News Summary
Three high schools in Chicago have been celebrated in the Best High Schools 2025-2026 rankings by U.S. News & World Report, showcasing their exceptional performance among over 24,000 public high schools. Payton College Preparatory, Northside College Preparatory, and Lane Technical High School have emerged as top institutions in Illinois, highlighting the effectiveness of the education system in the city. This recognition is based on key metrics such as student achievement and college readiness, reflecting the commitment of educators and the potential of their student bodies.
Chicago – Three high schools in Chicago have been recognized in the Best High Schools 2025-2026 rankings released by U.S. News & World Report. The evaluation assessed over 24,000 public high schools nationwide, making the recognition a significant achievement for these educational institutions.
Ranked highest among Illinois schools is Payton College Preparatory High School, which secured the 32nd position nationally. Closely following is Northside College Preparatory High School, ranked at 40th, while Lane Technical High School brought home the 72nd spot. Notably, none of the suburban high schools made it into the top 100 list, emphasizing the strong performance of these Chicago institutions.
The rankings are based on a set of six key performance indicators. These include student achievement on state-required assessments, graduation rates, and college readiness measures. The latter specifically considers the participation and performance of students in Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. This comprehensive evaluation process was developed in collaboration with RTI International, using data from the 2022-2023 school year.
Illinois has improved its ranking among U.S. states, moving up to 22nd place from 24th last year. This upward trend showcases enhancements in the education system across the state. The highest-ranking school outside of Chicago is the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy from Aurora, which stands at 120th nationally.
The methodology employed for the rankings was rigorous, incorporating various metrics designed to assess the overall education quality provided by schools. The rankings include traditional schools as well as specialized STEM and charter schools, allowing for a broad comparison across different educational formats.
With the Best High Schools rankings playing a crucial role in guiding parents and students in selecting educational institutions, this year’s results highlight the exceptional performance of Chicago’s high schools. The performance not only reflects the dedication of educators and administrators but also showcases the academic potential and achievements of the student populations at these schools.
As education continues to evolve, the focus on metrics such as graduation rates and college readiness becomes essential in preparing students for their future endeavors. The consistently high rankings of these Chicago high schools indicate a robust educational framework, potentially influencing future educational strategies statewide.
These recent findings from U.S. News serve as a reminder of the importance of high-quality education and the need for continued investment and focus on improving academic outcomes for students across the nation. The performance of these institutions sets a benchmark for others to strive towards, fostering an environment of continuous improvement in education.
In conclusion, the recognition of Payton College Preparatory, Northside College Preparatory, and Lane Technical High Schools reflects well on Chicago’s commitment to education. As Illinois continues to rise in national rankings, the spotlight remains on these schools as models of academic success, providing an inspiring story within the larger narrative of public education in the United States.
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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 INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion 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 Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
