1.Walter Payton College Prep. High School

Walter Payton College Preparatory High School’s curriculum is centered on honors and Advanced Placement courses in math, science, language and the humanities, among other subjects. Students at Payton can supplement their classroom learning by participating in global exchange and study programs in countries such as France, Belize and South Africa. In addition to core courses and exchange opportunities, the school offers seminars in horseback riding and Pilates.

2. NorthSide College Prep High School.

Northside College Preparatory High School’s curriculum focuses on in-depth study of topics such as physics, constitutional law and computer science. Students can also choose from several language programs and a range of clubs and extracurricular activities. Most classes at Northside College Preparatory High School are honors or Advanced Placement level, and students can participate in study abroad programs to enhance their learning.

3. Lane Tech High School

Lane Technical High School is ranked 3rd within Illinois. Students have the opportunity to take Advanced Placement® course work and exams. The AP® participation rate at Lane Technical High School is 94 percent. The student body makeup is 44 percent male and 56 percent female, and the total minority enrollment is 65 percent. 

4. Phoenix Military Academy High School

Phoenix Military Academy High School is ranked 4th within Illinois. Students have the opportunity to take Advanced Placement® course work and exams. The AP® participation rate at Phoenix Military Academy High School is 95 percent. The student body makeup is 56 percent male and 44 percent female, and the total minority enrollment is 100 percent.

5.  Jones College Prep High School

Jones College Prep High School is ranked 5th within Illinois. Students have the opportunity to take Advanced Placement® course work and exams. The AP® participation rate at Jones College Prep High School is 88 percent. The student body makeup is 42 percent male and 58 percent female, and the total minority enrollment is 63 percent.

 If I can go back and redo my HighSchool career, I would consider one of these schools.