Education Guide

Best Chicago Schools

Finding the right school is just as important as finding the right home. Here's your comprehensive guide to Chicago's top schools.

600+

CPS Schools

Selective Enrollment HS

Top 100 Nationally

340K+

Students Enrolled

Top Public Elementary Schools

31 top-rated elementary schools ranked by proficiency scores. From gifted centers to neighborhood gems.

Keller Elementary Gifted Magnet

10/10

Mount Greenwood K-8 221Gifted Magnet

Top-rated gifted magnet. 90-94% math/reading proficiency. Highly competitive admissions.

Edison Elementary Regional Gifted Center

10/10

North Center 1-8 265Gifted Center

85-89% proficiency. One of Illinois' top-ranked gifted centers with rigorous academics.

Decatur Classical Elementary

10/10

West Rogers Park K-8 329Classical

88% math, 85% reading proficiency. Classical curriculum with Latin instruction.

Skinner North Elementary

10/10

Near North / Goose Island K-8 512Classical

92% math, 81% reading proficiency. Strong arts programming. Popular with Lincoln Park families.

Lincoln Elementary

10/10

Lincoln Park K-8 851Neighborhood

70-72% proficiency. Over 150 years of history. One of Lincoln Park's most acclaimed schools.

Hawthorne Elementary Scholastic Academy

10/10

Lakeview K-8 616Scholastic Academy

80% math, 67% reading. Scholastic academy model with enriched curriculum.

Lenart Elementary Regional Gifted Center

10/10

Gage Park K-8 296Gifted Center

75-79% reading. 86% minority enrollment. Diverse gifted programs.

Bronzeville Classical Elementary

10/10

Bronzeville K-8 423Classical

75-79% reading. Serves historic Bronzeville with rigorous classical curriculum.

Skinner Elementary

10/10

Near West Side K-8 1,049Neighborhood

62-68% proficiency. Large, well-resourced neighborhood school.

Top Public High Schools

Chicago's selective enrollment and magnet high schools are among the best in the nation.

Northside College Preparatory

10/10

North Park / Edgewater 9-12 1,032Selective Enrollment

93% math, 90% reading. Ranked #1 in Chicago by Chicago Magazine. Exceptional AP and extracurricular programs.

Whitney M. Young Magnet High School

10/10

Near West Side 9-12 2,221Selective Enrollment

92% math, 89% reading. Alma mater of Michelle Obama. Strong arts, athletics, and academics.

Lane Tech College Preparatory

10/10

Roscoe Village / North Center 9-12 4,525Selective Enrollment

89% math, 87% reading. One of the largest high schools in Illinois. Championship athletics, 25+ science electives.

Walter Payton College Preparatory

10/10

Old Town / Near North 9-12 1,265Selective Enrollment

84% math, 95% reading. Ranked #32 nationally. Consistently the top public high school in Illinois.

Jones College Prep

10/10

South Loop 9-12 1,973Selective Enrollment

85% math, 91% reading. Downtown location with modern facilities and diverse student body.

Lindblom Math & Science Academy

10/10

Englewood 9-12 1,100Selective Enrollment

Strong STEM focus. Selective enrollment with rigorous college prep.

Top Private & Independent Schools

Chicago's premier private schools offer world-class education with outstanding college placement rates.

University of Chicago Laboratory Schools

10/10

Hyde Park Nursery-12 2,200Private / Independent

Ranked #1 private school in Chicago. 45% placement into top-25 universities. Founded by John Dewey.

Latin School of Chicago

10/10

Gold Coast JK-12 1,100Private / Independent

Founded 1888. 38% top-25 university placement. Fosters curiosity, creativity, and collaboration.

Francis W. Parker School

10/10

Lincoln Park JK-12 950Private / Independent

Founded 1901. Progressive education leader. 35% top-25 placement.

St. Ignatius College Prep

10/10

Near West Side 9-12 1,400Private / Jesuit

Highly selective Catholic high school. Rigorous Jesuit education. Historic campus.

British International School of Chicago

9/10

South Loop Pre-K-12 800Private / International

IB curriculum. Global perspective with diverse student body from 40+ countries.

Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School

9/10

Lakeview K-8 400Private / Day School

Top-ranked private elementary. Rigorous academics with small class sizes.

Best Neighborhoods for Schools

Where you live determines your school options. These neighborhoods offer the strongest combination of public and private education.

Lincoln Park

Home to Francis W. Parker, Lycée Français, Lincoln Elementary, Alcott, Mayer, LaSalle Language Academy. Near top CPS magnet schools.

Explore the neighborhood

Lakeview / Roscoe Village

Lane Tech, Hawthorne Scholastic Academy, Burley, Blaine, Sheridan Math & Science, Bernard Zell. Family-friendly with strong school options.

Explore the neighborhood

North Center

Coonley, Bell, Prescott, Hamilton, Healy — five 10/10 rated elementaries. Near Lane Tech. The city's top family neighborhood for schools.

Explore the neighborhood

Gold Coast / Old Town

Latin School, Catherine Cook, Ogden International (IB), Skinner North Classical. Payton Prep access. Luxury living with top education.

Explore the neighborhood

Hyde Park

University of Chicago Lab Schools — the #1 private school in Chicago. Kenwood Academy magnet. Academic and cultural hub.

Explore the neighborhood

South Loop

Jones College Prep, British International School. Growing neighborhood with modern school facilities.

Explore the neighborhood

Ravenswood / Lincoln Square

Audubon, Ravenswood Elementary, nearby Edison Gifted Center and Northside Prep. Charming neighborhood with great school access.

Explore the neighborhood

Edison Park / Norwood Park

Wildwood, Ebinger, Oriole Park, Sauganash — suburban feel within city limits with consistently strong neighborhood schools.

Need Help Finding a Home Near the Right School?

As a Chicago realtor with 30+ years of experience, I can help you find a home in the right school zone for your family.

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