Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetGet($offset) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetGet(mixed $offset): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 106 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetSet($offset, $value) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetSet(mixed $offset, mixed $value): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 115 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetUnset($offset) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetUnset(mixed $offset): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 130 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::current() should either be compatible with Iterator::current(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 48 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::next() should either be compatible with Iterator::next(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 56 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::rewind() should either be compatible with Iterator::rewind(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 80 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Drivers\Memcached\Item::jsonSerialize() should either be compatible with JsonSerializable::jsonSerialize(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Core/Item/ItemExtendedTrait.php on line 438 Best Public Schools in Des Plaines, IL (2026)
Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Des Plaines Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 22 public schools serving 8,802 students in Des Plaines, IL (there are 13 private schools, serving 1,483 private students). 86% of all K-12 students in Des Plaines, IL are educated in public schools (compared to the IL state average of 88%).
The top-ranked public schools in Des Plaines, IL are Cumberland Elementary School, Terrace Elementary School and Iroquois Community School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Des Plaines, IL public schools have an average math proficiency score of 32% (versus the Illinois public school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 38% (versus the 30% statewide average). Schools in Des Plaines have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Illinois public schools.
Minority enrollment is 64% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Illinois public school average of 55% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Schools in Des Plaines, IL (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Cumberland Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
700 E Golf Rd
Des Plaines, IL 60016
(847) 824-1451
Gr: K-5 | 279 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #22.
Terrace Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
735 S Westgate Rd
Des Plaines, IL 60016
(847) 824-1501
Gr: K-5 | 206 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 57%
Rank: #33.
Iroquois Community School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 57%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
1836 E Touhy Ave
Des Plaines, IL 60018
(847) 824-1308
Gr: K-8 | 411 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #44.
South Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
1535 Everett Ave
Des Plaines, IL 60018
(847) 824-1566
Gr: K-5 | 253 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
Rank: #55.
Central Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
1526 E Thacker St
Des Plaines, IL 60016
(847) 824-1575
Gr: K-5 | 322 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: #66.
Plainfield Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
1850 Plainfield Dr
Des Plaines, IL 60018
(847) 824-1301
Gr: K-5 | 285 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 83%
Rank: #77.
Algonquin Middle School
(Math: 37% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
767 E Algonquin Rd
Des Plaines, IL 60016
(847) 824-1205
Gr: 6-8 | 597 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: #88.
Forest Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
1375 S 5th Ave
Des Plaines, IL 60018
(847) 824-1380
Gr: PK-5 | 658 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Rank: #99.
Chippewa Middle School
(Math: 27% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
123 N 8th Ave
Des Plaines, IL 60016
(847) 824-1503
Gr: 6-8 | 652 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Rank: #1010.
Rosemont Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
6101 Ruby St
Des Plaines, IL 60018
(847) 825-0144
Gr: PK-8 | 221 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #1111.
Friendship Jr High School
(Math: 28% | Reading: 33%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
550 Elizabeth Ln
Des Plaines, IL 60018
(847) 593-4350
Gr: 6-8 | 633 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Rank: #1212.
Devonshire School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
1401 Pennsylvania Ave
Des Plaines, IL 60018
(847) 593-4398
Gr: K-5 | 370 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Rank: #1313.
Brentwood Elementary School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 29%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
260 Dulles Rd
Des Plaines, IL 60016
(847) 593-4401
Gr: K-5 | 375 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Rank: #1414.
Maine West High School
(Math: 22% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
1755 S Wolf Rd
Des Plaines, IL 60018
(847) 827-6176
Gr: 9-12 | 1,857 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 63%
Rank: #1515.
North Elementary School
(Math: 18% | Reading: 30%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
1789 Rand Rd
Des Plaines, IL 60016
(847) 824-1399
Gr: K-5 | 599 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
Rank: #1616.
Apollo Elementary School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 17%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
10100 Dee Rd
Des Plaines, IL 60016
(847) 827-6231
Gr: K-5 | 536 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 78%
Rank: #1717.
Orchard Place Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
2727 Maple St
Des Plaines, IL 60018
(847) 824-1255
Gr: K-5 | 258 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 81%
Rank: n/an/a
Early Learning Center
10000 Dee Rd
Des Plaines, IL 60016
(847) 827-4165
Gr: PK | 290 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: n/an/a
Ncisc Alop
Alternative School
1001 E Touhy Ave Ste 200
Des Plaines, IL 60018
(847) 803-3707
Gr: 6-12
Rank: n/an/a
North Cook Student Advocacy Alop
Alternative School
1001 E Touhy Ave Ste 200
Des Plaines, IL 60018
(847) 824-8300
Gr: 6-12
Rank: n/an/a
North Cook Young Adult Academy
Alternative School
1001 E Touhy Ave Ste 200
Des Plaines, IL 60018
(847) 803-3707
Gr: 6-12
Rank: n/an/a
Terrace School-d/hh Ec Program
Special Education School
735 S Westgate Rd, Terrace Sch
Des Plaines, IL 60016
(847) 824-1380

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Des Plaines, IL?
The top-ranked public schools in Des Plaines, IL include Cumberland Elementary School, Terrace Elementary School and Iroquois Community School.
How many public schools are located in Des Plaines?
22 public schools are located in Des Plaines.
What percentage of students in Des Plaines go to public school?
86% of all K-12 students in Des Plaines are educated in public schools (compared to the IL state average of 88%).
What is the racial composition of students in Des Plaines?
Des Plaines public schools minority enrollment is 64% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Illinois public schools average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Des Plaines are often viewed compared to one another?

Recent Articles

AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.

Quick Links

School Search Tools:
School by Type (IL):
Private & Boarding Schools:
State Links:

Most Popular Articles

15 Failures of U.S. Public Education in 2025
15 Failures of U.S. Public Education in 2025
 What are the Benefits of Public School Over Homeschooling?
What are the Benefits of Public School Over Homeschooling?
Illinois Top-Ranked Public Schools
Illinois Top-Ranked Public Schools
 The Pros and Cons of Mandatory Gym Class in Public Schools
The Pros and Cons of Mandatory Gym Class in Public Schools
 Uniforms in U.S. Public Schools: 2025 Pros & Cons
Uniforms in U.S. Public Schools: 2025 Pros & Cons

More Articles

Opinion
About Public Schools
Scholarships
Evaluating Public Schools
Parenting and Learning Issues