US News & World Report has released its 2025–2026 rankings of the best high schools across the United States, with BASIS Tucson North in Arizona earning the top spot as the nation’s best high school. Meanwhile, several schools from Illinois and Michigan also made impressive showings, highlighting the strong academic programs and college readiness initiatives in both states. These rankings evaluate schools based on factors like state assessment performance, graduation rates, and preparation for college-level work, showcasing outstanding educational achievements nationwide.Five high schools from Illinois and Michigan have been named among the best in the United States, according to the 2025–2026 Best High Schools rankings released by US News. The annual evaluation reviewed data on more than 24,000 public high schools across all 50 states and the District of Columbia.Nearly 18,000 schools were ranked based on six factors, including performance on state assessments, graduation rates, and how well schools prepare students for college-level work. The rankings focus on college readiness, academic performance, and curriculum strength.2025-2026 Best High Schools
Three Chicago high schools in national top 100Among Illinois schools, three Chicago-based high schools secured positions in the top 100 nationally. Payton College Preparatory High School ranked the highest for the state, securing the 32nd position in the national rankings. It was followed by Northside College Preparatory High School, which placed 40th, and Lane Technical High School, which ranked 72nd.Young Magnet High School in Chicago was listed at No. 104, while Jones College Preparatory High School followed closely at No. 106. Outside of Chicago, the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy in Aurora secured the 120th position nationwide.Further down the list, University of Illinois High School in Urbana was ranked 124th, Adlai E Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire stood at 203rd, and Hinsdale Central High School in Hinsdale was positioned at 302nd. Hancock College Preparatory High School in Chicago rounded out the top Illinois entries at No. 314.2025-2026 Best Charter Schools
Two Michigan schools among national top 50In Michigan, two high schools earned top 50 placements in the national rankings. International Academy of Macomb, a magnet school offering the International Baccalaureate curriculum, was ranked 11th nationally, making it the top-performing school in Michigan.According to the US News Best High Schools Rankings, International Academy of Macomb requires incoming freshmen to pass a placement test and submit academic records, state test scores, and a school recommendation. Students also participate in a range of extracurricular activities, including student council, pep band, and the Harry Potter Alliance.The second-highest ranked school in Michigan was International Academy in Bloomfield Hills, which secured the 21st position nationally.2025-2026 Best STEM High Schools
Top-performing schools across the USAccording to the 2025–2026 US News & World Report rankings, BASIS Tucson North in Tucson, Arizona, was named the top high school in the US. Signature School in Evansville, Indiana, and Central Magnet School in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, followed in second and third place, respectively.Central Magnet School Principal John Ash told WKRN, “It is nice when you are recognised, and it makes some of that hard work and those long days worth it.” He further stated that the school’s academic success has led many students to attend Ivy League institutions.To view the full national list of high school rankings, visit the US News website.TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here.
