CHICAGO — Several Chicago Public Schools have earned top positions in the newly released rankings of Illinois’ “Best Elementary Schools” for the 2025–2026 academic year, according to data compiled from federal education sources. The annual report placed Chicago institutions prominently among the state’s top performers, alongside high-achieving schools from Rockford, Hinsdale, and Naperville.
The latest rankings evaluated more than 47,000 public elementary schools and 23,000 middle schools across the country, using data from the U.S. Department of Education. The list, released Tuesday, measures academic performance at both the state and district levels, focusing on student outcomes and school quality indicators.
In Illinois, Edison Elementary Regional Gifted Center, a selective-enrollment school within Chicago Public Schools, secured the No. 1 spot. Located on the Northwest Side, Edison has long been recognized for its academic rigor and high student performance. According to the data, 87 percent of Edison’s students achieved or exceeded proficiency standards in reading and mathematics, marking it as one of the top-performing public schools in the state. While its student-to-teacher ratio of 15:1 is slightly higher than the district average, the school’s achievement rates continue to stand out as among the best in Illinois.
Skinner North Elementary School, another Chicago Public Schools institution located at 640 West Scott Street, ranked second overall in the state. Known for its strong academic culture and diverse student body, Skinner North has consistently placed among the state’s highest-performing schools in previous years.
Third place went to Thurgood Marshall Elementary School, located in Rockford. The school’s placement highlights the growing academic strength of the Rockford School District, which has made notable progress in student achievement over the past several years. Thurgood Marshall’s inclusion among the top three is considered a milestone for the district.
Beyond the city of Chicago, several suburban schools were recognized for their excellence. The Lane Elementary School in Hinsdale was the first suburban institution to appear on the list, ranking fourth overall. Following closely was Meadow Glens Elementary School in Naperville, which earned a position in the top 10. Both schools are part of high-performing suburban districts known for academic excellence, strong community involvement, and competitive educational programs.
The ranking methodology considered multiple factors, including state standardized test scores in core subjects such as math, reading, and language arts. The analysis also incorporated metrics like student-teacher ratios, socioeconomic backgrounds, and progress toward academic proficiency. According to report editors, the goal was to provide a balanced measure of educational quality that reflects both performance and equity within each district.
Other Chicago schools featured in the top 25 include Decatur Classical Elementary, Lincoln Elementary, Hawthorne Scholastic Academy, and Lenart Elementary Regional Gifted Center. Each of these institutions has earned a reputation for fostering academic excellence through enriched learning environments and selective admission programs.
The suburbs also maintained a strong presence, with Elm Elementary and Prospect Elementary in the Hinsdale district, Highlands Elementary and Ellsworth Elementary in Naperville, and Barbara B. Rose Elementary in Barrington rounding out the top 25. These schools have shown consistent results in state testing, maintaining high proficiency rates and student engagement levels across subjects.
The rankings provide an overview of Illinois’ educational landscape, showing that while Chicago Public Schools dominate the top positions, suburban districts continue to perform exceptionally well. Education experts note that strong community involvement, well-supported teachers, and enriched academic programs contribute significantly to these outcomes.
As schools continue to adapt to evolving educational standards and technological integration, the rankings also highlight the resilience and progress of Illinois’ public school system. From Chicago’s selective-enrollment schools to suburban districts known for academic excellence, the state’s education landscape continues to demonstrate high standards of learning and student achievement.
The full list of ranked schools includes detailed profiles of each institution and is available on the U.S. News and World Report platform, offering parents and educators a comprehensive look at how schools across Illinois compare at both local and state levels.
