Choosing a middle school is a big step for families. Middle school shapes not just students’ academic skills, but their confidence, curiosity, and readiness for high school and beyond. Illinois is home to several excellent middle schools known for quality instruction, varied programs, strong community support, and stimulating learning environments.
Below is the 2026 list of the best middle schools in Illinois based on reputable directories, education data, and state reporting — providing you with thoughtful overviews to help you explore each school.
1. Lincoln Middle School, Park Ridge, IL
📍 Address: 200 S Lincoln Ave, Park Ridge, IL 60068
👩🏫 Student-Teacher Ratio: ~12:1
🏆 Rank: Well-regarded district school with strong community support
Link: Visit this school
Lincoln Middle School serves grades 6–8 and is part of the Park Ridge-Niles District 64. Known for its well-rounded academic programs, Lincoln emphasizes critical thinking, collaboration, and student engagement. The school partners with families and community members to create a supportive environment where each child can thrive.
Lincoln also offers a variety of clubs, athletics, and arts activities, ensuring students have opportunities beyond the classroom. Recent facility upgrades and expansions have further enhanced the learning spaces, including modernized classrooms and common areas.
2. Nichols Middle School, Evanston, IL
📍 Address: 800 Greenleaf St, Evanston, IL 60202
👩🏫 Student-Teacher Ratio: ~9:1
🏆 Rank: Strong local reputation with diverse offerings
Link: Visit this school
Nichols Middle School is a vibrant public school serving grades 6–8. It stands out for its engaging community and diverse programming, including music, arts, languages (French and Spanish), and athletics like soccer, cross country, and track.
Students benefit from a lower student-teacher ratio, allowing for more individualized support and closer collaboration. The building’s historic architecture also gives Nichols a distinctive identity in Evanston, and many families appreciate its blend of tradition and academic opportunity.
3. Emerson Middle School, Niles, IL
📍 Address: 8101 N Cumberland Ave, Niles, IL 60714
👩🏫 Student-Teacher Ratio: ~12:1
Link: Visit this school
Emerson Middle School focuses on academic excellence and student growth in a collaborative environment. Students are encouraged to develop strong foundational skills in math, science, and English language arts while also participating in opportunities like arts, technology, and extracurricular clubs.
The school fosters a positive school culture where individual strengths are nurtured, and students learn to be confident and responsible learners ready for high school.
4. Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School, Oak Park, IL
📍 Address: 325 S Kenilworth Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302
👩🏫 Student-Teacher Ratio: ~13:1 (typical district average)
🏆 Rank: Top Middle School in Oak Park
Link: Visit this school
Named after the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Gwendolyn Brooks, this school blends academic challenge with creative expression. Students have access to enriched coursework as well as extra-curricular activities in arts, drama, and music, helping build a well-balanced middle school experience.
The school also emphasizes community service and leadership development, helping students build both academic and life skills.
5. Percy Julian Middle School, Oak Park, IL
📍 Address: 416 S Ridgeland Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302
👩🏫 Student-Teacher Ratio: ~13:1 (typical district average)
🏆 Rank: Oak Park Middle School with a robust curriculum
Link: Visit this school
Percy Julian Middle School offers a strong academic program aligned with district standards. It provides a balance of core subjects and enrichment opportunities in arts and STEM. The school encourages student curiosity, collaboration, and critical thinking — key elements during these formative years.
Students often engage in project-based learning and cross-disciplinary work, preparing them for advanced studies in high school.
6. Algonquin Middle School, Des Plaines, IL
📍 Address: 767 Algonquin Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60016
👩🏫 Student-Teacher Ratio: ~14:1 (district middle school average)
🏆 Rank: Community-valued middle school
Link: Visit this school
Algonquin Middle School is known for solid academic performance and a supportive climate. Students benefit from a comprehensive curriculum that includes exploratory subjects like technology, arts, and wellness.
A range of clubs and athletic opportunities promotes team building and school engagement. Families appreciate Algonquin’s collaborative approach between staff and parents.
7. Friendship Junior High School, Des Plaines, IL
📍 Address: 550 Elizabeth Ln, Des Plaines, IL 60016
👩🏫 Student-Teacher Ratio: ~14:1 (local district average)
Link: Visit this school
Friendship Junior High serves grades 6–8 with a focus on academic growth and student engagement. The school offers a blend of core academics and enrichment, helping students build foundational knowledge while exploring interests in arts, tech, and sports.
Friendship’s culture emphasizes inclusion, citizenship, and teamwork, with teachers working closely with families to support student progress.
8. Lincoln Hall Middle School, Lincolnwood, IL
📍 Address: 6855 N Crawford Ave, Lincolnwood, IL 60712, United States
👩🏫 Student-Teacher Ratio: ~13:1 (district average) Moonpreneur
🏆 Rank: Community-recognized school
Link: Visit this school
Lincoln Hall Middle School is part of the thriving Lincolnwood community, offering a well-balanced curriculum focused on readiness for high school. The school supports student exploration through electives, technology integration, and collaborative projects.
The environment emphasizes academic growth, social development, and positive behavior standards.
9. Chute Middle School, Evanston, IL
📍 Address: 1400 Oakton St, Evanston, IL 60202
👩🏫 Student-Teacher Ratio: ~12:1 (district public schools)
🏆 Rank: Well-established local middle school
Link: Visit this school
Chute Middle School has a strong tradition in the Evanston community and serves grades 6–8. The school emphasizes academic excellence, social responsibility, and student support services.
With a wide variety of clubs, sports teams, and academic programs, Chute Middle works to ensure students feel engaged and prepared for future success.
10. Central Middle School
📍 Address: 9400 S Sawyer Ave, Evergreen Park, IL, 60805
👩🏫 Student-Teacher Ratio: ~13:1 (typical)
🏆 Rank: Highly recognized middle school name across districts
Link: Visit this school
“Central Middle School” is a common name for strong middle school programs across Illinois districts. While specific rankings and data may vary by district, schools with this name typically share a commitment to student achievement, strong academic programming, and robust extracurricular options. Families should check their district’s specific Central Middle for the latest data.
📝 Final Thoughts
Illinois offers a wide range of impressive middle schools, from historically rich campuses to engaging community-centered schools. When selecting the right school for your child, consider:
- Student-teacher ratio and classroom size
- Academic strengths and specialized programs
- Extracurricular opportunities
- School culture and community involvement
All of these elements play an important role in shaping your child’s middle school experience.
Moonpreneur is on a mission to disrupt traditional education and future-proof the next generation with holistic learning solutions. Its Innovator Program is building tomorrow’s workforce by training students in AI/ML, Robotics, Coding, IoT, and Apps, enabling entrepreneurship through experiential learning.
