Kevin Hoffman 
REBOOT STAFF
Jan 14, 2015
Since Illinois taxpayers support a good chunk of public school funding with property tax dollars, it’s important to know whether that money is being used efficiently and in the best interest of the state’s children.Using spending statistics from the National Center for Education Statistics and parent/student surveys, Niche.com ranked 6,360 public high schools with the best administrations. A high ranking means both students and parents view their school’s administration favorably, and that the institution “offers a safe environment that is trusting of students, and the school has effective policies for bullying, safety and discipline.”A handful of public high schools in Illinois were ranked among the best-run in the U.S.; in fact, five of the top 10 schools with the best administrations are in Illinois. As you’ll notice, a reoccurring theme in Niche’s rankings for Illinois is the location of these schools, the majority of which are situated in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs — where property taxes typically are the highest in the state.
Take a look at the infographic below to see which schools are perceived as having the best administrations in Illinois, along with a national rank if applicable. Spending statistics and survey scores for the top 25 best administrations statewide, as well as the top 50 nationwide follow the graphic.
The top 25 best-run public high schools in Illinois, according to Niche.:
1. Adlai E. Stevenson High School | Lincolnshire (1)
Parent/student surveys: 4.4/5 (102 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 21 : 1
Expenses per student: $22,354
2. New Trier Township High School | Winnetka (2)
Parent/student surveys: 4.3/5 (59 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 21 : 1
Expenses per student: $23,000
3. William Fremd High School | Palatine (5)
Parent/student surveys: 4.3/5 (69 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 19 : 1
Expenses per student: $22,020
4. Payton College Preparatory High School | Chicago (7)
Parent/student surveys: 4.4/5 (43 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 15 : 1
Expenses per student: $14,109
5. Young Magnet High School | Chicago (8)
Parent/student surveys: 4.3/5 (43 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 15 : 1
Expenses per student: $14,109
6. Libertyville High School | Libertyville (11)
Parent/student surveys: 4.3/5 (101 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 17 : 1
Expenses per student: $22,111
7. Glenbrook North High School | Northbrook (13)
Parent/student surveys: 4.3/5 (51 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 10 : 1
Expenses per student: $23,000
8. Glenbrook South High School | Glenview (14)
Parent/student surveys: 4.3/5 (56 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 10 : 1
Expenses per student: $23,000
9. Northside College Preparatory High School | Chicago (15)
Parent/student surveys: 4.3/5 (34 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 17 : 1
Expenses per student: $22,111
10. Vernon Hills High School | Vernon Hills (16)
Parent/student surveys: 4.2/5 (101 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 15 : 1
Expenses per student: $14,109
11. Neuqua Valley High School | Naperville (23)
Parent/student surveys: 4.3/5 (112 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 13 : 1
Expenses per student: $11,195
12. Lane Tech College Prep High School | Chicago (32)
Parent/student surveys: 4.2/5 (264 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 15 : 1
Expenses per student: $14,109
13. Hinsdale Central High School | Hinsdale (34)
Parent/student surveys: 4.2/5 (33 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 17 : 1
Expenses per student: $20,470
14. Homewood-Flossmoor High School | Flossmoor (36)
Parent/student surveys: 4.2/5 (108 respondents)
Overall experience: A
Education-Administration expense ratio: 18 : 1
Expenses per student: $17,133
15. Naperville Central High School | Naperville (38)
Parent/student surveys: 4.3/5 (63 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 13 : 1
Expenses per student: $16,502
16. Deerfield High School | Deerfield (60)
Parent/student surveys: 4.3/5 (42 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 7 : 1
Expenses per student: $23,000
17. John Hersey High School | Arlington Heights (65)
Parent/student surveys: 4.2/5 (38 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 17 : 1
Expenses per student: $19,850
18. North High School | Downers Grove (68)
Parent/student surveys: 4.2/5 (30 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 21 : 1
Expenses per student: $16,988
19. Barrington High School | Barrington (84)
Parent/student surveys: 4.2/5 (51 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 16 : 1
Expenses per student: $15,520
20. Evanston Township High School | Evanston (94)
Parent/student surveys: 4.1/5 (78 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 11 : 1
Expenses per student: $23,000
21. Highland Park High School | Highland Park
Parent/student surveys: 4.2/5 (30 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 7 : 1
Expenses per student: $23,000
22. Oak Park & River Forest High School | Oak Park
Parent/student surveys: 4.0/5 (76 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 18 : 1
Expenses per student: $20,706
23. Lyons Township High School | La Grange
Parent/student surveys: 4.1/5 (66 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 15 : 1
Expenses per student: $18,366
24. Lake Forest High School | Lake Forest
Parent/student surveys: 4.2/5 (17 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 15 : 1
Expenses per student: $23,000
25. Lincoln-Way East High School | Frankfort
Parent/student surveys: 4.2/5 (46 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 13 : 1
Expenses per student: $14,313
Top 50 best-run U.S. high schools:
1. Adlai E. Stevenson High School
Parent/student surveys: 4.4/5 (102 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 21 : 1
Expenses per student: $22,354
2. New Trier Township High School
Parent/student surveys: 4.3/5 (59 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 21 : 1
Expenses per student: $23,000
3. Westlake High School – Austin, Texas
Parent/student surveys: 4.4/5 (60 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 16 : 1
Expenses per student: $17,619
4. Unionville High School – Kennett Square, Pa.
Parent/student surveys: 4.4/5 (30 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 19 : 1
Expenses per student: $21,033
5. William Fremd High School
Parent/student surveys: 4.3/5 (69 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 19 : 1
Expenses per student: $22,020
6. North Allegheny Senior High School – Franklin Park, Pa.
Parent/student surveys: 4.4/5 (78 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 13 : 1
Expenses per student: $14,357
7. Payton College Preparatory High School
Parent/student surveys: 4.4/5 (43 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 15 : 1
Expenses per student: $14,109
8. Young Magnet High School
Parent/student surveys: 4.3/5 (43 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 15 : 1
Expenses per student: $14,109
9. Plano West Senior High School – Plano, Texas
Parent/student surveys: 4.3/5 (97 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 17 : 1
Expenses per student: $11,914
10. Minnetonka Senior High School – Minnetonka, Minn.
Parent/student surveys: 4.4/5 (54 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 14 : 1
Expenses per student: $13,383
11. Libertyville High School
Parent/student surveys: 4.3/5 (101 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 17 : 1
Expenses per student: $22,111
12. Jericho Senior High School – Jericho, N.Y.
Parent/student surveys: 4.3/5 (16respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 20 : 1
Expenses per student: $23,000
13. Glenbrook North High School
Parent/student surveys: 4.3/5 (51 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 10 : 1
Expenses per student: $23,000
14. Glenbrook South High School
Parent/student surveys: 4.3/5 (56 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 10 : 1
Expenses per student: $23,000
15. Northside College Preparatory High School
Parent/student surveys: 4.3/5 (34 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 17 : 1
Expenses per student: $22,111
16. Vernon Hills High School
Parent/student surveys: 4.2/5 (101 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 15 : 1
Expenses per student: $14,109
17. Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology – Lawrenceville, Ga.
Parent/student surveys: 4.4/5 (40 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 12 : 1
Expenses per student: $10,093
18. Council Rock High School-North – Newtown Grant, Pa.
Parent/student surveys: 4.4/5 (29 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 21 : 1
Expenses per student: $16,753
19. School for Advanced Studies-South – Kendall, Fla.
Parent/student surveys: 4.5/5 (26 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 16 : 1
Expenses per student: $10,398
20. Carmel High School – Carmel, Ind.
Parent/student surveys: 4.3/5 (107 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 20 : 1
Expenses per student: $11,016
21. Walnut Hills High School – Cincinnati, Ohio
Parent/student surveys: 4.3/5 (59 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 13 : 1
Expenses per student: $20,666
22. The Science Academy of South Texas – Mercedes, Texas
Parent/student surveys: 4.5/5 (26 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 11 : 1
Expenses per student: $13,002
23. Neuqua Valley High School
Parent/student surveys: 4.3/5 (112 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 13 : 1
Expenses per student: $11,195
24. Granada Hills Charter High School – Los Angeles, Calif.
Parent/student surveys: 4.2/5 (128 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 13 : 1
Expenses per student: $13,993
25. International Academy – Bloomfield Hills, Mich.
Parent/student surveys: 4.2/5 (49 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 16 : 1
Expenses per student: $17,943
26. Cambridge Rindge & Latin School – Cambridge, Mass.
Parent/student surveys: 4.2/5 (40 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 18 : 1
Expenses per student: $23,000
27. Hunterdon Central High School – Flemington, N.J.
Parent/student surveys: 4.2/5 (28 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 16 : 1
Expenses per student: $16,453
28. Conestoga Senior High School – Berwyn, Pa.
Parent/student surveys: 4.3/5 (112 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 13 : 1
Expenses per student: $11,195
29. Upper St. Clair High School – Upper St. Clair, Pa.
Parent/student surveys: 4.3/5 (32 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 15 : 1
Expenses per student: $21,463
30. Lower Merion High School – Ardmore, Pa.
Parent/student surveys: 4.3/5 (30 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 11 : 1
Expenses per student: $23,000
31. Liberal Arts & Science Academy – Austin, Texas
Parent/student surveys: 4.3/5 (35 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 14 : 1
Expenses per student: $12,369
32. Lane Tech College Prep High School
Parent/student surveys: 4.2/5 (264 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 15 : 1
Expenses per student: $14,109
33. Eden Prairie Senior High School – Eden Prairie, Minn,
Parent/student surveys: 4.3/5 (67 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 15 : 1
Expenses per student: $12,385
34. Hinsdale Central High School
Parent/student surveys: 4.2/5 (33 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 17 : 1
Expenses per student: $20,470
35. Carroll Senior High School – Southlake, Texas
Parent/student surveys: 4.2/5 (43 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 16 : 1
Expenses per student: $19,965
36. Homewood-Flossmoor High School
Parent/student surveys: 4.2/5 (108 respondents)
Overall experience: A
Education-Administration expense ratio: 18 : 1
Expenses per student: $17,133
37. Redwood High School – Larkspur, Calif.
Parent/student surveys: 4.3/5 (23 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 16 : 1
Expenses per student: $17,889
38. Naperville Central High School
Parent/student surveys: 4.3/5 (63 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 13 : 1
Expenses per student: $16,502
39. Science High School – Newark, N.J.
Parent/student surveys: 4.2/5 (29 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 19 : 1
Expenses per student: $23,000
40. Great Neck South High School – Lake Success, N.Y.
Parent/student surveys: 4.3/5 (20 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 14 : 1
Expenses per student: $23,000
41. Pine View School – Osprey, Fla.
Parent/student surveys: 4.2/5 (37 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 20 : 1
Expenses per student: $13,014
42. Indian Hill High School – The Village of Indian Hill, Ohio
Parent/student surveys: 4.4/5 (21 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 14 : 1
Expenses per student: $17,058
43. Pittsford Sutherland High School – Pittsford, N.Y.
Parent/student surveys: 4.4/5 (21 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 16 : 1
Expenses per student: $17,959
44. Plano Senior High School – Plano, Texas
Parent/student surveys: 4.2/5 (107 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 17 : 1
Expenses per student: $11,914
45. Westview High School – San Diego, Calif.
Parent/student surveys: 4.3/5 (63 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 17 : 1
Expenses per student: $9,882
46. Westwood High School – Norwood, Mass.
Parent/student surveys: 4.3/5 (21 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 19 : 1
Expenses per student: $15,920
47. William Mason High School – Mason, Ohio
Parent/student surveys: 4.3/5 (65 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 19 : 1
Expenses per student: $10,586
48. Coral Reef Senior High School – Palmetto Estates, Fla.
Parent/student surveys: 4.2/5 (154 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 16 : 1
Expenses per student: $10,398
49. Upper Arlington High School – Upper Arlington, Ohio
Parent/student surveys: 4.4/5 (22 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 17 : 1
Expenses per student: $16,633
50. Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology – Annandale, Va.
Parent/student surveys: 4.2/5 (57 respondents)
Overall experience: A+
Education-Administration expense ratio: 15 : 1
Expenses per student: $14,162
More about these rankings:
Best Administration ranks 6,360 public high schools based on key spending statistics and 825,000 opinions from 285,000 students and parents. A high ranking indicates that students and parents rate the administration favorably, the school offers a safe environment that is trusting of students, and the school has effective policies for bullying, safety, and discipline.
At the time of calculation, our database contained records for 22,985 public high schools. For the purposes of this ranking, a public high school is considered to be a school that offers 12th grade, has at least 5 enrolled seniors, and has an average grade size of at least 15 students schoolwide. Schools were not included in the ranking process if they did not meet these minimum requirements. The final ranking results in 14,894 high schools receiving a grade, with 6,360 of those also receiving a numerical ranking.
Click here for the full methodology.
NEXT ARTICLE: City Described names the 20 overall best high schools in Illinois
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Want to tell your elected officials what you think of the state of government in Illinois? Use our Sound Off tool!Kevin Hoffman is a Reboot Illinois staff writer who graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in journalism, political science and international studies. He believes keeping citizens informed and politicians in check is the best way to improve Illinois and bring about common sense reform. Follow us on Facebook.