Cook County Schools & Education
Cook County, Illinois
School Score
58/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
84.1%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
84.1%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 88.8%
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,158
National avg $13,239
State avg $9,250
School Score
58/100
Higher = better
State avg 63/100
State School Rank
#64
of 102 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in Cook County, Illinois
Illinois' Largest Educational Infrastructure
Cook County manages a massive network of 1,402 public schools serving nearly 700,000 students. This sprawling system includes 893 elementary schools and 265 high schools across 167 distinct districts.
High Investment and Competitive Scores
The county invests heavily in education, spending $12,158 per pupil, which is well above the state average of $9,250. This investment reflects in a county school score of 61.6, outperforming the Illinois state benchmark.
Chicago District and Charter Options
The City of Chicago SD 299 is the largest district, serving over 321,000 students. Cook County also offers significant choice, with 120 charter schools making up 8.6% of the total school landscape.
Urban Hubs and Massive Campuses
The locale is split between 740 city schools and 661 suburban schools, with an average size of 547 students. Premier campuses like Lane Tech and Taft High School are among the largest in the nation, each exceeding 4,400 students.
Endless Options for Every Family
From massive urban tech schools to quiet suburban districts like Schaumburg, Cook County offers unparalleled educational variety. Explore homes near top-rated magnets and charters to find the perfect fit for your child's needs.
School Overview
Total Schools
1,402
in Cook County
Total Enrollment
696,569
students
School Districts
167
districts
Charter Schools
120
9% of total
School Type Breakdown
167 School Districts in Cook County
City of Chicago SD 299
Schaumburg CCSD 54
Township HSD 211
Township HSD 214
Palatine CCSD 15
Cicero SD 99
Barrington CUSD 220
J S Morton HSD 201
Cons HSD 230
Evanston CCSD 65
1,402 Public Schools in Cook County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lane Technical High School | City of Chicago SD 299 | 7–12 | High | 4,496 |
| Taft High School | City of Chicago SD 299 | 7–12 | High | 4,464 |
| Lyons Twp High Sch | Lyons Twp HSD 204 | 9–12 | High | 3,842 |
| Evanston Twp High School | Evanston Twp HSD 202 | 9–12 | High | 3,691 |
| J Sterling Morton West High Sch | J S Morton HSD 201 | 9–12 | High | 3,533 |
| J Sterling Morton East High Sch | J S Morton HSD 201 | 10–12 | High | 3,445 |
| Oak Park & River Forest High Sch | Oak Park - River Forest SD 200 | 9–12 | High | 3,304 |
| Curie Metropolitan High School | City of Chicago SD 299 | 9–12 | High | 3,178 |
| Glenbrook South High School | Glenbrook HSD 225 | 9–12 | High | 3,030 |
| Carl Sandburg High School | Cons HSD 230 | 9–12 | High | 2,894 |
| New Trier Township H S Winnetka | New Trier Twp HSD 203 | 10–12 | High | 2,856 |
| Homewood-Flossmoor High School | Homewood Flossmoor CHSD 233 | 9–12 | High | 2,798 |
| Elgin High School | SD U-46 | 9–12 | High | 2,750 |
| Wm Fremd High School | Township HSD 211 | 9–12 | High | 2,708 |
| Palatine High School | Township HSD 211 | 9–12 | High | 2,652 |
| Niles West High School | Niles Twp HSD 219 | 9–12 | High | 2,609 |
| Amos Alonzo Stagg High School | Cons HSD 230 | 9–12 | High | 2,538 |
| J B Conant High School | Township HSD 211 | 9–12 | High | 2,503 |
| Maine South High School | Maine Township HSD 207 | 9–12 | High | 2,495 |
| Rich Township High School | Rich Twp HSD 227 | 9–12 | High | 2,487 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$12,158
State avg $9,250
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Cook County, Illinois — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Cook County, Illinois?
Cook County manages a massive network of 1,402 public schools serving nearly 700,000 students. This sprawling system includes 893 elementary schools and 265 high schools across 167 distinct districts.
How do schools in Cook County perform academically?
The county invests heavily in education, spending $12,158 per pupil, which is well above the state average of $9,250. This investment reflects in a county school score of 61.6, outperforming the Illinois state benchmark.
What are the major school districts in Cook County, Illinois?
The City of Chicago SD 299 is the largest district, serving over 321,000 students. Cook County also offers significant choice, with 120 charter schools making up 8.6% of the total school landscape.
What is the school experience like in Cook County?
The locale is split between 740 city schools and 661 suburban schools, with an average size of 547 students. Premier campuses like Lane Tech and Taft High School are among the largest in the nation, each exceeding 4,400 students.
How can I find homes near good schools in Cook County, Illinois?
From massive urban tech schools to quiet suburban districts like Schaumburg, Cook County offers unparalleled educational variety. Explore homes near top-rated magnets and charters to find the perfect fit for your child's needs.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.