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.
Top Public Elementary Schools
31 top-rated elementary schools ranked by proficiency scores. From gifted centers to neighborhood gems.
Keller Elementary Gifted Magnet
10/10Top-rated gifted magnet. 90-94% math/reading proficiency. Highly competitive admissions.
Edison Elementary Regional Gifted Center
10/1085-89% proficiency. One of Illinois' top-ranked gifted centers with rigorous academics.
Decatur Classical Elementary
10/1088% math, 85% reading proficiency. Classical curriculum with Latin instruction.
Skinner North Elementary
10/1092% math, 81% reading proficiency. Strong arts programming. Popular with Lincoln Park families.
Lincoln Elementary
10/1070-72% proficiency. Over 150 years of history. One of Lincoln Park's most acclaimed schools.
Hawthorne Elementary Scholastic Academy
10/1080% math, 67% reading. Scholastic academy model with enriched curriculum.
Lenart Elementary Regional Gifted Center
10/1075-79% reading. 86% minority enrollment. Diverse gifted programs.
Bronzeville Classical Elementary
10/1075-79% reading. Serves historic Bronzeville with rigorous classical curriculum.
Skinner Elementary
10/1062-68% 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
10/1093% math, 90% reading. Ranked #1 in Chicago by Chicago Magazine. Exceptional AP and extracurricular programs.
Whitney M. Young Magnet High School
10/1092% math, 89% reading. Alma mater of Michelle Obama. Strong arts, athletics, and academics.
Lane Tech College Preparatory
10/1089% math, 87% reading. One of the largest high schools in Illinois. Championship athletics, 25+ science electives.
Walter Payton College Preparatory
10/1084% math, 95% reading. Ranked #32 nationally. Consistently the top public high school in Illinois.
Jones College Prep
10/1085% math, 91% reading. Downtown location with modern facilities and diverse student body.
Lindblom Math & Science Academy
10/10Strong 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
10/10Ranked #1 private school in Chicago. 45% placement into top-25 universities. Founded by John Dewey.
Latin School of Chicago
10/10Founded 1888. 38% top-25 university placement. Fosters curiosity, creativity, and collaboration.
Francis W. Parker School
10/10Founded 1901. Progressive education leader. 35% top-25 placement.
St. Ignatius College Prep
10/10Highly selective Catholic high school. Rigorous Jesuit education. Historic campus.
British International School of Chicago
9/10IB curriculum. Global perspective with diverse student body from 40+ countries.
Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School
9/10Top-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.
Lakeview / Roscoe Village
Lane Tech, Hawthorne Scholastic Academy, Burley, Blaine, Sheridan Math & Science, Bernard Zell. Family-friendly with strong school options.
North Center
Coonley, Bell, Prescott, Hamilton, Healy — five 10/10 rated elementaries. Near Lane Tech. The city's top family neighborhood for schools.
Gold Coast / Old Town
Latin School, Catherine Cook, Ogden International (IB), Skinner North Classical. Payton Prep access. Luxury living with top education.
Hyde Park
University of Chicago Lab Schools — the #1 private school in Chicago. Kenwood Academy magnet. Academic and cultural hub.
South Loop
Jones College Prep, British International School. Growing neighborhood with modern school facilities.
Ravenswood / Lincoln Square
Audubon, Ravenswood Elementary, nearby Edison Gifted Center and Northside Prep. Charming neighborhood with great school access.
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.
Contact Chandra