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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Wilmette Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public schools serving 3,541 students in Wilmette, IL (there are 8 private schools, serving 3,577 private students). 52% of all K-12 students in Wilmette, IL are educated in public schools (compared to the IL state average of 88%). Wilmette has one of the highest concentrations of top-ranked public schools in Illinois.
The top-ranked public schools in Wilmette, IL are Romona Elementary School, Marie Murphy School and Central Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Wilmette, IL public schools have an average math proficiency score of 63% (versus the Illinois public school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 68% (versus the 30% statewide average). Schools in Wilmette have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 1% of Illinois public schools.
Minority enrollment is 29% of the student body (majority Asian), which is less than the Illinois public school average of 55% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Schools in Wilmette, IL (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Romona Elementary School
(Math: 69% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
600 Romona Rd
Wilmette, IL 60091
(847) 512-6400
Gr: PK-4 | 462 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #22.
Marie Murphy School
(Math: 70% | Reading: 70%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
2921 Illinois Rd
Wilmette, IL 60091
(847) 251-3617
Gr: 6-8 | 253 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #33.
Central Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
910 Central Ave
Wilmette, IL 60091
(847) 512-6100
Gr: K-4 | 485 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #44.
Highcrest Middle School
(Math: 64% | Reading: 71%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
569 Hunter Rd
Wilmette, IL 60091
(847) 512-6500
Gr: 5-6 | 748 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: #55.
Harper Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
1101 Dartmouth St
Wilmette, IL 60091
(847) 512-6200
Gr: K-4 | 366 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #66.
Mckenzie Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
649 Prairie Ave
Wilmette, IL 60091
(847) 512-6300
Gr: K-4 | 461 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #77.
Wilmette Junior High School
(Math: 59% | Reading: 63%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
620 Locust Rd
Wilmette, IL 60091
(847) 512-6600
Gr: 7-8 | 766 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 28%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Wilmette, IL?
The top-ranked public schools in Wilmette, IL include Romona Elementary School, Marie Murphy School and Central Elementary School. Wilmette has one of the highest concentrations of top-ranked public schools in Illinois.
How many public schools are located in Wilmette?
7 public schools are located in Wilmette.
What percentage of students in Wilmette go to public school?
52% of all K-12 students in Wilmette are educated in public schools (compared to the IL state average of 88%).
What is the racial composition of students in Wilmette?
Wilmette public schools minority enrollment is 29% of the student body (majority Asian), which is less than the Illinois public schools average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Wilmette are often viewed compared to one another?

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