For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public high schools serving 1,886 students in Des Plaines, IL.
The top-ranked public high school in Des Plaines, IL is Maine West High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Des Plaines, IL public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 22% (versus the Illinois public high school average of 26%), and reading proficiency score of 25% (versus the 29% statewide average). High schools in Des Plaines have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Illinois public high schools.
Des Plaines, IL public high school have a Graduation Rate of 91%, which is more than the Illinois average of 87%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Maine West High School, with 91% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Illinois or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 63% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Illinois public high school average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Des Plaines, IL (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Maine West High School
(Math: 22% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1755 S Wolf Rd
Des Plaines, IL 60018
(847) 827-6176
Des Plaines, IL 60018
(847) 827-6176
Gr: 9-12 | 1,886 student Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Rank: n/an/a
Ncisc Alop
Alternative School
1001 E Touhy Ave Ste 200
Des Plaines, IL 60018
(847) 803-3707
Des Plaines, IL 60018
(847) 803-3707
Gr: 6-12
Rank: n/an/a
North Cook Student Advocacy Alop
Alternative School
1001 E Touhy Ave Ste 200
Des Plaines, IL 60018
(847) 824-8300
Des Plaines, IL 60018
(847) 824-8300
Gr: 6-12
Rank: n/an/a
North Cook Young Adult Academy
Alternative School
1001 E Touhy Ave Ste 200
Des Plaines, IL 60018
(847) 803-3707
Des Plaines, IL 60018
(847) 803-3707
Gr: 6-12
Des Plaines, Illinois Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Nipper Career Education Center (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
1101 East Gregory St
Des Plaines, IL 60016
(847) 655-3000
Des Plaines, IL 60016
(847) 655-3000
9000 Capitol Dr
Des Plaines, IL 60016
(847) 298-1622
Des Plaines, IL 60016
(847) 298-1622
Gr: K-6 | 421 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 78%
Thomas Jefferson Charter School (Closed 2004)
Charter School
795 Center St
Des Plaines, IL 60016
(847) 297-9740
Des Plaines, IL 60016
(847) 297-9740
Gr: K-8 | 73 students Minority enrollment: 84%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public high schools in Des Plaines, IL?
The top-ranked public high schools in Des Plaines, IL include Maine West High School.
How many public high schools are located in Des Plaines?
4 public high schools are located in Des Plaines.
What is the racial composition of students in Des Plaines?
Des Plaines public high schools minority enrollment is 63% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Illinois public high schools average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Year-Round Schooling in 2026: Updated Parent Guide
Explore the latest 2026 data, trends, costs, and parent planning tips in the ongoing debate over year-round schooling vs the traditional calendar.
No Child Left Behind: Past, Present, and Future of U.S. School Policy
Explore how No Child Left Behind evolved into ESSA, what it means for 2025‑26 schooling, and what parents need to know about testing, admissions planning, and funding.
Understanding Public School Fees & Optional Costs Guide
Discover what public school fees are required versus optional, with 2026 updates for parents, students, and educators on budgeting and planning.
