2024 Best Public High Schools in Lake County

Best schools

1-21 of 21 results

Junior: Reflecting on my time at the history school, I find myself overwhelmed with gratitude for the enriching experience it has been. Immersed in the tapestry of the past, every lesson felt like a journey through time, unraveling the mysteries and complexities of human history. The passionate educators, with their depth of knowledge and enthusiasm, ignited within me a profound curiosity and appreciation for the past. Beyond textbooks, the school offered immersive experiences like historical reenactments and field trips, bringing history to life in vivid detail. It's not just about memorizing dates and events; it's about understanding the interconnectedness of civilizations and the lessons they offer for the present and future. This school has truly shaped me into a more informed, empathetic, and intellectually curious individual.... Read 1,257 reviews
#1 Best Public High Schools in Lake County.
Adlai E. Stevenson High School
Adlai E. Stevenson High School District No. 125, IL,
9-12,
1257 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.
Featured Review: Junior says Reflecting on my time at the history school, I find myself overwhelmed with gratitude for the enriching experience it has been. Immersed in the tapestry of the past, every lesson felt like a journey....
Read 1257 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Students: 4,489,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 18 to 1,
View nearby homes
Senior: Throughout my 4 years of schooling at Vernon Hills High School, I learned many things; however, the one thing that had propelled my college readiness is the sheer amount of soft skills I had learned. Vernon Hills High School does an incredible job with college readiness, so that when you eventually get to college you will merge seamlessly into the college life. Another part I enjoyed about my time in Vernon Hills High School is the amount of resources for student to actually get involved in. However, there were some things that weren't exactly represented best in VHHS.If I could change one thing, I would change the district administration. I only say this because the teachers in VHHS try their very best to give quality education, and the administration repays this effort by outsourcing their work, firing them, and taking away their tenure.... Read 394 reviews
#2 Best Public High Schools in Lake County.
Vernon Hills High School
Blue checkmark.
Community High School District 128, IL,
9-12,
394 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.
Featured Review: Senior says Throughout my 4 years of schooling at Vernon Hills High School, I learned many things; however, the one thing that had propelled my college readiness is the sheer amount of soft skills I had learned.....
Read 394 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Students: 1,505,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 13 to 1,
View nearby homes
Junior: Barrington High School is a school that can provide a variety of experiences. There is virtually an activity, class, sport, and more for everyone and every type of person at our school. I believe the opportunities provided at this school and the district are incredibly helpful towards preparing students for college. The academic excellence and competitiveness is what makes BHS students go on to attend a variety of colleges. Although there are some issues with this school. Diversity is certainly not one of BHS’ strong suits along with the school culture which can certainly be toxic at times. Additionally, some particular members of the school administration are not quite respected by the students or even some of the staff. As a Hispanic member of the student council, I can agree that although conlifct are limited, the administration could certainly do a better job on a variety of issues. Overall, I would very much say that the education at BHS is quite worthwhile.... Read 509 reviews
#3 Best Public High Schools in Lake County.
Barrington High School
Blue checkmark.
Barrington Community Unit School District No. 220, IL,
9-12,
509 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.
Featured Review: Junior says Barrington High School is a school that can provide a variety of experiences. There is virtually an activity, class, sport, and more for everyone and every type of person at our school. I believe the....
Read 509 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Students: 2,802,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 16 to 1,
View nearby homes
SponsoredPrivate School
Fusion Academy Oak Brook
Private School·
OAK BROOK, IL·
6-12
·
Rating 5 out of 5 1
SponsoredAll-Boys School
St. Anselm's Abbey School
Private School·
WASHINGTON, DC·
6-12
·
Rating 4.54 out of 5 46
SponsoredCharter School
Perry Street Preparatory Public Charter School
Public School·
WASHINGTON, DC·
PK, K-8
·
Rating 3.32 out of 5 71
Senior: Academically, my experience at Deerfield High School has been overall positive. While I have had poor experiences with a few of the teachers here, the majority are amazing and truly care about their students. My freshman year I was going through a very difficult time with my mental health, as I was struggling with undiagnosed ADHD and depression. Multiple teachers and my school counselor supported me and advocated for me to get the accommodations that I need. I also love how I have been able to form close relationships with teachers on a personal level. As far as the social life here, it can be difficult at times since groups are somewhat clicky. I found my circle of friends here that I love, but I would be lying if I said that some people treat others differently if they are not in their friend group or of a certain “social status,” however I can imagine that this is a common theme among many high schools. Regardless of the few negative aspects, my experience is overall positive.... Read 327 reviews
#4 Best Public High Schools in Lake County.
Deerfield High School
Blue checkmark.
Township High School District No. 113, IL,
9-12,
327 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.
Featured Review: Senior says Academically, my experience at Deerfield High School has been overall positive. While I have had poor experiences with a few of the teachers here, the majority are amazing and truly care about their....
Read 327 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Students: 1,483,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 12 to 1,
View nearby homes
Junior: I've been involved in theatre throughout my entire experience at Lake Forest High School. I've loved almost every part of it. The friends, the roles, and the performances have all taught me different things about the real world and myself. Unfortunately, not everyone appreciates theatre as much as I do. As wonderful as my time at Lake Forest has been, the emphasis on athletics over the arts is overwhelming, and, at times, unbearable. If the community around and in the high school was able to dissipate the extreme focus on athletics onto other activities like the arts, I firmly believe that everyone would be better off.... Read 181 reviews
#5 Best Public High Schools in Lake County.
Lake Forest High School
Blue checkmark.
Public School,
LAKE FOREST, IL,
9-12,
181 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars.
Featured Review: Junior says I've been involved in theatre throughout my entire experience at Lake Forest High School. I've loved almost every part of it. The friends, the roles, and the performances have all taught me different....
Read 181 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Students: 1,438,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 11 to 1,
View nearby homes
Alum: This school was a challenging and top-notch academic institution, with amazing teachers who did a fantastic job at college preparation. However, there is so little diversity, and there is a segregation that typically occurs with the types of classes and the caliber of curriculum and teacher for different demographics. Overall, I had a decent experience, however, as a white-facing mixed indigenous person, I had to constantly defend my identity as it was constantly being invalidated. Many people would only believe in what they could see and had a small view of the world as they lived in a sort of bubble. But I feel as if I would never have been able to get where I am today, at Brown University, without Highland Park High School and it's rigorous academics. And also, not everyone was like that, there were some genuinely amazing people who deserve the world.... Read 282 reviews
#6 Best Public High Schools in Lake County.
Highland Park High School
Blue checkmark.
Township High School District No. 113, IL,
9-12,
282 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.
Featured Review: Alum says This school was a challenging and top-notch academic institution, with amazing teachers who did a fantastic job at college preparation. However, there is so little diversity, and there is a....
Read 282 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Students: 1,739,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 12 to 1,
View nearby homes
Senior: Libertyville High school(LHS) is a great for people striving to learn. I felt I had a great overall experience as LHS offered all of its students a wide variety of classes, sports, clubs, and extracurriculars. I was able to explore different subjects and activities such as Engineering, graphic communication, and Musical theater running crew. There was a sense of community, especially when football games were happening or school dances, where almost everyone went and talked about it. LHS was a great school for me, i made many friends and expressed my interests to the fullest.... Read 530 reviews
#7 Best Public High Schools in Lake County.
Libertyville High School
Blue checkmark.
Community High School District 128, IL,
9-12,
530 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.
Featured Review: Senior says Libertyville High school(LHS) is a great for people striving to learn. I felt I had a great overall experience as LHS offered all of its students a wide variety of classes, sports, clubs, and....
Read 530 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A,
Students: 1,811,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 14 to 1,
View nearby homes
Alum: Grayslake Central was a wonderful school to attend that helped me set up for college. Switching to block schedules was probably the best thing they could have done. It helped me when I transitioned to college because my day-to-day schedule didn't look or feel all that different from when I was in high school. So I already knew what I should/shouldn't do and how I could spend my time in between classes. Whether that was working on homework, doing something for a club, or even finding the time to work. It wasn't just the schedule that helped me though, my teachers that I had throughout the years were also a massive help to why I got as far as I did. I had teachers encourage me, and pushed me. It helped me succeed in the best way possible.... Read 423 reviews
#8 Best Public High Schools in Lake County.
Grayslake Central High School
Grayslake Community High School District No. 127, IL,
9-12,
423 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.
Featured Review: Alum says Grayslake Central was a wonderful school to attend that helped me set up for college. Switching to block schedules was probably the best thing they could have done. It helped me when I transitioned....
Read 423 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A,
Students: 1,419,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 14 to 1,
View nearby homes
Senior: WTHS has a variety of notable features that shaped my experience over the years. A few guiding ones for me were the large FBLA chapter and community present which allowed me to take a shot at competition as well as building a very tight-knit friend group. The sports games are also very much hyped up and have a humongous student turnout which adds to the overall environment. However, on the contrary, my school has a large violence issue throughout some sectors, this could be worked on by funding resources to improve descalation skills in staff as well as providing a more rehabitive solution for those involved in quarrels.... Read 1,021 reviews
#9 Best Public High Schools in Lake County.
Warren Township High School
Public School,
GURNEE, IL,
9-12,
1021 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.
Featured Review: Senior says WTHS has a variety of notable features that shaped my experience over the years. A few guiding ones for me were the large FBLA chapter and community present which allowed me to take a shot at....
Read 1021 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A,
Students: 3,758,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 17 to 1,
View nearby homes
Alum: During my time at Lake Zurich High School I was able to make lifelong friendships and connections while excelling in my rigorous academic courses. I was on the varsity track and field team, participated in various service clubs, and was a National Honor Society member all while taking advantage of the various advanced placement (AP) courses the school had to offer. My experience at Lake Zurich was truly special and it is a great school with modernized facilities and amazing faculty willing to help and guide students when needed. One thing I would like to see change would be the level of diversity in the school. As a Polish-American I saw my culture represented due to the large population of Polish people in the school; however, I believe there should be more resources developed for students of other cultures as well. All in all my experience and Lake Zurich High School was truly memorable and I am proud to say that I am an alumni!... Read 407 reviews
#10 Best Public High Schools in Lake County.
Lake Zurich High School
Blue checkmark.
Lake Zurich Community Unit School District No. 95, IL,
9-12,
407 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.
Featured Review: Alum says During my time at Lake Zurich High School I was able to make lifelong friendships and connections while excelling in my rigorous academic courses. I was on the varsity track and field team,....
Read 407 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A,
Students: 1,804,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 14 to 1,
View nearby homes
Alum: I started high school in covid, so there was a very rocky start. The teachers weren't very interested in teaching at that time, so there was no real learning until around mid sophomore year, a year and a half into high school. Personally, I still didn't take high school seriously then. My parents were the people that encouraged myself and my siblings to try and go above and beyond, whereas the school had a brief mention of things like cum laude but never got in depth. Junior and senior year were pretty good years. There's a lot of opportunities at the school, whether it be sports or clubs! There were free musical concerts and many art shows, we had state walks for any sport that made it into or past state, and the school offers trips too! Last year, students had the ability to go to either Iceland or Puerto Rico and students loved the travel. Although the teaching is a little rough, the participation and school spirit are phenomenal.... Read 415 reviews
#11 Best Public High Schools in Lake County.
Lakes Community High School
Community High School District No. 117, IL,
9-12,
415 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.
Featured Review: Alum says I started high school in covid, so there was a very rocky start. The teachers weren't very interested in teaching at that time, so there was no real learning until around mid sophomore year, a year....
Read 415 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A,
Students: 1,317,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 15 to 1,
View nearby homes
Senior: Overall my experience with Grayslake North has been very welcoming. Ever since I stepped foot into the building during 8th-grade orientation I felt delighted with all the opportunities I could achieve. I joined so many different clubs and organizations that made me the person I am today. My favorite part of Grayslake North High School is the staff and how friendly they are. However, the worst part is passion in the student body. For example, some students don't show up to assemblies and school dances. I would like to see change in this by advertising it in a more unrising way.... Read 379 reviews
#12 Best Public High Schools in Lake County.
Grayslake North High School
Grayslake Community High School District No. 127, IL,
9-12,
379 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.
Featured Review: Senior says Overall my experience with Grayslake North has been very welcoming. Ever since I stepped foot into the building during 8th-grade orientation I felt delighted with all the opportunities I could....
Read 379 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A,
Students: 1,257,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 13 to 1,
View nearby homes
Alum: My overall experience at Mundelein Highschool was very positive. I was given the great opportunity of being involved with my school in various ways. I got to go from playing sports one day to broadcasting club the other. I also enjoyed taking AVID, which is a class that prepares you for college. I feel more ready and calm about college all due to the help of the AVID program. The only cons about the school would have to be the prices on the food. It's ridiculous to pay almost $4 for a slice of pizza at school. Additionally, the students who have free or reduced lunch had limited options to choose from, which seemed unfair. Another issue would have to be the lack of discipline on students by administration. So many students would be skipping, causing problems in the hallways/classrooms and administration would only give them detention slips. But never followed through with the students when they decided to not show up to detention.... Read 607 reviews
#13 Best Public High Schools in Lake County.
Mundelein Consolidated High School
Public School,
MUNDELEIN, IL,
9-12,
607 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.
Featured Review: Alum says My overall experience at Mundelein Highschool was very positive. I was given the great opportunity of being involved with my school in various ways. I got to go from playing sports one day to...The only cons about the school would have to be the prices on the food. It's ridiculous to pay almost $4 for a slice of pizza at school. Additionally, the students who have free or reduced lunch had....
Read 607 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A,
Students: 2,212,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 17 to 1,
View nearby homes
#14 Best Public High Schools in Lake County.
Antioch Community High School
Community High School District No. 117, IL,
9-12,
304 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.
Featured Review: Alum says All the social studies/history teachers were amazing, but the Science teachers weren't really that great. The sports programs here are also amazing as well!.
Read 304 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A,
Students: 1,309,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 15 to 1,
View nearby homes
Alum: I spent the entirety of my high school years at Grant and I have to say that the best part about the whole experience besides my friends was the relationships I built with my teachers and dance coach. The staff do an amazing job of listening to students and making sure that everyone feels comfortable and connected. My only complaint is that the school put a lot of emphases on sports and not enough on the arts when it came to achievements. Don't let this stop you from joining a program in the arts though, they are amazing and provide you with loads of opportunities. As for change, I feel that they should provide more opportunities for larger bodies of students to give their feedback on things pertaining to the school in order to improve it for future years.... Read 386 reviews
#15 Best Public High Schools in Lake County.
Grant Community High School
Blue checkmark.
Public School,
FOX LAKE, IL,
9-12,
386 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.
Featured Review: Alum says I spent the entirety of my high school years at Grant and I have to say that the best part about the whole experience besides my friends was the relationships I built with my teachers and dance...As for change, I feel that they should provide more opportunities for larger bodies of students to give their feedback on things pertaining to the school in order to improve it for future years..
Read 386 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: B+,
Students: 1,837,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 16 to 1,
View nearby homes
Senior: Throughout the 4 years I spent at Wauconda High School, I did enjoy the sports and classes available. The one problem I believe this school has is it's ability to control the students who over and over again get into trouble. There are students who know right where the line between getting in trouble and then getting a talking to is and they know to go JUST before that punishment line over and over again. So they go and do things that affect other students in the building and then just get a slap on the wrist. The admin need to figure out what to do about those students because they cannot continuously let these students get away with things that affect other students and not be held accordingly.... Read 382 reviews
#16 Best Public High Schools in Lake County.
Wauconda High School
Wauconda Community Unit School District No. 118, IL,
9-12,
382 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.
Featured Review: Senior says Throughout the 4 years I spent at Wauconda High School, I did enjoy the sports and classes available. The one problem I believe this school has is it's ability to control the students who over and....
Read 382 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: B+,
Students: 1,460,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 15 to 1,
View nearby homes
#17 Best Public High Schools in Lake County.
New Tech High School at Zion-Benton East
Zion-Benton Township High School District No. 126, IL,
9-12,
113 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.
Featured Review: Junior says I have a great experience with new tech!! Once we graduate the school gives us extra credits!!!They even have college classes we can take!! I earn lots of knowledge from this school!!.
Read 113 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: B,
Students: 383,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 17 to 1,
View nearby homes
Round Lake Senior High School
Blue checkmark.
Round Lake Community Unit School District No. 116, IL,
9-12,
253 Niche users give it an average review of 3.5 stars.
Featured Review: Senior says My time at RLHS has been really enjoyable. The students and staff are very kind and welcoming, especially in the fine arts department. Some teachers are better than others, but they're all reasonable....
Read 253 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: B minus,
Students: 2,258,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 14 to 1,
View nearby homes
Zion-Benton Township High School
Zion-Benton Township High School District No. 126, IL,
9-12,
305 Niche users give it an average review of 3.4 stars.
Featured Review: Alum says I didn’t attend this school in person in my freshmen year, my junior year was my best year but overall it was alright. I felt like it could’ve been more fun and more activities, but my experience was....
Read 305 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: B minus,
Students: 2,113,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 14 to 1,
View nearby homes
North Chicago Community High School
North Chicago School District No. 187, IL,
9-12,
75 Niche users give it an average review of 2.8 stars.
Featured Review: Senior says I is a good school and it is not as bad as people make it seem to be. It has many hard working students, enrolling in AP and honor classes and have many dedicated staff that are willing to work with....
Read 75 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: C minus,
Students: 868,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 15 to 1,
View nearby homes
Alum: Overall my high school experience was great. I met great new supportive friends, the teachers were really amazing and no matter how behind we were in our work they wouldn’t give up on us. One of the worst experiences I’ve had would be losing motivation through the middle of the school year, but the best thing about it is that you get to see what teachers care about your education and who don’t. Most teachers would just let you fail the class but there are a couple teachers that not only motivate you to complete your work but also push you to be a better person. One of my best experiences at Waukegan would be my senior year, I was a cheer athlete and I had an amazing year. We would compete at different schools, even if we didn’t get an award there we were still there for each other and helped each other out on becoming better. The highlight of the year was my senior night my family and friends were there supporting me, it’s something that I’ll never experience again so I enjoyed it.... Read 558 reviews
Waukegan High School
Blue checkmark.
Waukegan Community Unit School District No. 60, IL,
8-12,
558 Niche users give it an average review of 3.2 stars.
Featured Review: Alum says Overall my high school experience was great. I met great new supportive friends, the teachers were really amazing and no matter how behind we were in our work they wouldn’t give up on us. One of the....
Read 558 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: C minus,
Students: 4,355,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 17 to 1,
View nearby homes
SponsoredCatholic School
Roanoke Catholic School
Private School·
ROANOKE, VA·
PK, K-12
·
Rating 4.05 out of 5 77
SponsoredCharter School
Horizon Science Academy Southwest Chicago
Chicago Public Schools, IL·
K-12
·
Rating 4.07 out of 5 15
SponsoredPrivate School
Randolph-Macon Academy
Private School·
FRONT ROYAL, VA·
6-12
·
Rating 4.15 out of 5 181

Not sure what schools you are zoned for?Find out by exploring our school boundary maps. Look up public schools and districts by address or ZIP code.

2024 Best Public High Schools in Lake County

Adlai E. Stevenson High School

Adlai E. Stevenson High School

Vernon Hills High School

Vernon Hills High School

Barrington High School

Barrington High School

Deerfield High School

Deerfield High School

Lake Forest High School

Lake Forest High School

Highland Park High School

Highland Park High School

Libertyville High School

Libertyville High School

Grayslake Central High School

Grayslake Central High School

Warren Township High School

Warren Township High School

Lake Zurich High School

Lake Zurich High School

Lakes Community High School

Lakes Community High School

Grayslake North High School

Grayslake North High School

Mundelein Consolidated High School

Mundelein Consolidated High School

Antioch Community High School

Antioch Community High School

Grant Community High School

Grant Community High School

Wauconda High School

Wauconda High School

New Tech High School at Zion-Benton East

New Tech High School at Zion-Benton East

Round Lake Senior High School

Round Lake Senior High School

Zion-Benton Township High School

Zion-Benton Township High School

North Chicago Community High School

North Chicago Community High School

Waukegan High School

Waukegan High School

FAQs