If you're a parent, you want to make sure your kid is getting the best possible education if it's at all possible for you to do so. It's not unusual for a couple to consider moving to another location for better educational opportunities once they find out that there's a child on the way, while others begin looking for those places even before that time.

It would seem that a lot goes into trying to figure out where America's best schools and school districts are and what makes them so special. Niche, a leading platform for connecting students and families with colleges and schools, has just published its new 2025 Best Schools and Districts rankings for the tenth year and some Illinois school districts definitely show up well on their list.

When I say that a lot goes into it, I'm not kidding. Niche’s 2025 Best Schools and Districts rankings includes all sorts of different data points, along with 2.5 million reviews from students, parents, and teachers.

If finding just the right spot for your kid or grandchild to attend high school is a high priority in your house, read on and we'll point you in the right direction.

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One Particular Illinois School District Has Not Only Been Named The Best School District In Illinois, But Also The Very Best School District In The United States

That honor goes to Adlai E. Stevenson High School District 125 in Lincolnshire, Illinois. The Niche study gives the school district the following grades:

  • Academics: A-plus
  • Teachers: A-plus
  • Clubs and Activities: A-plus
  • Diversity: B-plus
  • College Prep: A-plus
  • Administration: A-plus
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Here's The Thing: The Top 3 Best School Districts In Illinois Are Also Named As Being The Top 3 Best School Districts In The Entire Nation

We told you about Adlai E. Stevenson High School District 125 coming in at number-one on Niche's list for not only Illinois, but the entire country. Now, here are the Illinois schools ranked second and third in the state and nationally, too:

Glenbrook High School District 225 comes in at number two with these grades:

  • Academics: A-plus
  • Teachers: A-plus
  • Clubs and Activities: A-plus
  • Diversity: B
  • College Prep: A-plus
  • Administration: A-plus

Evanston Township High School District 202 takes the number three spot with these marks:

  • Academics: A-plus
  • Teachers: A-plus
  • Clubs and Activities: A-plus
  • Diversity: A
  • College Prep: A-plus
  • Administration: A
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Interestingly Enough, The Top 5 School Districts In The United States Are Split Between Two States: Illinois And New York

I just have to point out that we've got three, New York has two.

  1. Adlai E. Stevenson High School District 125 (Illinois)
  2. Glenbrook High School District 225 (Illinois)
  3. Evanston Township High School District 202 (Illinois)
  4. East Williston Union Free School District (New York)
  5. Syosset Central School District (New York)

Here in Illinois, these are the top 25 school districts, according to Niche:

    1. Adlai E. Stevenson High School District 125
    2. Glenbrook High School District 225
    3. Evanston Township High School District 202
    4. Township High School District 113
    5. Hinsdale Township High School District 86
    6. Community High School District 128
    7. Township High School District 211
    8. Niles Township Community High School District 219
    9. Barrington Community Unit School District 220
    10. Indian Prairie Community Unit School District No. 204
    11. Naperville Community Unit School District No. 203
    12. Township High School District No. 214
    13. New Trier Township High School District No. 203
    14. Isu Laboratory Schools
    15. Community High School District No. 155
    16. Elmhurst School District No. 205
    17. Grayslake Community High School District No. 127
    18. Lincoln-Way Community High School District No. 210
    19. Community Unit School District No. 200
    20. Glenbard Township High School District No. 87
    21. Community High School District No. 99
    22. Consolidated High School District No. 230
    23. Maine Township High School District No. 207
    24. St. Charles Community Unit School District No. 303
    25. Community Unit School District No. 201

LOOK: These are the 100 best cities to raise a family

Stacker collected 2023 data from Niche to compile a list of the top 100 cities to raise a family, based on school systems, crime rates, and more.  

Gallery Credit: Emily Sherman