Glenbrook South ranked 19th among Illinois high schools in U.S. News and World Report’s list 2025-2026 Best High School Rankings.   

The ranking assessed percentages such as Advanced Placement (AP) enrollments, student-teacher ratios, proficiencies, and graduation rate. Out of all U.S. states, Illinois ranks 22nd for best high schools, according to U.S. News and World Reports. This ranking reflects South’s success, Principal Dr. Barbara Georges said. 

“The U.S. News and [World] Report’s ranking is one of the more comprehensive measures that compares schools across the country,” Georges said. “Our ranking is even more significant as the top six spots in our state are held by selective enrollment schools.”

The ranking will motivate South to create more opportunities to ensure each student has academic success, Georges said. South is an academically challenging school, and the ranking reflects the hard work of each and every student, Georges added.

“I am proud of our ranking this year,” Georges said. “It is a testament to our work to increase access to rigorous classes, particularly AP coursework, and improve our attendance rates.”

While the ranking highlights the accomplishments of South, it is important to note what makes South great: the values demonstrated by students and staff, District Superintendent Dr. RJ Gravel, said. Though South is deserving of praise, it is not defined by just one ranking, but instead by how the South community grows as a whole.

“Our true measure of success is not determined by a single list or score,” Gravel said. “Rather, it is found in how we live out of Spartan and Titan pride each day, through a commitment to our core values of excellence in learning, belonging, respect, responsibility, and well-being. This recognition is one reminder of the excellence that grows from that shared commitment.”