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6.1avg / 10

Best Schools in Chicago, Illinois

850 schools · 618 Elementary · 18 Middle · 183 High · 31 Other

Public: 632
Private: 218
Districts: 10
Avg Rating: 6.1/10
Estimated Scores: 1%
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.

Bronzeville Classical Elem Sch

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

Decatur Classical Elem School

9.7/10

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

Real test data100th percentileOpen profile

Edison Elem Regional Gifted Cntr

9.7/10

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

Real test data100th percentileOpen profile

The short answer

The top-rated schools in Chicago for 2026 are Bronzeville Classical Elem Sch (9.8/10), Decatur Classical Elem School (9.7/10), and Edison Elem Regional Gifted Cntr (9.7/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 50 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

850

632 public · 218 private

Avg Score

6.1

out of 10

Median Home

$356,912

home value · ACS

Districts

10

serving the city

Best value · beats the odds
Everett Elem School

Rates 9.2/10 despite 84% of students being economically disadvantaged. That's about 3.3 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.

Top-Rated Schools in Chicago

Ranked by MySchoolScout composite using only schools with real test data (50 of 850). "Value" = points above what student poverty predicts. Estimated (proxy) scores are excluded.

#SchoolRating
1Bronzeville Classical Elem Sch9.8 / 10
2Decatur Classical Elem School9.7 / 10
3Edison Elem Regional Gifted Cntr9.7 / 10
4Northside College Preparatory HS9.5 / 10
5Prescott Elem School9.4 / 10
6Payton College Preparatory HS9.4 / 10
7Latin School of Chicago Upper9.4 / 10
8Young Magnet High School9.3 / 10
9Mayer Elem School9.3 / 10
10Lenart Elem Regional Gifted Ctr9.3 / 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
6.1/10

29% 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

#221 of 444

cities by avg. school score

Vs. state average

-0.1

below Illinois avg (6.2)

Median household income

$82k

101% of Illinois median

Schools in this city

792

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.

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 (850)Elementary (618)Middle (18)High (183)
Filter by Type:All Types (850)Public (632)Private (218)
Filter by Rating:All Ratings (850)Academics (630)Growth (623)Resources (630)
Filter by ZIP:60623(38)60609(33)60608(32)60617(31)60632(31)60620(28)60643(28)60612(26)60618(26)60628(26)60629(24)60619(23)

Elementary Schools

618 schools
#SchoolRating
1
Bronzeville Classical Elem Sch
423 students · Kindergarten–7th		9.8
2
Decatur Classical Elem School
329 students · Kindergarten–8th		9.7
3
Edison Elem Regional Gifted Cntr
265 students · Kindergarten–8th		9.7
4
Prescott Elem School
412 students · Kindergarten–8th		9.4
5
Mayer Elem School
698 students · Pre-K–8th		9.3
6
Lenart Elem Regional Gifted Ctr
296 students · Pre-K–8th		9.3
7
Skinner North Elem Sch
512 students · Kindergarten–8th		9.3
8
Everett Elem School
98 students · Pre-K–5th		9.2
9
Hamilton Elem School
485 students · Pre-K–8th		9.2
10
Hawthorne Elem Scholastic Academy
616 students · Kindergarten–8th		9.2
Show all 618 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.

Keller Elem Gifted Magnet SchoolRavenswood Elem SchoolStem Magnet Academy ElemSor Juana Ines De La CruzPoe Elem Classical SchoolLincoln Elem SchoolCoonley Elem SchoolBlaine Elem SchoolHaines Elem SchoolPritzker Elem SchoolLasalle II Lang Acad Elem SchSkinner Elem SchoolBurley Elem SchoolEbinger Elem SchoolHealy Elem SchoolWaters Elem SchoolBeard Elem SchoolBell Elem SchoolEdgebrook Elem SchoolMcdade Elem Classical SchoolAcero Chtr - Rufino Tamayo ElemMitchell Elem SchoolKinzie Elem SchoolSolomon Elem SchoolStone Elem Scholastic AcademyBeaubien Elem SchoolWildwood Elem SchoolPickard Elem SchoolSauganash Elem SchoolAcero Chtr - Esmera Santiago CmpsBurr Elem SchoolHolden Elem SchoolPulaski Intl Sch of ChicagoCasals Elem SchoolBelding Elem SchoolChristopher House Chrt ESMount Greenwood Elem SchoolNettelhorst Elem SchoolSheridan Elem Math & Science AcadWard J Elem SchoolGalileo Elem Math & Sci Schol AcdAcero Chtr - Octavio Paz Elem SchBurroughs Elem SchoolDisney Elem Magnet SchoolNorwood Park Elem SchoolKipp One AcademyOrozco Elem Fine Arts & SciencesDavis M Magnet Elem SchoolWest Ridge Elem SchoolAcero Chtr - Officer Marquez ElemKipp Chicago Chrtrs - Ascend AcadColumbia Explorers Elem AcademyLearn Charter Excel CampusAcero Chtr-brighton Park Elem SchBudlong Elem SchoolDewey Elem Academy of Fine ArtsHarriet Tubman Elem SchoolGreeley Elem SchoolMcdowell Elem SchoolJungman Elem SchoolArmour Elem SchoolArmstrong G Elem Intl StudiesNational Teachers Elem AcademyAcero Chtr - Sandra Cisneros ElemKipp Academy Chicago CampusFarnsworth Elem SchoolRogers Elem SchoolZapata Elem AcademyBlair Early Childhood CenterAcero Chtr - Spc Zizumbo ElemCanty Elem SchoolChappell Elem SchoolCardenas Elem SchoolAcero Chtr - Carlos Fuentes ElemLearn Chtr - Hunter Perkins CampKipp Chicago Chrtrs Bloom CampusCooper Elem Dual Language AcademyEarhart Elem Opt for Knowl SchoolJamieson Elem SchoolGarcia Lorca Elem SchoolAcero Chtr Roberto Clemente ElemRobinson Elem SchoolLearn Chtr - South Chicago CampusCics - West Belden CampusDrummond Elem SchoolLinne Elem SchoolInter-american Elem Magnet SchoolDirksen Elem SchoolFoster Park Elem SchoolNew Field Elem SchoolMoving Everest Charter SchoolCics - Bucktown CampusCics - Irving Park CampusLearn Chtr - 7th CampusChavez Elem Multicultural Acad CtAlcott Elem SchoolLewis Elem SchoolMarquette Elem SchoolOriole Park Elem SchoolPalmer Elem SchoolPeirce Elem Intl Studies SchoolScammon Elem SchoolSullivan Elem SchoolLee Elem SchoolLearn Chtr-campbell CampusCics - Washington PK CampusAudubon Elem SchoolFulton Elem SchoolHaugan Elem SchoolMontessori of Englewood Chtr ESSadlowski Elementary SchoolUniv of Chicago Chtr-nth KenwoodBarbara a Sizemore CampusGoudy Technology AcademyHearst Elem SchoolLasalle Elem Language AcademyPark Manor Elem SchoolFairfield Elem AcademySandoval Elem SchoolCics - Prairie CampusGreene N Elem SchoolSmith W Elem SchoolMann Elem SchoolSherwood Elem SchoolThorp O a Elem Scholastic AcadSouth Loop Elem SchoolNorth River Elem SchoolLearn Chtr - ButlerBrennemann Elem SchoolChalmers Elem Specialty SchoolHanson Park Elem SchoolHammond Elem SchoolKilmer Elem SchoolMonarcas AcademyOrtiz De Dominguez Elem SchoolCamras Elem SchoolAcero Chtr - Bartolome De LasCics - Bond CampusCics - Basil CampusCics - Avalon/south ShoreBetty Shabazz Internl Charter SchBateman Elem SchoolMosaic School of Fine ArtsFuller Elem SchoolGarvy J Elem SchoolHendricks Elem Community AcademyMinnie Minoso AcademyMccutcheon Elem SchoolNobel Elem SchoolRuggles Elem SchoolStowe Elem SchoolTwain Elem SchoolAzuela Elem SchoolAcero Chtr Network - Jovita IdarBridge Elem SchoolCarnegie Elem SchoolEarle Elem SchoolKanoon Elem Magnet SchoolHedges Elem SchoolJahn Elem SchoolLibby Elem SchoolPiccolo Elem Specialty SchoolPasteur Elem SchoolMireles Elem AcademyMcnair Elem SchoolEdison Park Elem SchoolCics - WrightwoodUniv of Chicago Chtr-donoghueDawes Elem SchoolGresham Elem SchoolHerzl Elem SchoolHibbard Elem SchoolMckay Elem SchoolReavis Elem Math & Sci Spec SchlChicago Academy Elem SchoolDurkin Park Elem SchoolAcero Chtr Network - Pfc TorressCharles J Sahs Elem SchoolHaley Elem AcademyParkside Elem Community AcademyReinberg Elem SchoolCarson Elem SchoolJordan Elem Community SchoolCarter Elem SchoolColumbus Elem SchoolDubois Elem SchoolDvorak Technology Acad Elem SchHolmes Elem SchoolNightingale Elem SchoolRyder Elem Math & Sci Spec SchoolLavizzo Elem SchoolWhittier Elem SchoolLara Elem AcademyTalman Elem SchoolDisney II Elem SchoolBond Elem SchoolFranklin Elem Fine Arts CenterHenderson Elem SchoolHenry Elem SchoolHitch Elem SchoolPlamondon Elem SchoolPortage Park Elem SchoolTaylor Elem SchoolWhitney Elem SchoolTill Elem Math & Science AcademyJames R Doolittle AcademyPerez Elem SchoolBronzeville Academy Charter SchTurner-drew Elem Language AcademyCameron Elem SchoolHayt Elem SchoolChicago World Language AcademyJohnson Elem SchoolKellogg Elem SchoolLawndale Elem Community AcademyMonroe Elem SchoolOnahan Elem SchoolParker Elem Community AcademyPeck Elem SchoolPenn Elem SchoolReilly Elem SchoolWentworth Elem SchoolLangford a Elem SchoolLittle Village Elem SchoolTelpochcalli Elem SchoolRuiz Elem SchoolHurley Elem SchoolThorp J N Elem SchoolWadsworth Elem SchoolWoodson South Elem SchoolAldridge Elem SchoolClark G R Elem SchoolFinkl Elem SchoolWest Park Elem AcademyBrentano Elem Math & Science AcadBrown W Elem SchoolBrownell Elem SchoolCrown Elem Comm Acd Fine Arts CtrDavis N Elem SchoolDixon Elem SchoolEricson Elem Scholastic AcademyMcpherson Elem SchoolOglesby Elem SchoolSchubert Elem SchoolSmyth J Elem SchoolVolta Elem SchoolColemon J Elem AcademyBrunson Math & Sci Specialty ElemClinton Elem SchoolCook Elem SchoolGunsaulus Elem Scholastic AcademyFunston Elem SchoolGrissom Elem SchoolHughes L Elem SchoolLocke J Elem SchoolLovett Elem SchoolLowell Elem SchoolLyon Elem SchoolMason Elem SchoolMoos Elem SchoolJackson M Elem SchoolAshburn Community Elem SchoolAvalon Park Elem SchoolBouchet Elem Math & Science AcadBurbank Elem SchoolCarroll Elem SchoolCleveland Elem SchoolDeneen Elem SchoolRandolph Elem SchoolKing Academy of Social JusticeMelody Elem SchoolPrussing Elem SchoolStagg Elem SchoolSwift Elem Specialty SchoolTilton Elem SchoolWarren Elem SchoolBarton Elem SchoolBlack Magnet Elem SchoolBradwell Comm Arts & Sci Elem SchFernwood Elem SchoolLloyd Elem SchoolMorrill Elem Math & Sci SchoolNewberry Elem Math & Science AcadOtoole Elem SchoolWoodlawn Elem Community SchoolBass Elem SchoolDulles Elem SchoolDever Elem SchoolEsmond Elem SchoolAddams Elem SchoolNixon Elem SchoolOkeeffe Elem SchoolSherman Elem SchoolSmyser Elem SchoolBurke Elem SchoolGale Elem Community AcademyGrimes Elem SchoolKozminski Elem Community AcademyNash Elem SchoolTanner Elem SchoolStevenson Elem SchoolSpry Elem Community SchoolWacker Elem SchoolWhistler Elem SchoolTarkington Elem SchoolAvondale - Logandale Elem SchBarnard Elem Comp Math & Sci CtrCurtis Elem SchoolGillespie Elem SchoolHale Elem SchoolMadison Elem SchoolManierre Elem SchoolTalcott Elem SchoolMollison Elem SchoolSchmid Elem SchoolLocke a Elem Charter AcademyDaley Elem AcademyAsian Human Srvcs-passage ChrtrBright Elem SchoolBurnside Elem Scholastic AcademyCorkery Elem SchoolEberhart Elem SchoolFalconer Elem SchoolPilsen Elem Community AcademyPeterson Elem SchoolSeward Elem Communication Arts AcSpencer Technology Acad Elem SchWestcott Elem SchoolJoplin Elem SchoolHay Elem Community AcademyCatalyst Charter-circle Rock ESPrieto Math-science Elem SchGreat Lakes Academy Charter ESChase Elem SchoolDrake Elem SchoolWhite Elem Career AcademyGray Elem SchoolHamline Elem SchoolMarsh Elem SchoolMurphy Elem SchoolCarver Primary SchoolShoop Math-sci Tech Elem AcademyYates Elem SchoolDepriest Elem SchoolSalazar Elem Bilingual CenterBennett Elem SchoolByrne Elem SchoolEllington Elem SchoolLozano Elem Bilingual & Intl CtrMount Vernon Elem SchoolSumner Elem Math & Sci Comm AcadNinos Heroes Elem Academic CtrDore Elem SchoolKershaw Elem SchoolMozart Elem SchoolRevere Elem SchoolShields Elem SchoolShoesmith Elem SchoolBelmont-cragin Elem SchoolMcauliffe Elem SchoolDarwin Elem SchoolDunne Technology Acad Elem SchBrown R Elem Community AcadPirie Elem Fine Arts & Academic CRay Elem SchoolAshe Elem SchoolHampton Elem Fine & Perf Arts SchSouth Shore Fine Arts Elem SchDaisy Bates Acad of Social JusticCassell Elem SchoolEvers Elem SchoolKipling Elem SchoolMccormick Elem SchoolWashington G Elem SchoolCullen Elem SchoolWells Preparatory Elem AcademyMorton Elem Career AcademyBrighton Park Elem SchoolClissold Elem SchoolEdwards Elem SchoolGallistel Elem Language AcademyHoyne Elem SchoolNeil Elem SchoolOtis Elem SchoolPershing Elem Humanities MagnetSawyer Elem SchoolSayre Elem Language AcademyYoung Elem SchoolSaucedo Elem Scholastic AcademyDe Diego Elem Community AcademyClaremont Academy Elem SchoolBarry Elem SchoolBeethoven Elem SchoolClay Elem SchoolFiske Elem SchoolGraham a Elem SchoolHarvard Elem SchoolFrazier Perspectives Magnet ESRowe ElementaryCics - Loomis Primary CampusColes Elem Language AcademyGoethe Elem SchoolWashington H Elem SchoolSutherland Elem SchoolMetcalfe Elem Community AcademyFaraday Elem SchoolBret Harte Elem SchoolHughes C Elem SchoolJensen Elem Scholastic AcademyCuffe Math-sci Tech Elem AcademyGreen W Elem SchoolCalmeca Acad Elem SchoolErie Elem Charter SchoolBeasley Elem Magnet Academic CtrOwens Community Academy ESCourtenay Elem Language Arts CtrPullman Elem SchoolWebster Elem SchoolBeidler Elem SchoolCather Elem SchoolHowe Elem SchoolAcademy for Global CitizenshipKellman Corporate Community ElemFort Dearborn Elem SchoolGregory Math & Sci Elem AcademyHefferan Elem SchoolOwen Elem Scholastic AcademyNicholson Tech Acad Elem SchGarvey M Elem SchoolMurray Elem Language AcademyChristopher Elem SchoolPolaris Elem Charter AcademyBurnham Elem Inclusive AcademyHiggins Elem Community AcademyIrving Elem SchoolOgden Elem SchoolWalsh Elem SchoolWard L Elem SchoolChopin Elem SchoolVanderpoel Elem Magnet SchoolPowell Elem Paideia Comm AcademySabin Elem Magnet SchoolAriel Elem Community AcademyMays Elem AcademyDett Elem SchoolSuder Montessori Elem Magnet SchlPlato Learning Acad Elem SchoolLegacy Elem Charter SchoolLeland Elem SchoolProvidence-englewood Elem CharterNamaste Elem Charter SchoolRudolph Elem Learning CenterLatin School of Chicago UpperPrivateAncona SchoolPrivateBritish International School of Chicago, Lincoln PPrivateLatin School of Chicago LowerPrivateChicago City Day SchoolPrivateSt John Lutheran SchoolPrivateIcc Elementary SchoolPrivateSt John Berchmans SchoolPrivateUrban Prairie Waldorf SchoolPrivateUrban PrairiePrivateAkiba-schechter Jewish Day SchoolPrivateIntercultural Montessori Language SchoolPrivateSt Constance SchoolPrivateChildren of Peace SchoolPrivateGerman International School ChicagoPrivateSt Jerome SchoolPrivateSt Helen SchoolPrivateMontessori Academy of ChicagoPrivateChicago Free SchoolPrivateMontessori Academy of ChicagoPrivateRogers Park Montessori SchoolPrivateSt Matthias SchoolPrivateSt Genevieve SchoolPrivateNear North MontessoriPrivateOld St Marys SchoolPrivateVisitation Catholic SchoolPrivateMontessori Foundations of ChgoPrivateSouth Loop Montessori SchoolPrivatePope Francis Global AcademyPrivateBernard Zell Anshe Emet Day SchoolPrivateChicago Jewish Day SchoolPrivateGuidance Educational AcademyPrivateBrickton Montessori SchoolPrivateSt Nicholas Cathedral SchoolPrivateSt Francis Borgia SchoolPrivateSt Philip Lutheran SchoolPrivateOur Lady of Mount Carmel AcademyPrivateMidwestern Christian AcademyPrivateSt Josaphat SchoolPrivateQueen of Angels Elementary SchoolPrivateNorth Park Elementary SchoolPrivateBethesda International AcademyPrivateSt Andrew SchoolPrivateSt Barnabas Elementary SchoolPrivateIcc Full Time SchoolPrivateFrances Xavier Warde SchoolPrivateCambridge Classical AcademyPrivateSt Stanislaus Kostka SchoolPrivateCheder Lubavitch Hebrew Day SchoolPrivateCatherine Cook SchoolPrivateSt Robert Bellarmine SchoolPrivateSt Mary of the Lake SchoolPrivateHoly AngelsPrivateSt Sava AcademyPrivateFrances Xavier Warde SchoolPrivateSt Edward SchoolPrivateChrist the King Elementary SchoolPrivateSacred Heart School-96thPrivateSt Benedict Preparatory SchoolPrivateChicago Friends SchoolPrivateSacred Heart SchoolsPrivatePui Tak Christian SchoolPrivateSt Clement SchoolPrivateOur Lady of the Snows SchoolPrivateSt Therese Chinese Catholic SchoolPrivateSt Ferdinand Parish SchoolPrivatePope John Paul II Catholic SchoolPrivateAugustus Tolton Catholic AcademyPrivateIcci AcademyPrivatePui Tak Christian SchoolPrivateQueen of the Universe SchoolPrivatePilgrim Lutheran SchoolPrivateSt Procopius SchoolPrivateSt Viator Elementary SchoolPrivateSt Walter SchoolPrivateAnnunciata SchoolPrivateSt Bede the VenerablePrivateSt Eugene Elementary SchoolPrivateChicago West Side Christian SchoolPrivateYeshivas Tiferes TzviPrivateSt John De La Salle Catholic AcademyPrivateSt Elizabeth of the TrinityPrivateHoly Family SchoolPrivateImmaculate Conception School - ExchangePrivateSt Pius V SchoolPrivateImmaculate Conception SchoolPrivateMaternity Bvm Elementary SchoolPrivateAlphonsus Academy & Center for the ArtsPrivateNew Life AcademyPrivateImmaculate Conception SchoolPrivateSt Angela SchoolPrivateSt James Lutheran SchoolPrivateSt Paul Lutheran SchoolPrivateJoan Dachs Bais Yaakov Elementary SchoolPrivateSt Gall Elementary SchoolPrivateSt Mary Star of the Sea SchoolPrivateSt Richard Elementary SchoolPrivateSt Malachy Elementary SchoolPrivateSt Thomas the ApostlePrivateSt Margaret of Scotland SchoolPrivateSt Sabina AcademyPrivateSt John Fisher Elementary SchoolPrivateAcademy of St Benedict the AfricanPrivateSt Nicholas Tolentine SchoolPrivateGrace Lutheran SchoolPrivateSt Ethelreda Elementary SchoolPrivateSt Paul Lutheran SchoolPrivateSt Agnes of Bohemia SchoolPrivateOakdale Christian Academy & Child Care CenterPrivateOur Saviour Lutheran SchoolPrivateGrace Lutheran SchoolPrivateChrist the King Lutheran SchoolPrivateGood Shepherd Christian AcademyPrivateSt Paul Early Childhood CenterPrivateSt Luke AcademyPrivateMisericordia SchoolPrivateChance After Chance College PreparatoryPrivateKids in Harmony Day SchoolPrivateLos Pequenos AngelitosPrivateRaekwon's Scholastic Daycare Academy LlcPrivateGreater Rock Gifted Learning AcademyPrivateHope Excel Reaching the World AcademyPrivateChildrens Center OutreachPrivateScuola Italiana Enrico FermiPrivateThe Family Matters SchoolPrivateThe Nautilus SchoolPrivateGuidepost Montessori at West LoopPrivateLakeview Preschool AcademyPrivateNorthshore Academy for ChildrenPrivateSpark MontessoriPrivateDrexel Church of God Learning CenterPrivateGuidepost at EdgewaterPrivateAll Day MontessoriPrivateChicago Sda Elementary SchoolPrivateWee Care Nursery SchoolPrivateUnited Educational Cultural AcademyPrivateAbc AcademyPrivateCity Garden Waldorf SchoolPrivateGold Coast Prep (formerly Chicago Grammar School)PrivateLincoln Park Preschool and KindergartenPrivateLittle Folks Cottage Daycare & NurseryPrivateGateway Montessori SchoolPrivateKid'z ColonyPrivateAll Aboard Learning ExpressPrivateSauganash Montessori SchoolPrivatePrairie Land MontessoriPrivateChristian S.t.e.m. Scholars AcademyPrivateKingdom Academy Learning CenterPrivateChurch of God of ChicagoPrivateCasa Dei Bambini - Montessori of MayfairPrivateChrist Lutheran SchoolPrivateSalem Christian School Aka New Life AcademyPrivateBeverly Montessori SchoolPrivateSt Jude Educational InstitutePrivateStair Step Villa Nursery & KindergartenPrivateNew Life Christian SchoolPrivate

Middle Schools

18 schools
#SchoolRating
1
Richardson Middle School
842 students · 5th–8th		7.5
2
Gary Elem School
718 students · 3rd–8th		7.0
3
Evergreen Academy Elem School
200 students · 6th–8th		6.6
4
Shields Middle School
376 students · 5th–8th		6.5
5
Learn Chtr - Middle School
185 students · 6th–8th		6.5
6
Field Elem School
156 students · 5th–8th		5.9
7
Albany Park Multicultural Elem
227 students · 7th–8th		5.7
8
Aspira Charter - Haugan Campus
82 students · 6th–8th		5.3
9
Hernandez Middle School
753 students · 6th–8th		5.1
10
Northwest Middle School
518 students · 6th–8th		4.7
Show all 18 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.

Madero Middle SchoolChicago Jesuit AcademyPrivateSt Therese School WestPrivateHyde Park Day SchoolPrivateNorthside Catholic AcademyPrivateAltus AcademyPrivateSan Miguel SchoolPrivateSouth Central School Main CampusPrivate

High Schools

183 schools
#SchoolRating
1
Northside College Preparatory HS
1,032 students · 9th–12th		9.5
2
Payton College Preparatory HS
1,265 students · 9th–12th		9.4
3
Young Magnet High School
2,221 students · 7th–12th		9.3
4
Hancock College Preparatory HS
1,032 students · 9th–12th		9.1
5
Lane Technical High School
4,525 students · 7th–12th		8.9
6
Jones College Prep High School
1,973 students · 9th–12th		8.8
7
Bronzeville Scholastic HS
109 students · 9th–12th		8.6
8
Von Steuben Metro Science HS
1,695 students · 9th–12th		8.4
9
Chicago Academy High School
563 students · 9th–12th		8.4
10
Lincoln Park High School
2,125 students · 9th–12th		8.3
Show all 183 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.

Brooks College Prep Academy HSUrban Prep Chtr Acad Englewood HSIntrinsic Charter High SchoolSpry Community Links High SchoolBack of the Yards Ib HSDevry Advantage Academy High SchlYccs-truman Middle College HSUrban Prep Chtr Bronzeville HSSolorio Academy High SchoolAce Amandla Charter SchoolSenn High SchoolTaft High SchoolLindblom Math & Science Acad HSDisney II Magnet HSPhoenix Military Academy HSInfinity Math Science & Tech HSWestinghouse High SchoolKenwood Academy High SchoolChicago HS for the ArtsAcero Chtr Netrk - Major GarciaAmundsen High SchoolNoble St Chtr Rauner College PrepAir Force Acad High SchoolNoble St Chtr-itw Speer AcadCics - Northtown CampusDunbar Vocational Career Acad HSProsser Career Academy HSThomas Kelly College PreparatoryWorld Language High SchoolDouglass Academy High SchoolLegal Prep Academy Charter HSHarlan Community Academy HSPhillips Academy High SchoolNoble St Chtr-hansberry Prep SlvrHubbard High SchoolMather High SchoolSchurz High SchoolCurie Metropolitan High SchoolClark Acad Prep Magnet High SchlChicago Math & Sci Elem CharterIjla Charter High SchoolNoble St Chtr-pritzker Col PrepKennedy High SchoolWashington G High SchoolChicago HS for Agricult SciencesSouth Shore Intl Col Prep HSNoble St Chtr-golder College PrepNoble St Chtr-muchin College PrepBogan High SchoolLake View High SchoolYccs-west Town Academy Alt HSNoble St Chtr-butler - CrimsonYccs-community Youth Dev Inst HSNoble St Chtr-noble CampusNoble St Chtr-chicago Bulls PrepYccs WestNoble St Chtr-baker CampusFarragut Career Academy HSNoble St Chtr-rowe-clark MS AcadSteinmetz College Prep HSUplift Community High SchoolYccs-latino Youth Alternative HSYccs-mckinley-lakeside LeadershipYccs-scholastic Achievement HSJuarez Community Academy HSHyde Park Academy High SchoolClemente Community Academy HSChicago Military Academy HSNorth-grand High SchoolAspira Charter - Early College PrYccs-olive Harvey Mid College HSNoble St Chtr-johnson Colg PrepAustin College and Career Acad HSYccs-innovations of Arts IntegrBowen High SchoolRickover Naval Academy High SchlYccs-association HouseWells Community Academy HSMarine Leadership Academy - AmesCollins Academy High SchoolAlcott College PrepCrane Medical Prep HSAspira Charter - Bus and FinYccs-cca Academy HSNoble St Chtr-the Noble AcademyRaby High SchoolAcero Chtr Sch Netwrk- VictoriaArt in Motion Charter SchoolRichards Career Academy HSMarshall Metropolitan High SchoolManley Career Academy High SchoolTilden Career Communty Academy HSYccs-albizu Campos Puerto RicanKing College Prep High SchoolYccs-progressive Leadership AcadYccs-aspira Pantoja Alt HSEnglewood Stem High SchoolOrr Academy High SchoolNorth Lawndale Prep Chtr - ChristFenger Academy High SchoolMorgan Park High SchoolOgden Int High SchoolChicago Excel Academy HSCics - Ralph Ellison CampusUniv of Chicago Chtr-woodlawnNoble St Chtr - MansuetoCarver Military Academy HSPerspectives Chtr - Joslin CampusChicago Technology Academy HSMulticultural Arts High SchoolYccs-sullivan House Alt HSSimeon Career Academy High SchoolCorliss High SchoolNoble St Chtr-uic College PrepSchool of Social Justice HSWalter Henri Dyett HS for ArtsNoble St Chtr-comer College PrepIntrinsic 2 Charter High SchoolGage Park High SchoolJulian High SchoolPerspectives Chtr - Leadership AcYccs Chtr - ChathamNorth Lawndale Prep Chtr-collinsYccs-youth Connection LeadershipKelvyn Park High SchoolRoosevelt High SchoolChicago Collegiate Charter SchoolPerspectives Chtr - HS of TechNoble St Chtr-drw Trading ColPerspectives Chtr - Iit CampusHirsch Metropolitan High SchoolWilliams Medical Prep High SchGoode Stem Academy HSAcceleration Academies Llc HomesteadChicago Vocational Career Acad HSForeman High SchoolEpic Academy High SchoolIhsca Charter High SchoolSullivan High SchoolIyc ChicagoWolcott SchoolPrivateJosephinum Academy of the Sacred HeartPrivateFusion Academy Lp: Chicago- Lincoln ParkPrivateMount Carmel High SchoolPrivateTrinity High SchoolPrivateIda Crown Jewish AcademyPrivateOur Lady of Tepeyac High SchoolPrivateLubavitch Girls High SchoolPrivateGce Lab SchoolPrivateChicago Hope AcademyPrivateHoly Trinity High SchoolPrivateTelshe High SchoolPrivateHanna Sacks Bais Yaakov High SchoolPrivateSt Francis De Sales High SchoolPrivateSt Ignatius College PrepPrivateDepaul College PrepPrivateDe La Salle Institute - Institute CampusPrivateMother Mcauley Liberal Arts High SchoolPrivateResurrection College Prep High SchoolPrivateChrist the King Jesuit College Preparatory SchoolPrivateYeshiva Gedola of the Midwest/yeshiva Eitz ChaimPrivateYeshivas Meor Hatorah of ChicagoPrivateLeo Catholic High SchoolPrivateAustin Career Education CenterPrivateLubavitch Mesivta of ChicagoPrivateMckinley Lakeside Leadership AcademyPrivateMarist High SchoolPrivateBr Rice High SchoolPrivateChanging Oasis, IncPrivateRyan Banks AcademyPrivateThresholdsPrivateRyan Banks AcademyPrivateSouth Central Community Services - South ShorePrivate

Other Schools

31 schools
#SchoolRating
1
Horizon Science Acad-belmont
672 students · Kindergarten–9th		8.1
2
Horizon Science Acad-mckinley PK
853 students · Kindergarten–12th		7.5
3
Vick Early Childhood & Family Ctr
408 students · Pre-K–Pre-K		7.2
4
Stock Early Childhood Center
212 students · Pre-K–Pre-K		7.2
5
Thomas Early Childhood Center
124 students · Pre-K–Pre-K		7.2
6
Horizon Sci Acad - Southwest Chtr
746 students · Kindergarten–12th		6.2
7
Catalyst Charter - Maria ES
1,102 students · Kindergarten–12th		5.9
8
Acero Chtr Sor Juana Ines De La
501 students · Kindergarten–12th		5.7
9
Cics - Longwood Campus
1,200 students · 3rd–12th		5.6
Private Schools22 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
327 students · Pre-K–12th		Not Rated
Show all 31 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.

Bennett Day SchoolPrivateChicago Waldorf SchoolPrivateRavenswood Christian SchoolPrivateThe Latin School of ChicagoPrivateBennett Day SchoolPrivateDaystar AcademyPrivateLycee Francais De ChicagoPrivateKnapp School and YeshivaPrivateNorthshore Adventist AcademyPrivateGreenfields AcademyPrivateEsperanza Therapeutic SchoolPrivateUcan AcademyPrivateLawrence Hall SchoolPrivateCs AcademyPrivateUniv of Chicago Lab SchoolPrivateProvidence St. Mel SchoolPrivateCs Academy College PrepPrivateChicago LighthousePrivateMetropolitan SchoolhousePrivateGuidepost Montessori at Magnificent MilePrivatePactt Learning CenterPrivate

Schools in Chicago

Chicago, Illinois · 850 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
618
Middle
18
High
183
Other
31

Resources

🔍Google "Chicago schools"🏫GreatSchools Chicago📊Niche Chicago Rankings📍Google Maps: Schools
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

Nearby Cities

Cicero(19 schools)
5 mi
Hometown(1 school)
8 mi
Evergreen Park(8 schools)
8 mi
Berwyn(17 schools)
6 mi
Stickney(2 schools)
6 mi
Oak Park(20 schools)
7 mi
Burbank(11 schools)
8 mi
Summit(6 schools)
8 mi
Oak Lawn(18 schools)
9 mi
Forest Park(6 schools)
8 mi
Riverside(8 schools)
8 mi
Lyons(3 schools)
8 mi
Merrionette Park(1 school)
11 mi
Bedford Park(1 school)
9 mi
River Forest(8 schools)
9 mi

Other Major Cities in Illinois

Top metros statewide by school count.

Aurora62 schoolsRockford61 schoolsNaperville58 schoolsPeoria53 schoolsSpringfield45 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 850 schools, including 632 public and 218 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 6.1 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 Bronzeville Classical Elem Sch 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 Bronzeville Classical Elem Sch 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 Chicago Jesuit Academy with a composite score of 8.1/10.

What is the best high school in Chicago, Illinois?

The top-ranked high school in Chicago on MySchoolScout is Northside College Preparatory HS with a composite score of 9.5/10.

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 218 private schools alongside 632 public schools. The top-rated private school is Latin School of Chicago Upper with a score of 9.4/10.

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

The average student-teacher ratio across schools in Chicago is 14.2:1. 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.