When considering the Western suburbs of Chicago as a place to settle down, one of the most important factors for home buyers is access to top-tier schools. Every parent wants the best education for their children, and many of the Western suburbs are home to highly rated institutions that provide both academic rigor and extracurricular opportunities. Below, we’ve compiled a guide to help you identify some of the best school districts and areas that stand out for their educational excellence.
Hinsdale, IL
Just 20 miles west of Downtown Chicago lies Hinsdale, one of the area’s most cherished suburbs. Established in 1873, this vibrant community is home to over 17,000 residents. Among them, approximately 3,800 students are enrolled in grades nine through 12, with the majority—2,400—attending Hinsdale Central High School (HCHS). And lucky they are. HCHS consistently ranks among the top 10% of high schools in Illinois, earning widespread recognition for its academic excellence.
Students at HCHS excel across all disciplines, with above-average scores in math, reading, and science. The high school boasts an impressive 93% graduation rate, a testament to its commitment to student success. In fact, many locals are proud alumni, as the school has been an integral part of the community since 1879.
Despite its historic roots, Hinsdale Central High School is anything but outdated. Located at 5500 S Grant Street, the campus is equipped with cutting-edge technology and interactive learning tools that prepare students for the future. Modern science labs, an extensive library, and athletic facilities rivaling those of small colleges ensure that students have the resources they need to thrive.
True to its name, Hinsdale Central is centrally located among the neighborhoods it serves. Its diverse student body includes residents not only from Hinsdale itself but also from parts of Oak Brook, Clarendon Hills, and Westmont. As a cornerstone of the community, the school continues to uphold its legacy of excellence while embracing progress and innovation.
Elmhurst, IL
Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 may be small, but it delivers big opportunities for its students. As the sole public high school in the district, York Community High School serves local teens who don’t pursue private education—and it does so with excellence. Here, limited choice doesn’t mean limited quality.
The school’s anthem, “Hail to York High,” reflects its well-earned reputation as one of the top schools in the West Chicago area. Serving the highly desirable suburb of Elmhurst, York has a student body of 2,700 and an impressive 92% graduation rate, demonstrating it excels across the board. Students thrive in a wide range of disciplines, including career and technical education, literacy, mathematics, sciences, special education, world studies, and visual and performing arts.
Support is a cornerstone of York’s approach. Freshmen benefit from Rising Freshman Resources as they transition into high school, while seniors can prepare for the future with the dedicated College and Career Resource Center. Even summer breaks offer enriching opportunities through a robust lineup of courses, ranging from Automobile Consumer Ownership and Criminology to geometry. At York Community High School, students truly have the resources to succeed in both academics and life.
Naperville, IL
The lovely community of Naperville, IL is home to two standout educational institutions: Neuqua Valley High School and Metea Valley High School. Both schools exemplify the community’s commitment to academic and extracurricular excellence. Neuqua Valley High School, ranked 15th in Illinois, has maintained a spot in the top 20 state rankings for five consecutive years. Serving approximately 3,100 students, the ‘Wildcats’ are closely followed by Metea Valley High School’s 2,800 ‘Mustangs,’ who hold a commendable 28th place statewide. While Neuqua Valley has a longer history, Metea Valley has quickly risen to prominence since its establishment in 2009 to accommodate the area’s growing population.
Both schools boast exceptional academic performance, with proficiency rates in core subjects far surpassing state averages. Their robust extracurricular programs are equally impressive, featuring championship-winning sports teams, celebrated performing arts programs, and dozens of student organizations that foster diverse interests. Overseeing these institutions is the Indian Prairie School District 204, renowned for its dedication to educational excellence. The district has consistently invested in state-of-the-art facilities, advanced technology, and professional development for educators. These efforts are reflected in the schools’ outstanding graduation rates, both exceeding 95%, and their exemplary college acceptance rates, which are a source of pride for the community.
Glen Ellyn, IL
Living in Glen Ellyn comes with a cost of living 27% higher than the national average, making a strong education an invaluable asset for residents. Fortunately, local students have access to exceptional learning opportunities at Glenbard West High School, a renowned public institution located at 670 Crescent Boulevard in Chicago’s western suburbs. Glenbard West is one of four high schools in District 87, alongside Glenbard East, Glenbard South, and Glenbard North, each serving their respective areas. Together, these schools rank among the top 21% of high schools statewide, a testament to their commitment to academic excellence. This impressive track record is fueled by factors such as comprehensive AP course offerings and a focus on holistic student development.
Perched on a hill overlooking the village, Glenbard West’s iconic, castle-like architecture houses state-of-the-art facilities. These include advanced science labs, a modern performing arts center, and athletic complexes that support a robust varsity sports program. The “Hilltoppers” consistently shine both in academics and athletics, with standardized test scores far exceeding state and national averages. With its blend of rigorous academics, extracurricular opportunities, and cutting-edge resources, Glenbard West High School stands as a pillar of excellence in the Glen Ellyn community, making it a key part of the community’s appeal.
Carol Stream, IL
Glenbard North High School stands as a key pillar in Carol Stream’s educational landscape and is one of four schools within District 87. Serving approximately 2,300 students from Carol Stream and parts of neighboring communities like Glendale Heights and Bloomingdale, the school has been a cornerstone of academic excellence in DuPage County since its founding in 1968. With a student-to-teacher ratio of less than 16:1, Glenbard North prioritizes personalized education and a strong learning environment.
Beyond academics, the school boasts an impressive athletic legacy, counting NFL players Greg Newsome, Justin Jackson, and Ryan Diem among its alumni. Located at 990 Kuhn Road, the campus is just a 45-minute drive from Downtown Chicago, making it both accessible and integral to the community.