Comprehensive guide to education in Illinois - from PreK through higher education, including public schools, charter schools, universities, and career programs serving over 2 million students statewide.
K-12 Students
In 853 school districtsGraduation Rate
Highest ever in 14 yearsUniversity Students
10-year enrollment highPer Pupil Spending
Ranks 8th nationallyThe Illinois State Board of Education provides leadership and resources to achieve excellence across all Illinois districts through engaging stakeholders in formulating and advocating for policies that enhance education, empower districts, and ensure equitable outcomes for all students.
1.9M+
Students (2022 data)3,977
Public schools statewide853
School districtsIllinois features a wide range of school districts, from Chicago Public Schools serving over 325,000 students to smaller rural districts. Here are the largest districts in the state:
LARGEST IN STATE
A+ RATED #9 IN ILLINOIS
A+ RATED #10 IN ILLINOIS
Illinois features numerous nationally-ranked high schools, with seven public schools finishing in the Top 50 nationwide according to Niche 2024-2026 rankings.
Niche rankings are based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents, including:
Note: SAT/ACT scores were removed from 2026 rankings to reflect the de-emphasis on standardized tests in college admissions.
Charter schools are publicly funded schools that operate independently of traditional school district regulations. Illinois has a growing charter school sector, primarily concentrated in Chicago.
Charter Schools
Serving 60,496 studentsIn Chicago
Of 131 total campusesDays in Reading
+48 days in math vs peersWhile many states are expanding charter school access, Illinois has legislation that limits charter expansion:
Illinois has limited school choice programs compared to many other states. The state's main scholarship program ended in 2023, leaving only one tax credit program for educational expenses.
The tax-credit scholarship program that served over 9,600 students is no longer operating.
Illinois allows individuals to claim a credit for educational expenses for dependent students attending public, private, or home schools.
Educational Choice for Children Act - A federal tax-credit scholarship program for low-income students was passed on July 4 as part of the federal budget reconciliation bill. However, it remains unclear whether Illinois will opt into this program.
Illinois features a robust higher education system with 70+ universities and colleges, including world-renowned institutions like the University of Chicago and Northwestern University, plus a comprehensive community college system serving over 274,000 students.
Public University Students
10-year enrollment highCommunity College Students
3.7% increase from 2024Community Colleges
In 39 districtsThe nation's third-largest community college system serves over 500,000 students annually.
Illinois requires all teachers to hold a Professional Educator License (PEL) issued by the Illinois State Board of Education. The state offers competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits.
Average High School Teacher
Annual salaryStarting Salary
Average for new teachersUnfilled Positions
As of October 2024Illinois faces persistent teacher shortages in key subject areas and regions.
Opportunities: Over 90% of Illinois schools face teacher shortages, creating numerous employment opportunities for newly certified teachers.
The state's largest union representing over 135,000 education professionals.
Illinois uses multiple standardized assessments to measure student achievement and school performance as part of state and federal accountability requirements.
Computer-based state assessment for grades 3-8 in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics.
Illinois requires all public school students to take college readiness assessments.
Note: While SAT scores have declined, Illinois graduation rates reached an all-time high of 87.7%, indicating a complex picture of student achievement.
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires universal participation in state assessments, defined as at least 95% of eligible students.
Illinois provides comprehensive support programs for students with diverse learning needs, including special education, bilingual education, and early childhood programs.
Illinois provides special education services to students with disabilities from age 3 until graduation or age 22.
Of Students
Receive IEP servicesInclusion Rate
Spend 80%+ time in general edSpecial Ed Teachers
K-12 statewideResources: Visit ISBE Special Education or Illinois Life Span for support and guidance.
Illinois serves over 261,000 English language learners through comprehensive bilingual and ESL programs.
English Learners
12.1% of PreK-12 populationEndorsed Educators
Serving EL studentsTop Languages
Spanish, Arabic, Polish, Chinese, UrduResources: Visit ISBE English Learners/Bilingual Education for program information.
Illinois is expanding access to high-quality early childhood education through the Smart Start Illinois initiative.
Illinois established a new Department of Early Childhood to consolidate services previously split among three agencies (IDHS, ISBE, and DCFS).
Find Programs: Visit Illinois Department of Early Childhood or Find Early Childhood Programs.
CTE participation continues to rise, and students in CTE programs show higher graduation rates than peers.
Illinois ranks 8th nationally in K-12 school spending and 5th in overall funding, with a complex funding formula designed to address equity gaps across districts.
Per Pupil Spending
Total funding all sourcesState Budget
ISBE administers annuallyTotal K-12 Funding
All sources combinedNational Ranking
K-12 school spendingTotal K-12 funding: $42.9 billion or $23,156 per pupil (all sources combined)
Note: Illinois ranks 8th in K-12 school spending and 5th in funding among all U.S. states.
Illinois implemented a new school funding formula in 2017 designed to address historic funding inequities.
Illinois K-12 public schools serve approximately 1.9 million students (1,925,415 students as of 2022) across 3,977 schools in 853 school districts. The state has experienced a 6.7% decline in enrollment from 2012 to 2020. Chicago Public Schools is the largest district with over 325,000 students, while hundreds of smaller rural districts serve their local communities.
The student population is diverse: 47% Hispanic, 35% Black, 11% White, and 4.5% Asian American (based on CPS data). Approximately 70% of students come from low-income households, 16% receive special education services, and over 261,000 are English language learners.
Illinois achieved a record high school graduation rate of 87.7% at the end of the 2023-24 school year, representing the highest graduation rate in 14 years. This marks steady improvement, including significant gains for Black students over the past six years.
Students participating in Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs show higher graduation rates than their peers, demonstrating the value of hands-on career-focused education. The state appropriated a $10 million increase in funding to support CTE growth statewide, recognizing its impact on student success.
To become a teacher in Illinois, you must obtain a Professional Educator License (PEL) from the Illinois State Board of Education:
The PEL is valid for 5 years and can be renewed by completing professional development credits and paying a $10 registration fee (or $50 for the full five-year cycle). Starting salaries average $50,776, with high school teachers earning an average of $80,200 annually. Over 90% of Illinois schools report teacher shortages, creating numerous job opportunities, especially in special education, math, science, and bilingual education.
Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR): Computer-based tests for grades 3-8 in English Language Arts and Mathematics, assessing mastery of Illinois Learning Standards. In 2024, students achieved the highest-ever proficiency rates in ELA, though math recovery has been slower.
SAT and PSAT: Illinois requires all public school students to take:
In 2024, 31.1% of high school juniors were proficient in reading and 26.1% in math on the SAT, showing declines from pre-pandemic levels. Under federal ESSA requirements, schools must have at least 95% student participation in state assessments to receive top accountability designations.
According to Niche 2024-2026 rankings, the top Illinois school districts include:
The largest district, Chicago Public Schools (325,000+ students), features selective enrollment schools like Payton College Prep (#4 nationally, #1 in Illinois) and Northside College Prep (#2 in Illinois).
Rankings consider state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, teacher quality, resources, and student/parent reviews. Use Niche.com or Illinois Report Card to compare specific districts based on your priorities.
Illinois spends $23,156 per pupil when including all funding sources (federal, state, and local), totaling $42.9 billion annually for K-12 education. The state ranks 8th nationally in K-12 school spending and 5th in overall funding.
Breakdown by source:
The statewide average operating expense is $17,340 per pupil (FY 2024). Illinois State Board of Education disburses and oversees more than $8 billion in state and federal funds annually.
Illinois implemented an evidence-based funding formula in 2017 to address historic inequities, directing new state funding to underfunded districts while protecting all districts from cuts. A 2023 report found the formula is successfully closing funding gaps statewide.
Illinois has very limited school choice options compared to neighboring states. The state's main scholarship program ended in 2023.
Invest in Kids Program (ENDED): The tax-credit scholarship program that served 9,600+ students ended December 31, 2023, when lawmakers allowed it to lapse. This program provided an average scholarship of $8,340 to low-income students for private school tuition.
Current Program: Illinois offers only an Individual Tax Credit for Educational Expenses - parents receive a 25% credit on K-12 expenditures after the first $250, up to $750 per family (income limits apply).
Charter Schools: Illinois has 136 charter schools serving 60,496 students, with 116 located in Chicago. State law caps total charter schools at 120, with no more than 70 in Chicago, limiting expansion.
Private Schools & Homeschooling: Illinois has 1,233 private schools (average tuition $11,247 elementary, $15,809 high school). Homeschooling is legal and does not require state registration; an estimated 5.4% of families homeschool.
Illinois serves over 261,000 English language learners (12.1% of PreK-12 population) through comprehensive bilingual and ESL programs. The most common languages are Spanish, Arabic, Polish, Chinese, and Urdu.
Program Types:
Legal Requirements: Since 1973, Illinois law requires districts to offer TBE programs when 20 or more ELL students of the same language are enrolled in the same school.
Illinois has 26,019 endorsed educators serving English learners, including 8,373 with Spanish bilingual endorsements. Over 55,000 English learners also receive special education services (22% of all EL students). Visit ISBE's English Learner page for resources and support.
Illinois features 70+ universities and colleges serving over 189,000 public university students (at a 10-year enrollment high) plus 274,000+ community college students.
Major Public Universities:
Premier Private Universities:
Community Colleges: Illinois has the nation's third-largest system with 48 community colleges in 39 districts covering the entire state. Fall 2025 enrollment reached 274,737 students, up 3.7% and now 1.3% above pre-pandemic levels. Joliet Junior College, founded in 1901, is the oldest public community college in the United States.
Recent trends show strong growth in underrepresented populations: Black student enrollment up 9.7%, Latino enrollment up 8.3%. View complete listings at Illinois Board of Higher Education.
Yes, Illinois faces persistent teacher shortages, though the situation has improved slightly. As of October 1, 2024, there were 3,864 unfilled teaching positions (2.8% vacancy rate), down 5.6% from the previous year. However, 87% of 734 school leaders surveyed believe teacher shortages remain a significant problem.
High-Demand Subject Areas:
Geographic Areas: Shortages are most severe in urban districts, rural parts of the state, and vocational centers.
Over 90% of Illinois schools report facing teacher shortages, creating numerous employment opportunities for newly certified teachers. Average starting salary is $50,776, with high school teachers earning $80,200 on average. Teachers with special education or bilingual endorsements are in particularly high demand.
Last updated on November 24, 2025