Suburban schools make U.S. News’ 2026 Best Elementary and Middle Schools rankings

Several suburban schools made the list of U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Elementary and Middle Schools rankings released Tuesday.

The report includes about 47,000 public elementary schools and more than 23,000 middle schools ranked at the state and district levels. State rankings on charter schools also are included.

The 2026 rankings are based on publicly available data from the U.S. Department of Education. For district-level rankings, at least two of the top-performing schools must rank in the top 75% of the overall elementary or middle school rankings to qualify for recognition, according to a news release.

The methodology focuses on state assessments of students who score at or above proficient in mathematics and reading/language arts, while accounting for student background and achievement in core subjects. Student-teacher ratios are applied to break ties in the overall score, according to U.S. News.

These recognized schools “excel in fostering student achievement and providing exceptional learning environments for all,” said LaMont Jones, managing editor for education at U.S. News.

Among the top 25 Illinois middle schools are:

• No. 11 — Daniel Wright Junior High School in Lincolnshire, which serves 739 students; scored at or above proficiency level, 76% for math and 71% for reading.

• No. 12 — Kennedy Junior High School in Lisle, serves 917 students; scored at or above proficiency level, 71% for math and 75% for reading.

• No. 13 — Northbrook Junior High School in Northbrook, serves 649 students; scored at or above proficiency level, 67% for math and 75% for reading.

• No. 19 — Maple School in Northbrook, serves 429 students; scored at or above proficiency level, 75% for math and 61% for reading.

• No. 23 — Butler Junior High School in Oak Brook, serves 183 students; scored at or above proficiency level, 67% each for both math and reading.

• No. 24 — Twin Groves Middle School in Buffalo Grove, serves 594 students; scored at or above proficiency level, 66% for math and 67% for reading.

Among the top 25 Illinois elementary schools are:

• No. 4 — The Lane Elementary School in Hinsdale, serves 342 students; scored at or above proficiency level, 87% for math and 82% for reading.

• No. 6 — Meadow Glens Elementary School in Naperville, serves 483 students; scored at or above proficiency level, 80% for math and 85% for reading.

• No. 8 — Westmoor Elementary School in Northbrook, serves 352 students; scored at or above proficiency level, 82% for math and 77% for reading.

• No. 10 — Highlands Elementary School in Naperville, serves 508 students; scored at or above proficiency level, 74% for math and 77% for reading.

• No. 11 — Ellsworth Elementary School in Naperville, serves 229 students; scored at or above proficiency level, 77% for math and 77% for reading.

• No. 13 — Wescott Elementary School in Northbrook, serves 485 students; scored at or above proficiency level, 81% for math and 73% for reading.

• No. 15 — Greenbriar Elementary School in Northbrook, serves 367 students; scored at or above proficiency level, 72% for math and 77% for reading.

• No. 18 — Monroe Elementary School in Hinsdale, serves 304 students; scored at or above proficiency level, 72% each for both math and reading.

• No. 19 — Hough Street Elementary School in Barrington, serves 259 students; scored at or above proficiency level, 72% each for both math and reading.

• No. 24 — Oak Grove Elementary School in Libertyville, serves 926 students; scored at or above proficiency level, 64% for math and 66% for reading.

• No. 25 — Barbara B Rose Elementary School in South Barrington, serves 382 students; scored at or above proficiency level, 67% for math and 73% for reading.

Among the top 25 Illinois charter schools are:

• No. 2 — Prairie Crossing Charter School in Grayslake, serves 432 students; scored at or above proficiency level, 46% for math and 53% for reading.

• No. 5 — Elgin Math and Science Academy in Elgin, serves 463 students; scored at or above proficiency level, 25% for math and 27% for reading.

• No. 20 — Cambridge Lakes Charter School in Pingree Grove, serves 620 students; scored at or above proficiency level, 25% for math and 46% for reading.

For a complete listing of schools, visit usnews.com/education/k12/search?state=IL.