Top 10 Best High Schools in Chicago You Should Consider with AAH Chicago as Your Relocation Resource

aahchicago1

Aug 10

5 min read

Moving to Chicago with kids in school-age years? The first question most parents ask is: which school is the right fit? Chicago has one of the most diverse and competitive high school landscapes in the country, from nationally ranked selective enrollment programs to specialized STEM academies and rigorous private institutions. This guide breaks down the top 10 best high schools in Chicago, what makes each one stand out, and how AAH Chicago can make your family's move to the city as smooth as possible.

Why Chicago High Schools Stand Out Nationally

Chicago's public school system includes eight selective enrollment high schools that compete with the best academic programs in the country. Several of them consistently land in the top 100 on U.S. News & World Report's national rankings. Beyond public schools, the city also hosts elite private and magnet institutions that draw families from across the country and around the world.

Whether you are relocating for work, a career change, or a fresh start, picking the right neighborhood often means picking the right school first. That is why having a trusted relocation partner like AAH Chicago matters before you ever sign a lease.

The Top 10 Best High Schools in Chicago

1. Walter Payton College Preparatory High School

Ranked #1 in Illinois and among the top 35 high schools in the entire country by U.S. News & World Report, Walter Payton College Prep is the gold standard for Chicago public education. Located in River North, it boasts a 100% graduation rate and exceptional strength in STEM, computer science, and robotics. Admission is highly competitive through the city's selective enrollment process.

2. Northside College Preparatory High School

Northside College Prep sits at #2 in Illinois and ranks among the top 40 nationally. Students here average an SAT above 1,500 and an ACT of 33. The school is known for its humanities and science programs and consistently earns top honors from Chicago Magazine as the city's best public high school. It is located in the Peterson Park neighborhood on the Far North Side.

3. Lane Technical High School

With more than 4,400 students, Lane Tech is the largest high school in Chicago and ranked #3 in the city. Its college-prep and technical curriculum prepares students for top-tier universities and competitive careers in engineering, architecture, and the sciences. Located in the Roscoe Village area, Lane Tech is a top pick for families who want a large, academically rigorous environment.

4. Whitney M. Young Magnet High School

Named after civil rights leader Whitney M. Young Jr., this Near West Side school ranks #4 in Chicago and consistently places in the top 110 nationally. Whitney Young scores at the top of the city for math and reading proficiency and has a long tradition of sending graduates to elite universities across the country.

5. Jones College Preparatory High School

Located in the South Loop, Jones College Prep ranks #5 in Chicago with an average SAT of 1,400 and ACT of 30. Its central location makes it convenient for families settling in neighborhoods like the South Loop, Printer's Row, or Chinatown. The school focuses heavily on college placement and rigorous academic coursework.

6. Gwendolyn Brooks College Preparatory Academy

Located on Chicago's Far South Side, Brooks College Prep ranks among the top 10 in the city, according to Chicago Magazine. It serves a community that has traditionally had fewer elite academic options and delivers strong college readiness metrics and graduation rates. For families relocating to the South Side, this school is a major draw.

7. John Hancock College Preparatory High School

Hancock College Prep has gained national recognition for significant academic growth, placing in the top 315 schools nationally. It has shown consistent improvement in college enrollment rates, making it one of the most promising selective enrollment schools in Chicago's southwest neighborhoods.

8. George Westinghouse College Prep

Westinghouse College Prep blends selective enrollment academics with career-technical education, giving students dual pathways into top universities and competitive professional fields. It ranks among Chicago's top 10 and serves the Near West Side community with a strong record of student achievement.

9. Lindblom Math and Science Academy

Lindblom is a specialist school with a focused curriculum in biotechnology and engineering. It earns strong ratings from Niche and serves families who want a STEM-forward education in a smaller, more intimate school setting. It is located in the West Englewood neighborhood and is an excellent fit for future scientists and engineers.

10. Back of the Yards College Preparatory High School

Back of the Yards College Prep rounds out the top 10 as the highest-ranked non-selective neighborhood high school in Chicago. Its International Baccalaureate program sets it apart, offering students a globally recognized diploma and college credit opportunities. High attendance rates and strong academics make it a standout in its community.

Private and Independent Schools Worth Knowing

Beyond the public system, Chicago has a strong collection of private schools that attract families relocating from other major metros:

Francis W. Parker School — Ranked the #1 private school in Chicago by College Transitions, known for a progressive liberal arts approach.
University of Chicago Laboratory Schools — Ranked #2 in Illinois among private schools, with deep ties to the University of Chicago's intellectual culture.
Latin School of Chicago — A Gold Coast institution consistently placed among the top three private schools in the city.
St. Ignatius College Prep — A Jesuit school with strong academic performance, averaging an SAT of 1,285 and ACT of 28.4.
British International School of Chicago, South Loop — A top choice for internationally mobile families, ranked #85 nationally by Niche.

How to Choose the Right School for Your Family

Picking a high school in Chicago requires understanding several key factors:

Selective enrollment vs. neighborhood schools. Most of Chicago's top-ranked public schools require a competitive application. Start the process early, ideally 12 months before your intended enrollment date.
Location and commute. Chicago is a big city. A school on the North Side may mean a 45-minute commute from a South Side neighborhood. Choosing where to live should factor in school location.
Curriculum fit. Some schools specialize in STEM, others in the arts or IB programs. Match the school's strengths to your student's interests and long-term goals.
Application timelines. Chicago Public Schools selective enrollment applications typically open in the fall for the following school year. Missing deadlines means missing your shot.

Planning a Move to Chicago? AAH Chicago Has You Covered

Relocating to a new city with school-age children is a lot to manage at once. That is where AAH Chicago comes in.

AAH Chicago is a free relocation resource and referral platform built specifically for people moving to, from, or within the Chicagoland area. Powered by All Around Housing, which has been serving Chicago since 2003, the platform connects you to a vetted network of local vendors, housing options, and moving services so you are not starting from scratch in an unfamiliar city.

Here is what AAH Chicago helps with:

Corporate and furnished housing — access to luxury furnished apartments and short-term corporate housing options across Chicago's best neighborhoods.
Moving logistics — referrals for moving companies and storage, help navigating Chicago-specific requirements like COI certificates for high-rise buildings and CDOT street permits for moving trucks.
Furniture rentals — up to 50% off furniture rental through partner networks, ideal for a soft landing before your permanent items arrive.

Whether you are a traveling nurse, a corporate employee on assignment, an HR team managing a company transfer, or a family starting fresh in the city, AAH Chicago is the first call to make before the moving truck arrives.

Final Thoughts

Chicago's high school options are genuinely world-class. From Walter Payton and Northside Prep at the top of national rankings to specialized academies focused on biotech, engineering, and international education, the city gives ambitious students real choices. The key is planning early, understanding the selective enrollment process, and choosing a neighborhood that puts your family within reach of the schools that matter most to you.

And when it comes to the move itself, do not go it alone. AAH Chicago is a free, trusted resource that takes the guesswork out of relocating to one of America's greatest cities. Visit AAHChicago.com to get started today.