For the 2025-26 school year, there are 7 public schools serving 3,181 students in Lake Forest, IL (there are , serving 2,283 private students). 58% of all K-12 students in Lake Forest, IL are educated in public schools (compared to the IL state average of 88%). Lake Forest has one of the highest concentrations of top ranked public schools in Illinois.
The top ranked public schools in Lake Forest, IL are Rondout Elementary School, Sheridan Elementary School and Lake Forest High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Lake Forest, IL public schools have an average math proficiency score of 60% (versus the Illinois public school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 50% (versus the 30% statewide average). Schools in Lake Forest have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 5% of Illinois public schools.
Minority enrollment is 20% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public school average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Lake Forest, IL (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Rondout Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
28593 N Bradley Rd
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 362-2021
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 362-2021
Gr: K-8 | 149 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: #22.
Sheridan Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
1360 N Sheridan Rd
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 234-1160
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 234-1160
Gr: PK-4 | 265 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #33.
Lake Forest High School
(Math: 62% | Reading: 61%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
1285 N Mckinley Rd
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 234-3600
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 234-3600
Gr: 9-12 | 1,375 student Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: #44.
Everett Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1111 Everett School Rd
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 234-5713
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 234-5713
Gr: K-4 | 308 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #55.
Deer Path Middle Sch East
(Math: 58% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
95 W Deerpath
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 615-4470
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 615-4470
Gr: 5-6 | 363 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #66.
Cherokee Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
475 Cherokee Rd
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 234-3805
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 234-3805
Gr: K-4 | 339 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #77.
Deer Path Middle Sch West
(Math: 60% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
155 W Deerpath
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 604-7400
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 604-7400
Gr: 7-8 | 382 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Lake Forest, Illinois Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Sally Potter School/lake Forest Elementary School (Closed 2016)
Special Education School
300 S Waukegan Rd
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 566-9180
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 566-9180
Gr: 3-8 | 84 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Lake Forest, IL?
The top ranked public schools in Lake Forest, IL include Rondout Elementary School, Sheridan Elementary School and Lake Forest High School. Lake Forest has one of the highest concentrations of top ranked public schools in Illinois.
How many public schools are located in Lake Forest?
7 public schools are located in Lake Forest.
What percentage of students in Lake Forest go to public school?
58% of all K-12 students in Lake Forest are educated in public schools (compared to the IL state average of 88%).
What is the racial composition of students in Lake Forest?
Lake Forest public schools minority enrollment is 20% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public schools average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Lake Forest are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Lake Forest include: Everett Elementary School vs. Cherokee Elementary School, Cherokee Elementary School vs. Everett Elementary School, Deer Path Middle Sch East vs. Cherokee Elementary School
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