation, assessing various metrics to determine the top performers for the year.
Among the Chicago schools, Payton College Preparatory High School stands out as the highest-ranking institution from Illinois, securing the 32nd position nationally. Close behind, Northside College Preparatory High School claimed the 40th spot, while Lane Technical High School rounded out the top three Chicago schools with a ranking of 72nd in the country. Notably, no suburban schools from the greater Chicago area made it into the top 100. The highest-ranked school located outside the city was Aurora’s Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, which positioned itself at 120th nationally.
Ranking Methodology
The U.S. News rankings are based on a comprehensive methodology developed in collaboration with RTI International. This year’s assessment utilizes data from the academic year 2022-2023, focusing on six principal performance indicators:
- Student achievement on state-required assessments.
- Graduation rates across the evaluated schools.
- College readiness measures, including the participation and success rates in Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs.
This evaluation process aims to identify which high schools excel in preparing students for further education and future careers.
Statewide Performance
Illinois is currently ranked 22nd among all U.S. states and the District of Columbia in terms of high school performance, showing an improvement from 24th place last year. The data reflects an ongoing trend of schools in the state working to enhance educational outcomes.
Summary of Top Chicago High Schools
| School Name | National Rank |
|---|---|
| Payton College Preparatory High School | 32 |
| Northside College Preparatory High School | 40 |
| Lane Technical High School | 72 |
| Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (Aurora) | 120 |
The complete U.S. News report includes various categories and specialized rankings, reflecting the diverse educational landscapes across the country. With many high schools now offering innovative programs in subjects like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), as well as traditional options that emphasize a well-rounded education, the rankings serve as a guide for families considering high school options for their students.
Conclusion
The recognition of these Chicago high schools in the U.S. News rankings illustrates the dedication to educational excellence within the region. With continued focus on raising student achievement and improving college readiness, there is a promising outlook for Chicago’s educational institutions and their ability to prepare students for future success.
FAQ
What criteria are used in the U.S. News high school rankings?
The rankings are based on student achievement on state assessments, graduation rates, and various measures of college readiness including AP and IB participation and performance.
How many schools were evaluated in the 2025-2026 rankings?
Over 24,000 public high schools across the United States were evaluated for these rankings.
Which Chicago high school ranked highest in the U.S. News report?
Payton College Preparatory High School was the highest-ranking high school in Chicago, coming in at 32nd nationally.
What was Illinois’ rank compared to other states?
Illinois ranked 22nd among U.S. states and the District of Columbia, an improvement from its previous position at 24th.
Did any suburban high schools make the top 100 list?
No suburban Chicago schools were included in the top 100 rankings.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Norfolk Faces Backlash Over Proposed School Closures
Texas Graduate Program Rankings for 2025 Released
Houston Student Revolutionizes Art Auction Scene
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 HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris 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 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
