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6.3avg / 10

Best Schools in Chicago, Illinois

868 schools · 623 Elementary · 21 Middle · 188 High · 36 Other

Public: 632
Private: 236
Districts: 10
Avg Rating: 6.3/10
Estimated Scores: 23%
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Move-ready shortlistcity map + schools

Choosing a school in Chicago?

Use this page to compare every school in Chicago by level, neighborhood, and district — and find the right fit, not just the top of the list.

Explore the mapHow we rate schools

Shortlist starter

Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.

Audubon Elem School

9.8/10

Elementary · Chicago Public Schools Dist 299. Ranked from real test data; compare it on the map and table below.

Real test data100th percentileOpen profile

Poe Elem Classical School

9.8/10

Elementary · Chicago Public Schools Dist 299. Ranked from real test data; compare it on the map and table below.

Real test data100th percentileOpen profile

Blaine Elem School

9.6/10

Elementary · Chicago Public Schools Dist 299. Ranked from real test data; compare it on the map and table below.

Real test data99th percentileOpen profile

The short answer

The top-rated schools in Chicago for 2026 are Audubon Elem School (9.8/10), Poe Elem Classical School (9.8/10), and Blaine Elem School (9.6/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 624 rated schools. Ratings blend student growth, poverty-adjusted academic achievement, and school environment (plus college readiness for high schools), with equity shown as context, not scored; schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.

Schools

868

632 public · 236 private

Avg Score

6.3

out of 10

Median Home

$356,912

home value · ACS

Districts

10

serving the city

Best value · beats the odds
Casals Elem School

Rates 9.5/10 despite 85% of students being economically disadvantaged. That's about 3.4 points higher than its student-poverty level predicts. Roughly as clean a case of strong results without an affluent-ZIP price tag as you'll find among Chicago schools.

Most improved · 2022 → 2024
Taft High School

STAAR proficiency rose +44.4 points from 2022 to 2024. That's the biggest jump among Chicago schools across the two most recent comparable testing years.

Top-Rated Schools in Chicago

Ranked by MySchoolScout composite using only schools with real test data (Top 10 of 624 rated schools; 868 schools in the directory). "Value" = points above what student poverty predicts. Estimated (proxy) scores are excluded.

#SchoolRating
1Audubon Elem School9.8 / 10
2Poe Elem Classical School9.8 / 10
3Blaine Elem School9.6 / 10
4Hawthorne Elem Scholastic Academy9.6 / 10
5Black Magnet Elem School9.5 / 10
6Prescott Elem School9.5 / 10
7Casals Elem School9.5 / 10
8Ward J Elem School9.4 / 10
9Charles J Sahs Elem School9.4 / 10
10Burr Elem School9.3 / 10

See every school — including those with estimated data — in the full directory below. How we rate schools.

Family Snapshot

At a glance
Avg school rating
6.3/10

37% of schools rated 7+

Median household income
$82,484

Census ACS, ZIPs in this city

Median home value
$356,912

Owner-occupied units

Bachelor's degree or higher
46%

Adults 25+

Avg commute
33 min

Workers age 16+

Owner-occupied homes
48%

Of occupied housing units

How Chicago compares

Illinois rank

#233 of 450

cities by avg. school score

Vs. state average

-0.0

below Illinois avg (6.4)

Median household income

$82k

101% of Illinois median

Schools in this city

814

Education Snapshot

Chicago, Illinois

Chicago's 850 schools serve approximately 367,244 students across 10 school districts. The city's school mix tilts heavily toward elementary education: 618 of those schools are elementary campuses, compared to 183 high schools, 31 other or combined campuses, and just 18 dedicated middle schools. Elementary schools account for over 72% of all campuses — more than three times the count of high schools and 34 times the count of middle schools. The 792 Chicago schools with a MySchoolScout composite score average 6.1/10, placing the city one-tenth of a point below the Illinois state average of 6.2/10. The city's 118 charter schools represent roughly 14% of all schools. Chicago's median household income of $72,980 is 16% below the Illinois state median of $86,588; 38% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 runs Chicago's public schools

632 public schools. Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 is the dominant district on the page.

Every assigned public school in Chicago is a Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 school (622 of 632).

Among 624 public schools with real test data, composite scores run from 2.8 to 9.8 — the spread is inside Chicago, not a citywide average.

118 of the 632 public schools are charters (19%), so the district split is not the whole market.

About Schools in Chicago, Illinois

Chicago runs one of the largest urban public school systems in the country, with 629 ranked public schools spread across the city's 77 neighborhoods. That scale means enormous variety — from selective enrollment programs to neighborhood elementaries — and parents benefit from knowing how performance is distributed before they start comparing options.

The city average sits at 6.4 out of 10, and 204 schools, or 32 percent of the ranked total, score 7 or above. That's a meaningful subset of strong performers, but it also means the majority of schools fall below that threshold. Understanding where a school sits relative to that 6.4 baseline gives parents a clearer read than raw ratings alone. At the top end, Belding Elementary and Orozco Elementary Fine Arts and Sciences both score 9.3, the highest in the city. Bronzeville Classical Elementary and Payton College Preparatory High School each earn a 9.2, with Pritzker Elementary close behind at 9.1. Payton stands out as the top-rated high school in Chicago and draws students citywide through a selective enrollment process.

Chicago's school landscape also reflects the city's geography. High-performing schools are not evenly distributed — they tend to cluster in certain neighborhoods, and many carry selective or magnet designations that require applications, testing, or both. Families zoned to a lower-rated neighborhood school often have access to citywide options if their child qualifies, which makes it worth researching both local and non-neighborhood schools simultaneously. Elementary performance matters here too: strong elementary preparation is often the path to competitive selective high schools like Payton.

For parents actively comparing schools, the 7-plus threshold is a practical starting filter — it identifies roughly one in three Chicago public schools as above-average performers. From there, checking whether a school is neighborhood-assigned or selective, and understanding the application timeline, will shape what's actually within reach. The gap between the city's top scorers and its average is wide, so location alone shouldn't drive the decision. Chicago rewards parents who dig into the data early.

Filter by Level:All Levels (868)Elementary (623)Middle (21)High (188)
Filter by Type:All Types (868)Public (632)Private (236)
Filter by Rating:All Ratings (868)Academics (868)Growth (623)Diversity (624)Resources (630)
Filter by ZIP:60623(40)60608(34)60609(33)60617(32)60632(31)60620(29)60643(28)60612(26)60628(25)60618(24)60629(24)60619(23)

Elementary Schools

623 schools
#SchoolRating
1
Audubon Elem School
610 students · Pre-K–8th		9.8
2
Poe Elem Classical School
227 students · Kindergarten–8th		9.8
3
Blaine Elem School
636 students · Pre-K–8th		9.6
4
Hawthorne Elem Scholastic Academy
616 students · Kindergarten–8th		9.6
5
Black Magnet Elem School
356 students · Kindergarten–8th		9.5
6
Prescott Elem School
412 students · Kindergarten–8th		9.5
7
Casals Elem School
370 students · Pre-K–8th		9.5
8
Ward J Elem School
495 students · Pre-K–8th		9.4
9
Charles J Sahs Elem School
304 students · Pre-K–8th		9.4
10
Burr Elem School
454 students · Kindergarten–8th		9.3
Show all 623 elementary schools in Chicago

Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models, so scores are not directly comparable across school types.

Cassell Elem SchoolKellogg Elem SchoolSor Juana Ines De La CruzBell Elem SchoolHaines Elem SchoolRogers Elem SchoolSauganash Elem SchoolPritzker Elem SchoolChavez Elem Multicultural Acad CtNettelhorst Elem SchoolRavenswood Elem SchoolSumner Elem Math & Sci Comm AcadArmour Elem SchoolEdison Elem Regional Gifted CntrGalileo Elem Math & Sci Schol AcdDavis M Magnet Elem SchoolChase Elem SchoolEarhart Elem Opt for Knowl SchoolKinzie Elem SchoolSouth Loop Elem SchoolStem Magnet Academy ElemBurley Elem SchoolChappell Elem SchoolFranklin Elem Fine Arts CenterMcdade Elem Classical SchoolMount Greenwood Elem SchoolOnahan Elem SchoolStone Elem Scholastic AcademyLasalle II Lang Acad Elem SchBurnside Elem Scholastic AcademyEverett Elem SchoolOriole Park Elem SchoolColumbia Explorers Elem AcademySkinner North Elem SchTurner-Drew Elem Language AcademyCoonley Elem SchoolDewey Elem Academy of Fine ArtsGregory Math & Sci Elem AcademyHamilton Elem SchoolChicago World Language AcademyLasalle Elem Language AcademyMitchell Elem SchoolWells Preparatory Elem AcademyBronzeville Classical Elem SchDarwin Elem SchoolGreene N Elem SchoolLovett Elem SchoolPulaski Intl Sch of ChicagoAcero Chtr - Rufino Tamayo ElemGoethe Elem SchoolKipling Elem SchoolColemon J Elem AcademyEdison Park Elem SchoolBelding Elem SchoolBrentano Elem Math & Science AcadCanty Elem SchoolMount Vernon Elem SchoolBrown R Elem Community AcadPasteur Elem SchoolMonarcas AcademyWashington G Elem SchoolCarson Elem SchoolDunne Technology Acad Elem SchMayer Elem SchoolMurphy Elem SchoolPeterson Elem SchoolCatalyst Charter-Circle Rock ESLearn Charter Excel CampusDecatur Classical Elem SchoolFalconer Elem SchoolGresham Elem SchoolHealy Elem SchoolJensen Elem Scholastic AcademyWebster Elem SchoolLee Elem SchoolBeasley Elem Magnet Academic CtrMcdowell Elem SchoolMann Elem SchoolTwain Elem SchoolBrighton Park Elem SchoolBeaubien Elem SchoolBrownell Elem SchoolOwens Community Academy ESJungman Elem SchoolPeck Elem SchoolWashington H Elem SchoolThorp O a Elem Scholastic AcadSouth Shore Fine Arts Elem SchGarcia Lorca Elem SchoolGreat Lakes Academy Charter ESLearn Chtr - 7th CampusAcero Chtr - Octavio Paz Elem SchLearn Chtr-Campbell CampusAvondale - Logandale Elem SchGrissom Elem SchoolKershaw Elem SchoolRuggles Elem SchoolRyder Elem Math & Sci Spec SchoolSchmid Elem SchoolWest Park Elem AcademyLenart Elem Regional Gifted CtrBrown W Elem SchoolDaisy Bates Acad of Social JusticDeneen Elem SchoolGarvey M Elem SchoolKeller Elem Gifted Magnet SchoolAddams Elem SchoolWildwood Elem SchoolLincoln Elem SchoolMcpherson Elem SchoolCardenas Elem SchoolSutherland Elem SchoolTarkington Elem SchoolPrieto Math-Science Elem SchCics - Avalon/south ShoreBarnard Elem Comp Math & Sci CtrDixon Elem SchoolDrummond Elem SchoolAlcott Elem SchoolHitch Elem SchoolPickard Elem SchoolJoplin Elem SchoolArmstrong G Elem Intl StudiesHay Elem Community AcademyChicago Academy Elem SchoolLearn Chtr - ButlerChalmers Elem Specialty SchoolDore Elem SchoolDubois Elem SchoolEricson Elem Scholastic AcademyHoyne Elem SchoolHurley Elem SchoolInter-American Elem Magnet SchoolMurray Elem Language AcademySheridan Elem Math & Science AcadShields Elem SchoolWalsh Elem SchoolAshburn Community Elem SchoolBennett Elem SchoolBudlong Elem SchoolBurroughs Elem SchoolCarnegie Elem SchoolCarroll Elem SchoolGallistel Elem Language AcademyHolden Elem SchoolNeil Elem SchoolPeirce Elem Intl Studies SchoolMorton Elem Career AcademyBlair Early Childhood CenterCics - West Belden CampusUniv of Chicago Chtr-DonoghueBetty Shabazz Internl Charter SchEbinger Elem SchoolGunsaulus Elem Scholastic AcademyWhite Elem Career AcademyPalmer Elem SchoolWaters Elem SchoolLocke a Elem Charter AcademyAvalon Park Elem SchoolClay Elem SchoolCleveland Elem SchoolHanson Park Elem SchoolEsmond Elem SchoolGrimes Elem SchoolHale Elem SchoolHenry Elem SchoolLinne Elem SchoolMarsh Elem SchoolMccutcheon Elem SchoolSayre Elem Language AcademyPerez Elem SchoolFrazier Perspectives Magnet ESEvers Elem SchoolFernwood Elem SchoolGray Elem SchoolBret Harte Elem SchoolSmith W Elem SchoolNorwood Park Elem SchoolShoop Math-Sci Tech Elem AcademyStevenson Elem SchoolGreen W Elem SchoolWoodlawn Elem Community SchoolOrozco Elem Fine Arts & SciencesCamras Elem SchoolLearn Chtr - South Chicago CampusCics - Irving Park CampusHaley Elem AcademyKozminski Elem Community AcademyLyon Elem SchoolMarquette Elem SchoolParkside Elem Community AcademyCuffe Math-Sci Tech Elem AcademyClaremont Academy Elem SchoolSuder Montessori Elem Magnet SchlBeidler Elem SchoolMosaic School of Fine ArtsBridge Elem SchoolFunston Elem SchoolGarvy J Elem SchoolMozart Elem SchoolLavizzo Elem SchoolWacker Elem SchoolWhistler Elem SchoolNamaste Elem Charter SchoolRuiz Elem SchoolDurkin Park Elem SchoolAzuela Elem SchoolCics - Basil CampusCather Elem SchoolColes Elem Language AcademyDever Elem SchoolEdgebrook Elem SchoolJohnson Elem SchoolLowell Elem SchoolNightingale Elem SchoolSwift Elem Specialty SchoolClinton Elem SchoolHughes C Elem SchoolMinnie Minoso AcademyMelody Elem SchoolParker Elem Community AcademySherman Elem SchoolSolomon Elem SchoolCullen Elem SchoolNational Teachers Elem AcademyAcademy for Global CitizenshipBateman Elem SchoolClissold Elem SchoolEarle Elem SchoolPiccolo Elem Specialty SchoolOwen Elem Scholastic AcademyReilly Elem SchoolAldridge Elem SchoolDirksen Elem SchoolFinkl Elem SchoolSandoval Elem SchoolLegacy Elem Charter SchoolProvidence-Englewood Elem CharterCameron Elem SchoolDawes Elem SchoolKilmer Elem SchoolPark Manor Elem SchoolPullman Elem SchoolSpry Elem Community SchoolOrtiz De Dominguez Elem SchoolTalman Elem SchoolAcero Chtr - Esmera Santiago CmpsFuller Elem SchoolHiggins Elem Community AcademyJahn Elem SchoolOtoole Elem SchoolPortage Park Elem SchoolWarren Elem SchoolLangford a Elem SchoolUniv of Chicago Chtr-Nth KenwoodKipp One AcademyBond Elem SchoolDisney Elem Magnet SchoolEdwards Elem SchoolLloyd Elem SchoolTalcott Elem SchoolMoos Elem SchoolJackson M Elem SchoolAriel Elem Community AcademyHampton Elem Fine & Perf Arts SchNew Field Elem SchoolCics - Bucktown CampusBarbara a Sizemore CampusNicholson Tech Acad Elem SchBouchet Elem Math & Science AcadRandolph Elem SchoolFort Dearborn Elem SchoolGoudy Technology AcademyHammond Elem SchoolHayt Elem SchoolHearst Elem SchoolHedges Elem SchoolHowe Elem SchoolLocke J Elem SchoolMorrill Elem Math & Sci SchoolPenn Elem SchoolReinberg Elem SchoolSawyer Elem SchoolTaylor Elem SchoolWadsworth Elem SchoolYates Elem SchoolMcnair Elem SchoolBelmont-Cragin Elem SchoolByrne Elem SchoolCook Elem SchoolKellman Corporate Community ElemPrussing Elem SchoolShoesmith Elem SchoolThorp J N Elem SchoolWhitney Elem SchoolLara Elem AcademyCooper Elem Dual Language AcademyStowe Elem SchoolLittle Village Elem SchoolDaley Elem AcademySaucedo Elem Scholastic AcademyDisney II Elem SchoolJordan Elem Community SchoolBass Elem SchoolBrunson Math & Sci Specialty ElemColumbus Elem SchoolFaraday Elem SchoolIrving Elem SchoolOkeeffe Elem SchoolSkinner Elem SchoolVanderpoel Elem Magnet SchoolTelpochcalli Elem SchoolMoving Everest Charter SchoolLearn Chtr - Hunter Perkins CampKipp Chicago Chrtrs Bloom CampusDrake Elem SchoolEllington Elem SchoolHarriet Tubman Elem SchoolFiske Elem SchoolGillespie Elem SchoolCourtenay Elem Language Arts CtrMckay Elem SchoolNash Elem SchoolNewberry Elem Math & Science AcadNobel Elem SchoolPershing Elem Humanities MagnetMireles Elem AcademySmyser Elem SchoolMcauliffe Elem SchoolWest Ridge Elem SchoolCics - WrightwoodAcero Chtr - Officer Marquez ElemMetcalfe Elem Community AcademyMccormick Elem SchoolStagg Elem SchoolNinos Heroes Elem Academic CtrFoster Park Elem SchoolSabin Elem Magnet SchoolAcero Chtr Roberto Clemente ElemBarry Elem SchoolPilsen Elem Community AcademyLibby Elem SchoolSeward Elem Communication Arts AcSherwood Elem SchoolAcero Chtr - Sandra Cisneros ElemKipp Chicago Chrtrs - Ascend AcadBronzeville Academy Charter SchBurnham Elem Inclusive AcademyHarvard Elem SchoolHaugan Elem SchoolHughes L Elem SchoolMadison Elem SchoolWhittier Elem SchoolDepriest Elem SchoolErie Elem Charter SchoolAcero Chtr - Spc Zizumbo ElemAcero Chtr-Brighton Park Elem SchAcero Chtr Network - Jovita IdarEberhart Elem SchoolFarnsworth Elem SchoolOglesby Elem SchoolPlamondon Elem SchoolSpencer Technology Acad Elem SchTilton Elem SchoolClark G R Elem SchoolKipp Academy Chicago CampusAcero Chtr - Carlos Fuentes ElemCics - Bond CampusBarton Elem SchoolBrennemann Elem SchoolBurbank Elem SchoolJamieson Elem SchoolLewis Elem SchoolPirie Elem Fine Arts & Academic CRay Elem SchoolWentworth Elem SchoolYoung Elem SchoolZapata Elem AcademyAcero Chtr Network - Pfc TorressCarter Elem SchoolDvorak Technology Acad Elem SchKanoon Elem Magnet SchoolGreeley Elem SchoolHibbard Elem SchoolLawndale Elem Community AcademyMonroe Elem SchoolOtis Elem SchoolScammon Elem SchoolSullivan Elem SchoolChristopher Elem SchoolCarver Primary SchoolWoodson South Elem SchoolCalmeca Acad Elem SchoolAcero Chtr - Bartolome De LasCics - Prairie CampusChopin Elem SchoolLeland Elem SchoolNixon Elem SchoolAshe Elem SchoolJames R Doolittle AcademyGraham a Elem SchoolKing Academy of Social JusticeWestcott Elem SchoolPolaris Elem Charter AcademyMontessori of Englewood Chtr ESChristopher House Chrt ESSadlowski Elementary SchoolCics - Washington PK CampusCrown Elem Comm Acd Fine Arts CtrGale Elem Community AcademyHendricks Elem Community AcademyHenderson Elem SchoolTanner Elem SchoolSmyth J Elem SchoolAsian Human Srvcs-Passage ChrtrDavis N Elem SchoolManierre Elem SchoolBeethoven Elem SchoolBurke Elem SchoolMays Elem AcademyDulles Elem SchoolSchubert Elem SchoolVolta Elem SchoolBeard Elem SchoolDe Diego Elem Community AcademyRevere Elem SchoolPowell Elem Paideia Comm AcademyFairfield Elem AcademyDett Elem SchoolFulton Elem SchoolSalazar Elem Bilingual CenterCurtis Elem SchoolHerzl Elem SchoolLozano Elem Bilingual & Intl CtrTill Elem Math & Science AcademyBright Elem SchoolCorkery Elem SchoolHamline Elem SchoolReavis Elem Math & Sci Spec SchlWard L Elem SchoolNorth River Elem SchoolCics - Loomis Primary CampusMollison Elem SchoolOgden Elem SchoolHolmes Elem SchoolMason Elem SchoolRowe ElementaryBradwell Comm Arts & Sci Elem SchHefferan Elem SchoolRobinson Elem SchoolPlato Learning Acad Elem SchoolRudolph Elem Learning CenterAncona SchoolPrivateIntercultural Montessori Language SchoolPrivateMontessori Academy of ChicagoPrivateSouth Loop Montessori SchoolPrivateMontessori Academy of ChicagoPrivateChicago City Day SchoolPrivateRogers Park Montessori SchoolPrivateOld St Marys SchoolPrivateSt Hilary SchoolPrivateUrban Prairie Waldorf SchoolPrivateGuidepost Montessori at Magnificent MilePrivateIcc Elementary SchoolPrivateSt Constance SchoolPrivateSt Jerome SchoolPrivateGerman International School ChicagoPrivateIcc Elementary SchoolPrivateVisitation Catholic SchoolPrivateThe Latin School of ChicagoPrivateSt Helen SchoolPrivateNorthside Catholic AcademyPrivateSt Jerome School, Santa Lucia CampusPrivateCatherine Cook SchoolPrivateChicago Free SchoolPrivateChicago Jewish Day SchoolPrivateFrances Xavier Warde SchoolPrivateBrickton Montessori SchoolPrivateMontessori Foundations of ChgoPrivateSt Matthias SchoolPrivateUrban PrairiePrivateMidwestern Christian AcademyPrivateNear North MontessoriPrivateGuidance Educational AcademyPrivateOur Lady of Guadalupe SchoolPrivateBernard Zell Anshe Emet Day SchoolPrivateBethesda International AcademyPrivateSt Andrew SchoolPrivateGood Shepherd Christian AcademyPrivateSt Genevieve SchoolPrivateSt Stanislaus Kostka SchoolPrivateBritish International School of Chicago, Lincoln PPrivateIcci AcademyPrivateSt John Lutheran SchoolPrivateSt Philip Lutheran SchoolPrivateSt Viator Elementary SchoolPrivateSt Monica AcademyPrivateChicago West Side Christian SchoolPrivateSt Edward SchoolPrivateSt John Berchmans SchoolPrivateCheder Lubavitch Hebrew Day SchoolPrivateMaternity Bvm Elementary SchoolPrivateSt Josaphat SchoolPrivateSacred Heart SchoolsPrivateSacred Heart SchoolsPrivateSt Francis Borgia SchoolPrivateSt James Lutheran SchoolPrivateBridgeport Catholic AcademyPrivateOur Lady of the Snows SchoolPrivateSt Thomas the ApostlePrivateAkiba-Schechter Jewish Day SchoolPrivateNorth Park Elementary SchoolPrivatePui Tak Christian SchoolPrivatePui Tak Christian SchoolPrivateQueen of Angels Elementary SchoolPrivatePope Francis Global AcademyPrivateSt Elizabeth of the TrinityPrivateSt Sava AcademyPrivateCambridge Classical AcademyPrivateImmaculate Conception School - ExchangePrivateSacred Heart School-96thPrivateSt Ferdinand Parish SchoolPrivateSt Philip Neri Elementary SchoolPrivateSt Robert Bellarmine SchoolPrivateOur Lady of Mount Carmel AcademyPrivateSt Walter SchoolPrivateSt Benedict Preparatory SchoolPrivateLos Pequenos AngelitosPrivatePilgrim Lutheran SchoolPrivateSt Ann SchoolPrivateSt Mary of the Woods SchoolPrivateSt Therese Chinese Catholic SchoolPrivateSt Barnabas Elementary SchoolPrivateAugustus Tolton Catholic AcademyPrivateOur Lady of Grace SchoolPrivateSt Benedict Preparatory SchoolPrivateSt Gabriel Elementary SchoolPrivateSt Procopius SchoolPrivateYeshivas Tiferes TzviPrivateImmaculate Conception SchoolPrivateSt Clement SchoolPrivateSt Nicholas Cathedral SchoolPrivateChildren of Peace SchoolPrivateSt John Fisher Elementary SchoolPrivateSt Juliana SchoolPrivateSt Pius V SchoolPrivateChrist the King Elementary SchoolPrivateHoly Family SchoolPrivateQueen of the Universe SchoolPrivateSt Gall Elementary SchoolPrivateSt Symphorosa SchoolPrivateSt Mary Star of the Sea SchoolPrivateSt Paul Lutheran SchoolPrivateSt Paul Lutheran SchoolPrivatePope John Paul II Catholic SchoolPrivateSt John De La Salle Catholic AcademyPrivateChicago Sda Elementary SchoolPrivateSt Angela SchoolPrivateJoan Dachs Bais Yaakov Elementary SchoolPrivateSt Agnes of Bohemia SchoolPrivateAnnunciata SchoolPrivateSt Margaret of Scotland SchoolPrivateAcademy of St Benedict the AfricanPrivateSt Malachy Elementary SchoolPrivateSt Sabina AcademyPrivateSt Nicholas Tolentine SchoolPrivateSts. Bruno and Richard SchoolPrivateSt Ethelreda Elementary SchoolPrivateGrace Lutheran SchoolPrivateOur Lady of Tepayac Elementary SchoolPrivateSt Christina SchoolPrivateHoly AngelsPrivateJoan Dachs Bais Yaakov Elementary SchoolPrivateOakdale Christian Academy & Child Care CenterPrivateAbc AcademyPrivateCasa Dei Bambini Montessori of MayfairPrivateChance After Chance College PreparatoryPrivateChicago Friends SchoolPrivateChildrens Land on BelmontPrivateChrist Lutheran SchoolPrivateChrist the King Lutheran SchoolPrivateChristian S.t.e.m. Scholars AcademyPrivateCity Garden Waldorf SchoolPrivateAll Aboard Learning ExpressPrivateAll Day MontessoriPrivateAndersonville MontessoriPrivateBeverly Montessori SchoolPrivateFantasy Island School for KidsPrivateGateway Montessori SchoolPrivateJudah Foundational Comm SchoolPrivateKc's AcademyPrivateGreater Rock Gifted Learning AcademyPrivateHope Excel Reaching the World AcademyPrivateHumboldt Park Montessori SchoolPrivateDank Haus KinderschulePrivateKid'z ColonyPrivateKids in Harmony Day SchoolPrivateLes Finch's Learning Tree DayPrivateMontessori Learning Center of Edison ParkPrivateNear the Pier Development CenterPrivateRaekwon's Scholastic Daycare Academy LlcPrivateSauganash Montessori SchoolPrivatePrairie Land MontessoriPrivateScuola Italiana Enrico FermiPrivateSt Luke AcademyPrivateStair Step Villa Nursery & KindergartenPrivateThe Family Matters SchoolPrivateUniversity Village Montessori SchoolPrivateWee Care Nursery SchoolPrivateLakeview Preschool AcademyPrivateGuidepost at EdgewaterPrivateLincoln Park Preschool and KindergartenPrivateSt Jude Educational InstitutePrivate

Middle Schools

21 schools
#SchoolRating
1
Evergreen Academy Elem School
200 students · 6th–8th		7.6
2
Albany Park Multicultural Elem
227 students · 7th–8th		7.1
3
Madero Middle School
250 students · 6th–8th		7.0
4
Richardson Middle School
842 students · 5th–8th		7.0
5
Shields Middle School
376 students · 5th–8th		6.7
6
Gary Elem School
718 students · 3rd–8th		6.4
7
Learn Chtr - Middle School
185 students · 6th–8th		6.4
8
Hernandez Middle School
753 students · 6th–8th		6.3
9
Aspira Charter - Haugan Campus
82 students · 6th–8th		6.0
10
Field Elem School
156 students · 5th–8th		5.4
Show all 21 middle schools in Chicago

Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models, so scores are not directly comparable across school types.

Northwest Middle SchoolSt Bede the VenerablePrivateChicago Jesuit AcademyPrivateSt Therese School WestPrivateFrances Xavier Warde SchoolPrivateHyde Park Day SchoolPrivateRedwood Day SchoolPrivateAltus AcademyPrivateSan Miguel SchoolPrivateGrace Lutheran SchoolPrivateSouth Central School Main CampusPrivate

High Schools

188 schools
#SchoolRating
1
Hancock College Preparatory HS
1,032 students · 9th–12th		9.0
2
Northside College Preparatory HS
1,032 students · 9th–12th		7.9
3
Young Magnet High School
2,221 students · 7th–12th		7.8
4
Lane Technical High School
4,525 students · 7th–12th		7.7
5
Noble St Chtr-Noble Campus
679 students · 9th–12th		7.7
6
Brooks College Prep Academy HS
982 students · 7th–12th		7.6
7
Noble St Chtr-Pritzker Col Prep
991 students · 9th–12th		7.6
8
Disney II Magnet HS
755 students · 7th–12th		7.3
9
Payton College Preparatory HS
1,265 students · 9th–12th		7.2
10
Intrinsic Charter High School
947 students · 7th–12th		7.2
Show all 188 high schools in Chicago

Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models, so scores are not directly comparable across school types.

Lindblom Math & Science Acad HSKenwood Academy High SchoolChicago Academy High SchoolChicago Math & Sci Elem CharterNoble St Chtr-Itw Speer AcadAmundsen High SchoolMorgan Park High SchoolTaft High SchoolVon Steuben Metro Science HSNoble St Chtr - MansuetoJones College Prep High SchoolNoble St Chtr-Comer College PrepUrban Prep Chtr Bronzeville HSSolorio Academy High SchoolLincoln Park High SchoolClark Acad Prep Magnet High SchlInfinity Math Science & Tech HSUrban Prep Chtr Acad Englewood HSBack of the Yards Ib HSWestinghouse High SchoolChicago HS for Agricult SciencesDevry Advantage Academy High SchlAcero Chtr Netrk - Major GarciaCics - Northtown CampusPhoenix Military Academy HSSouth Shore Intl Col Prep HSAlcott College PrepOgden Int High SchoolMarine Leadership Academy - AmesChicago HS for the ArtsNoble St Chtr-Muchin College PrepNoble St Chtr-Golder College PrepPerspectives Chtr - Joslin CampusArt in Motion Charter SchoolMather High SchoolPhillips Academy High SchoolNoble St Chtr-Chicago Bulls PrepNoble St Chtr-Uic College PrepDunbar Vocational Career Acad HSKing College Prep High SchoolSenn High SchoolSpry Community Links High SchoolAir Force Acad High SchoolNoble St Chtr-Butler - CrimsonProsser Career Academy HSJuarez Community Academy HSRickover Naval Academy High SchlWorld Language High SchoolLegal Prep Academy Charter HSSimeon Career Academy High SchoolBronzeville Scholastic HSNoble St Chtr-the Noble AcademyNoble St Chtr Rauner College PrepIntrinsic 2 Charter High SchoolHarlan Community Academy HSUniv of Chicago Chtr-WoodlawnPerspectives Chtr - Iit CampusAce Amandla Charter SchoolChicago Military Academy HSCarver Military Academy HSCurie Metropolitan High SchoolWilliams Medical Prep High SchChicago Collegiate Charter SchoolNorth Lawndale Prep Chtr-CollinsHubbard High SchoolWashington G High SchoolNorth-Grand High SchoolAustin College and Career Acad HSGoode Stem Academy HSPerspectives Chtr - Leadership AcYccs-West Town Academy Alt HSYccs-Olive Harvey Mid College HSAcero Chtr Sch Netwrk- VictoriaLake View High SchoolSchurz High SchoolNoble St Chtr-Rowe-Clark MS AcadEpic Academy High SchoolCrane Medical Prep HSNoble St Chtr-Johnson Colg PrepEnglewood Stem High SchoolChicago Technology Academy HSYccs-Truman Middle College HSThomas Kelly College PreparatoryTilden Career Communty Academy HSNoble St Chtr-Hansberry Prep SlvrRichards Career Academy HSFarragut Career Academy HSKennedy High SchoolCorliss High SchoolWells Community Academy HSMulticultural Arts High SchoolNoble St Chtr-Drw Trading ColUplift Community High SchoolDouglass Academy High SchoolCollins Academy High SchoolIhsca Charter High SchoolIjla Charter High SchoolAspira Charter - Early College PrNorth Lawndale Prep Chtr - ChristNoble St Chtr-Baker CampusBogan High SchoolRoosevelt High SchoolManley Career Academy High SchoolSchool of Social Justice HSWalter Henri Dyett HS for ArtsPerspectives Chtr - HS of TechYccs-Latino Youth Alternative HSChicago Vocational Career Acad HSClemente Community Academy HSRaby High SchoolChicago Excel Academy HSCics - Ralph Ellison CampusAspira Charter - Bus and FinAcceleration Academies Llc HomesteadKelvyn Park High SchoolBowen High SchoolYccs WestYccs Chtr - ChathamYccs-Community Youth Dev Inst HSYccs-Aspira Pantoja Alt HSFenger Academy High SchoolHyde Park Academy High SchoolJulian High SchoolSteinmetz College Prep HSSullivan High SchoolOrr Academy High SchoolYccs-Sullivan House Alt HSYccs-Cca Academy HSGage Park High SchoolMarshall Metropolitan High SchoolYccs-Mckinley-Lakeside LeadershipYccs-Association HouseYccs-Youth Connection LeadershipYccs-Scholastic Achievement HSYccs-Innovations of Arts IntegrYccs-Albizu Campos Puerto RicanYccs-Progressive Leadership AcadHirsch Metropolitan High SchoolForeman High SchoolIyc ChicagoJosephinum Academy of the Sacred HeartPrivateWolcott SchoolPrivateFusion Academy Lincoln ParkPrivateTrinity High SchoolPrivateThe Chicago Academy for the ArtsPrivateSt Francis De Sales High SchoolPrivateHanna Sacks Bais Yaakov High SchoolPrivateHoly Trinity High SchoolPrivateMount Carmel High SchoolPrivateTelshe High SchoolPrivateChicago Hope AcademyPrivateLubavitch Girls High SchoolPrivateYeshivas Kesser YonahPrivateDepaul College PrepPrivateUcan AcademyPrivateYeshivas Meor Hatorah of ChicagoPrivateLeo Catholic High SchoolPrivateResurrection College Prep High SchoolPrivateMother Mcauley Liberal Arts High SchoolPrivateSt Rita of Cascia High SchoolPrivateChrist the King Jesuit College Preparatory SchoolPrivateLatin School of Chicago UpperPrivateOur Lady of Tepeyac High SchoolPrivateDe La Salle Institute - Institute CampusPrivateSt Ignatius College PrepPrivateLubavitch Mesivta of ChicagoPrivateMckinley Lakeside Leadership AcademyPrivateMarist High SchoolPrivateBr Rice High SchoolPrivateYeshiva Gedola of the Midwest/yeshiva Eitz ChaimPrivateCristo Rey Jesuit High SchoolPrivateChanging Oasis, IncPrivateChicago Prep Elearning & Elite Sports AcademyPrivateMisericordia SchoolPrivatePathways Academy for Special EducationPrivateSouth Central Community Services - South ShorePrivateThresholdsPrivateA.s.b. Educational InstitutePrivate

Other Schools

36 schools
#SchoolRating
1
Horizon Science Acad-Mckinley PK
853 students · Kindergarten–12th		8.3
2
Horizon Sci Acad - Southwest Chtr
746 students · Kindergarten–12th		7.9
3
Horizon Science Acad-Belmont
672 students · Kindergarten–9th		7.4
4
Vick Early Childhood & Family Ctr
408 students · Pre-K–Pre-K		7.1
5
Stock Early Childhood Center
212 students · Pre-K–Pre-K		7.1
6
Thomas Early Childhood Center
124 students · Pre-K–Pre-K		7.1
7
Catalyst Charter - Maria ES
1,102 students · Kindergarten–12th		6.9
8
Acero Chtr Sor Juana Ines De La
501 students · Kindergarten–12th		5.4
9
Cics - Longwood Campus
1,200 students · 3rd–12th		4.4
Private Schools27 schools

Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models. Scores are not directly comparable across school types.

1
Gems World Academy ChicagoPrivate
196 students · Pre-K–12th		Not Rated
Show all 36 other schools in Chicago

Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models, so scores are not directly comparable across school types.

Daystar AcademyPrivateBennett Day SchoolPrivateBennett Day SchoolPrivatePactt Learning CenterPrivateBritish International School of Chicago South LoopPrivateBritish International School of Chicago South LoopPrivateRavenswood Christian SchoolPrivateUcan Academy-SouthPrivateMidwest Academy for Gifted Ed NfpPrivateNew Horizon CenterPrivateDaystar AcademyPrivateLycee Francais De ChicagoPrivateKnapp School and YeshivaPrivateGenesis Scholars AcademyPrivateProvidence St. Mel SchoolPrivateChicago Waldorf SchoolPrivateUniv of Chicago Lab SchoolPrivateNorthshore Adventist AcademyPrivateLawrence Hall SchoolPrivateEsperanza Therapeutic SchoolPrivateFrench American School of ChicagoPrivateFutureworld NfpPrivateThe Chicago Lighthouse Childrens Development CentePrivateCs AcademyPrivateCs Academy College PrepPrivateMetropolitan SchoolhousePrivate

Schools in Chicago

Chicago, Illinois · 868 schools

Community Demographics

Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates across 57 ZIP codes

Median Income

$82,484

Median Home Value

$356,912

Median Rent

$1,487/mo

Population

2,764,319

College Educated

46%

Homeownership

48%

Avg Commute

33 min

Poverty Rate

16.0%

Community Profile

Chicago has a median household income of $82,484. It is a well-educated community where 46% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $356,912, with a median rent of $1,487/month. The area has a poverty rate of 16.0%. The average commute for residents is 33 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Schools by Level

State
Illinois
Elementary
623
Middle
21
High
188
Other
36

Resources

🔍Google "Chicago schools"🏫GreatSchools Chicago📊Niche Chicago Rankings📍Google Maps: Schools🗺️Illinois state profile🗺️All states
School Districts (10)

MIAMI-DADE

536 schools · 335,500 students

IDJJ Sch Dist 428

5 schools · 127 students

Horizon Science Acad-McKinley Pk

1 school · 853 students

Horizon Science Acad-Belmont

1 school · 672 students

Betty Shabazz Internl Chrtr Sch

2 schools · 575 students

ACE Amandla Charter School

1 school · 137 students

Bronzeville Academy Chtr School

1 school · 332 students

Intrinsic 2 Charter High School

1 school · 699 students

Chicago Public Schools Dist 299

643 schools · 322,809 students

Central Stickney SD 110

1 school · 304 students

Other Major Cities in Illinois

Top metros statewide by school count.

Aurora63 schoolsRockford62 schoolsNaperville58 schoolsPeoria56 schoolsSpringfield48 schools

Featured Rankings

See our in-depth rankings with interactive maps, score breakdowns, and school spotlights.

Best Elementary Schools in ChicagoBest Middle Schools in ChicagoBest High Schools in Chicago

How we rate schools

A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.

See how we rate

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about schools in Chicago, Illinois

How many schools are in Chicago, Illinois?

Chicago has 868 schools, including 632 public and 236 private schools spanning elementary, middle, and high school levels.

What is the average school rating in Chicago, Illinois?

The average MySchoolScout composite score for schools in Chicago is 6.3 out of 10, built from student growth, poverty-adjusted academic achievement, and school environment — plus college readiness for high schools.

What is the top-ranked school in Chicago, Illinois?

The top-ranked school in Chicago on MySchoolScout is Audubon Elem School with a composite score of 9.8/10.

What is the best elementary school in Chicago, Illinois?

The top-ranked elementary school in Chicago on MySchoolScout is Audubon Elem School with a composite score of 9.8/10.

What is the best middle school in Chicago, Illinois?

The top-ranked middle school in Chicago on MySchoolScout is Evergreen Academy Elem School with a composite score of 7.6/10.

What is the best high school in Chicago, Illinois?

The top-ranked high school in Chicago on MySchoolScout is Hancock College Preparatory HS with a composite score of 9.0/10.

How many school districts serve Chicago, Illinois?

Chicago is served by 10 school districts: Miami-Dade, Idjj Sch Dist 428, Horizon Science Acad-Mckinley PK, Horizon Science Acad-Belmont, Betty Shabazz Internl Chrtr Sch, Ace Amandla Charter School, Bronzeville Academy Chtr School, Intrinsic 2 Charter High School, Chicago Public Schools Dist 299, Central Stickney Sd 110.

What is the education level in Chicago, Illinois?

According to Census data, 46% of adults in Chicago have earned a bachelor's degree or higher.

What is the median income in Chicago, Illinois?

The median household income in Chicago is approximately $82,484 according to Census ACS 2022 estimates.

Are there private schools in Chicago, Illinois?

Yes, Chicago has 236 private schools alongside 632 public schools. The top-rated private school is Ancona School with a score of 9.1/10.

What is the student-teacher ratio in Chicago, Illinois?

The average student-teacher ratio across schools in Chicago is 14.1:1. This ratio varies by school, so families should check individual school profiles for specific classroom sizes.

How does MySchoolScout rate schools in Chicago, Illinois?

MySchoolScout rates schools using publicly available data from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments. Each school receives a 1-10 composite score built from Student Growth, Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement, and School Environment — plus College Readiness for high schools. Weights vary by school level, and equity data is shown for context but not scored.

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Data from NCES Common Core of Data, Illinois Dept. of Education, and U.S. Census ACS for the 2023–24 school year. Rankings computed by MySchoolScout. See all data sources.