For the 2025 school year, there are 24 public schools serving 14,476 students in Waukegan, IL (there are 10 private schools, serving 1,360 private students). 91% of all K-12 students in Waukegan, IL are educated in public schools (compared to the IL state average of 88%).
The top ranked public schools in Waukegan, IL are Little Fort Elementary School, H R Mccall Elementary School and Greenwood Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Waukegan, IL public schools have an average math proficiency score of 8% (versus the Illinois public school average of 26%), and reading proficiency score of 12% (versus the 30% statewide average). Schools in Waukegan have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Illinois public schools.
Minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Illinois public school average of 56% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Waukegan, IL (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Little Fort Elementary School
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1775 Blanchard Rd
Waukegan, IL 60087
(224) 303-3700
Waukegan, IL 60087
(224) 303-3700
Grades: K-5
| 412 students
Rank: #22.
H R Mccall Elementary School
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
3215 N Mcaree Rd
Waukegan, IL 60087
(224) 303-1760
Waukegan, IL 60087
(224) 303-1760
Grades: K-5
| 378 students
Rank: #33.
Greenwood Elementary School
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1919 North Ave
Waukegan, IL 60087
(224) 303-2080
Waukegan, IL 60087
(224) 303-2080
Grades: PK-5
| 312 students
Rank: #44.
Learn John Kathy Schreiber Chrtr
Charter School
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1200 W Glen Flora Ave
Waukegan, IL 60085
(847) 377-0690
Waukegan, IL 60085
(847) 377-0690
Grades: K-8
| 476 students
Rank: #55.
John S Clark Elementary School
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
601 Blanchard Rd
Waukegan, IL 60087
(224) 303-1570
Waukegan, IL 60087
(224) 303-1570
Grades: K-5
| 240 students
Rank: #66.
Andrew Cooke Magnet Elementary School
Magnet School
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
522 Belvidere Rd
Waukegan, IL 60085
(224) 303-1700
Waukegan, IL 60085
(224) 303-1700
Grades: K-5
| 370 students
Rank: #77.
John R Lewis Middle School
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
600 S Lewis Ave
Waukegan, IL 60085
(224) 303-2560
Waukegan, IL 60085
(224) 303-2560
Grades: 6-8
| 762 students
Rank: #88.
Oakdale Elementary School
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
2230 N Mcaree Rd
Waukegan, IL 60087
(224) 303-1860
Waukegan, IL 60087
(224) 303-1860
Grades: PK-5
| 466 students
Rank: #99.
Clearview Elementary School
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1700 Delaware Rd
Waukegan, IL 60087
(224) 303-1600
Waukegan, IL 60087
(224) 303-1600
Grades: PK-5
| 414 students
Rank: #10 - 1110. - 11.
Howe Elementary School
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
10271 W Beach Rd
Waukegan, IL 60087
(847) 599-5362
Waukegan, IL 60087
(847) 599-5362
Grades: K-5
| 334 students
Rank: #10 - 1110. - 11.
Hyde Park Elementary School
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1525 Hyde Park Ave
Waukegan, IL 60085
(224) 303-1970
Waukegan, IL 60085
(224) 303-1970
Grades: K-5
| 270 students
Rank: #1212.
Edith M Smith Middle School
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
930 New York St
Waukegan, IL 60085
(224) 303-2760
Waukegan, IL 60085
(224) 303-2760
Grades: 6-8
| 489 students
Rank: #1313.
Glen Flora Elementary School
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1110 Chestnut St
Waukegan, IL 60085
(224) 303-1800
Waukegan, IL 60085
(224) 303-1800
Grades: K-5
| 458 students
Rank: #1414.
Jack Benny Middle School
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1401 Montesano Ave
Waukegan, IL 60087
(224) 303-2470
Waukegan, IL 60087
(224) 303-2470
Grades: 6-8
| 506 students
Rank: #1515.
Lyon Magnet Elementary School
Magnet School
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
800 S Elmwood Ave
Waukegan, IL 60085
(224) 303-2300
Waukegan, IL 60085
(224) 303-2300
Grades: K-5
| 471 students
Rank: #1616.
Whittier Elementary School
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
901 N Lewis Ave
Waukegan, IL 60085
(224) 303-1900
Waukegan, IL 60085
(224) 303-1900
Grades: K-5
| 416 students
Rank: #1717.
Glenwood Elementary School
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
2500 Northmoor Ave
Waukegan, IL 60085
(224) 303-2010
Waukegan, IL 60085
(224) 303-2010
Grades: K-5
| 588 students
Rank: #1818.
Carman-buckner Elementary School
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
520 Helmholz Ave
Waukegan, IL 60085
(224) 303-1500
Waukegan, IL 60085
(224) 303-1500
Grades: PK-5
| 485 students
Rank: #1919.
North Elementary School
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
410 Franklin St
Waukegan, IL 60085
(224) 303-2160
Waukegan, IL 60085
(224) 303-2160
Grades: PK-5
| 473 students
Rank: #2020.
Waukegan High School
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1011 Washington St
Waukegan, IL 60085
(224) 303-3000
Waukegan, IL 60085
(224) 303-3000
Grades: 9-12
| 4,325 students
Rank: #2121.
Washington Elementary School
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
110 S Orchard Ave
Waukegan, IL 60085
(224) 303-2220
Waukegan, IL 60085
(224) 303-2220
Grades: K-5
| 368 students
Rank: #2222.
Robert E Abbott Middle School
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1319 Washington St
Waukegan, IL 60085
(224) 303-2360
Waukegan, IL 60085
(224) 303-2360
Grades: 6-8
| 585 students
Rank: #2323.
Miguel Juarez Middle School
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
201 N Butrick St
Waukegan, IL 60085
(224) 303-2660
Waukegan, IL 60085
(224) 303-2660
Grades: 6-8
| 662 students
Rank: n/an/a
1721 N Mcaree Rd
Waukegan, IL 60085
(224) 303-1400
Waukegan, IL 60085
(224) 303-1400
Grades: PK
| 216 students
Waukegan, Illinois Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
Abdssc Sch-3rd Floor High School (Closed 2008)
Special Education School
742 Greenwood Ave
Waukegan, IL 60087
(847) 360-5511
Waukegan, IL 60087
(847) 360-5511
Grades: 6-12
| 27 students
Alternative Optional Center (Closed 2008)
Special Education School
1020 Glen Rock Ave
Waukegan, IL 60085
(847) 360-5540
Waukegan, IL 60085
(847) 360-5540
Grades: 9-12
| 118 students
1020 Glen Rock Ave
Waukegan, IL 60085
(847) 360-5540
Waukegan, IL 60085
(847) 360-5540
Grades: PK
| 136 students
1200 W Glen Flora Ave
Waukegan, IL 60085
(847) 599-3903
Waukegan, IL 60085
(847) 599-3903
Grades: PK
| 267 students
1011 Washington St
Waukegan, IL 60085
(847) 263-4765
Waukegan, IL 60085
(847) 263-4765
Grades: 9-11
| 1,097 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Waukegan, IL?
The top ranked public schools in Waukegan, IL include Little Fort Elementary School, H R Mccall Elementary School and Greenwood Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Waukegan?
24 public schools are located in Waukegan.
What percentage of students in Waukegan go to public school?
91% of all K-12 students in Waukegan are educated in public schools (compared to the IL state average of 88%).
What is the racial composition of students in Waukegan?
Waukegan public schools minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Illinois public schools average of 56% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Waukegan are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Waukegan include: North Elementary School vs. Glen Flora Elementary School, Robert E Abbott Middle School vs. John R Lewis Middle School, Edith M Smith Middle School vs. Jack Benny Middle School
Recent Articles

How Scaffolding Could Change the Way Your Child Learns
This article explores the concept of instructional scaffolding, a teaching method that enhances learning by breaking down complex tasks into manageable parts. It highlights how scaffolding supports students in developing critical thinking skills and becoming more independent learners. The article discusses the benefits of scaffolding, including improved engagement and reduced anxiety, and provides strategies for its implementation across various educational levels.

The Impact of Coronavirus on Public Schools
This article discusses the widespread impact of COVID-19 on public schools, addressing issues such as school closures, remote learning challenges, effects on standardized testing, and concerns about student progress. It also provides tips for parents suddenly faced with homeschooling responsibilities.

February 05, 2025
Understanding the U.S. Department of Education: Structure, Impact, and EvolutionWe explore how the Department of Education shapes American education, from its cabinet-level leadership to its impact on millions of students, written for general audiences seeking clarity on this vital institution.