News Summary
In the recent U.S. News & World Report rankings, three Chicago high schools secured spots in the top 100 nationally for college readiness and academic performance. Payton College Preparatory stands out at No. 32, followed by Northside College Preparatory at No. 40 and Lane Technical High School at No. 72. The rankings reflect Illinois’ progress in education, moving up to 22nd among U.S. states, and highlight the city’s strong emphasis on rigorous academic achievement and college preparation.
Chicago and Illinois High Schools Recognized in U.S. News’ Best High Schools 2025-2026 Rankings
Chicago, Illinois — Three high schools from Chicago have been ranked among the top 100 high schools across the United States in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings for the academic year 2025-2026. The comprehensive evaluation assessed data from over 24,000 public high schools nationwide, highlighting the performance and college readiness of students in these institutions.
Key Highlights of the Rankings
- The rankings consider six primary metrics: student achievement on state assessments, graduation rates, and college readiness indicators such as participation and success in Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs.
- Illinois ranked 22nd among all U.S. states and the District of Columbia, showing an improvement from the 24th position last year.
- Out of the top 100 schools nationally, three are based in Chicago:
Chicago’s Top-Ranking Schools
- Payton College Preparatory High School led the Chicago schools, ranking at No. 32 nationally. It is recognized for strong academic performance and college preparation efforts.
- Northside College Preparatory High School followed at No. 40, maintaining its reputation for rigorous coursework and high student achievement.
- Lane Technical High School secured the No. 72 spot, demonstrating consistent excellence in academics and extracurricular offerings.
Other Notable Schools and Regional Insights
- Despite Chicago’s high representation, no suburban high schools made it into the top 100 list.
- The highest-ranking school outside Chicago was Aurora’s Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, placed at No. 120, emphasizing the state’s strong focus on STEM education.
Methodology and Data Sources
The rankings are based on a methodology developed in collaboration with RTI International. The evaluation framework incorporates six key performance indicators, which include:
- Student achievement on mandated state assessments that measure proficiency levels across core subjects.
- High school graduation rates, reflecting overall student retention and success.
- College readiness, gauging student participation and performance in AP and IB courses, which prepare students for higher education.
The data used for this ranking corresponds to the 2022-2023 school year, providing a recent and comprehensive snapshot of high school performance nationwide.
Additional Ratings and Categories
The list also includes specialized rankings focusing on STEM schools, charter schools, and other categories, providing a nuanced view of different types of educational institutions. These rankings aim to showcase schools excelling in specific areas of academics and student development.
Background on Illinois’ Educational Standing
Illinois steadily improves its national standing, moving from the 24th to the 22nd position among U.S. states in the latest rankings. The state’s top high schools demonstrate strong academic results and effective college preparation programs, contributing to the overall upward trend. The recognition of Chicago schools emphasizes the city’s role as a hub for high-achieving public schools, especially in college preparatory and STEM-focused education.
In summary, the latest rankings highlight significant achievements among Chicago’s top high schools, reaffirming their status as leaders in academic excellence and college readiness in the United States. The rankings serve as a benchmark for evaluating school performance and guiding improvements across the education system nationwide.
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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
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