Choosing the right high school can be a pivotal decision in shaping a student’s future. The North Shore suburbs of Chicago are known for their high-performing schools, offering exceptional academic programs, extracurricular activities, and opportunities for personal growth. Whether you’re looking for rigorous academics, robust sports programs, or innovative arts and technology initiatives, the schools in this area have much to offer.
This blog will guide you through the top public high schools in Chicago’s North Shore suburbs, what makes them stand out, and how they create pathways to success for their students.
New Trier High School
Address: 385 Winnetka Ave, Winnetka, IL 60093
New Trier High School, located on two campuses in Northfield and Winnetka, is a cornerstone of Chicago’s North Shore education. This renowned institution offers students not only a place to learn but access to exceptional academic resources rarely found elsewhere in the city or state. Its reputation is reflected in the numbers: New Trier ranks 10th among Illinois high schools and boasts an outstanding record of academic achievement.
The school offers a wide range of programs, from applied arts to social studies, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience. Beyond academics, New Trier shines in athletics and extracurriculars, with over 14 sports teams that have earned championship titles across various disciplines. Its state-of-the-art facilities include multiple gymnasiums and professionally maintained playing fields, providing students with top-tier resources for both sports and recreation.
Serving roughly 4,000 students from Glencoe, Kenilworth, Northfield, Wilmette, Winnetka, and nearby communities, New Trier High School fosters a vibrant and diverse community known as the “Trevian Experience.” With 97% of its students graduating and pursuing higher education, New Trier continues to set the standard for excellence in education and student development.
Glenbrook North High School
Address: 2300 Shermer Rd, Northbrook, IL 60062
The status quo often suggests that poor academic performance is inevitable, as though some students are destined to slip through the cracks. Glenbrook North High School challenges that notion with an exceptional education system designed to help nearly every student succeed. Established in the 1950s as one of two schools within Glenbrook High School District 225, this institution has built a reputation for excellence.
Located in the desirable North Shore suburb of Northbrook, Illinois, Glenbrook North serves approximately 2,000 students and offers an impressive array of academic opportunities. Its rigorous curriculum includes numerous advanced courses and a wide selection of AP options, designed to push even the most gifted students to excel. Beyond academics, the school shines in extracurriculars, particularly the performing arts and athletics, with standout programs in basketball, flag football, and aquatics.
Glenbrook North’s high achievement rates, both in and out of the classroom, consistently earn recognition from regional and national bodies. The school is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools and the State of Illinois, and it proudly holds membership in the National Association for College Admission Counseling. With a commitment to excellence in every facet of education, Glenbrook North sets a high standard for what a truly successful school can achieve.
Lake Forest High School
Address: 1285 N McKinley Rd, Lake Forest, IL 60045
Lake Forest High School, a leading public high school in Illinois, serves approximately 1,300 students in grades 9-12 from the communities of Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and Knollwood. Established in 1935, the school has earned a strong reputation for academic excellence, which continues to draw families to the area. Consistently ranked among the top 15 public high schools in the state, its success is supported by a low student-to-teacher ratio of 11:1 and significant investments in its N McKinley Road campus.
Students benefit from cutting-edge facilities, including advanced science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and multiple athletic fields. The school also offers a wealth of opportunities, such as Advanced Placement® courses, diverse extracurricular clubs, and robust career development programs. With a 97% graduation rate and 44% AP enrollment, Lake Forest High School remains a beacon of educational excellence for its community.
Glenbrook South High School
Address: 4000 W Lake Ave, Glenview, IL 60026
Glenbrook South High School, the counterpart to Glenbrook North, was founded nearly a decade later in 1962. While younger and located in a different part of District 225, the two schools share a steadfast dedication to educational excellence. From the start, Glenbrook South built a strong reputation for academic rigor and student success. Serving the Glenview area, the school offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare students for college and beyond.
The campus boasts state-of-the-art facilities that rival those of small colleges, including advanced science labs, athletic complexes, and performance spaces that support growth across all disciplines. Notable achievements include its ranking as the 21st best high school in Illinois, a minority enrollment rate exceeding 40%, and an impressive 62% participation rate in AP® courses. Glenbrook South continues to embody its mission of fostering achievement and opportunity for every student.
Evanston High School
Address: 1600 Dodge Ave, Evanston, IL 60201
Evanston High School, located on a sprawling 62-acre campus just north of Downtown Chicago, is a hub of academic excellence and opportunity. With a student body of over 3,000, the school offers a robust curriculum, including Advanced Placement courses and a comprehensive International Baccalaureate program, ensuring students are challenged academically. A low student-to-teacher ratio allows for personalized attention, fostering success in advanced and specialized subjects like transdisciplinary science chemistry and world language independent study.
Beyond academics, the school provides a wide range of extracurricular opportunities to enrich both character and résumés. Students can participate in sports, Advocacy Class, and career exploration programs, broadening their horizons and preparing them for the future. The school’s Honor Society consistently performs well above state and national averages, reflecting its commitment to excellence. From grades nine through twelve, Evanston High School equips students with the tools to thrive academically, personally, and professionally.
