Best Public Schools in Waukegan, IL

The city of Waukegan, Illinois is home to 23 schools serving students from elementary through high school, all part of the Waukegan CUSD 60 district. While the district as a whole is performing significantly below state averages, a few standout schools like LEARN John Kathy Schreiber Charter, Andrew Cooke Magnet Elementary School, and H.R. McCall Elementary School are outperforming their peers.

The Waukegan school district faces several challenges, including a high rate of chronic absenteeism at 25.4% and a predominantly economically disadvantaged student population, with free/reduced lunch rates ranging from 61.62% to 85.77%. Test scores across the district lag behind state averages, with proficiency rates of just 23.5% in English Language Arts, 13.5% in Mathematics, and 24.2% in Science. However, the district's graduation rate of 89.0% and dropout rate of 2.4% at Waukegan High School suggest some areas of strength.

While the Waukegan school district as a whole faces significant challenges, the data highlights the potential for improvement. By understanding the factors that contribute to the success of the standout schools, the district can work to replicate those practices and provide a higher-quality education for all students. Addressing issues like chronic absenteeism and ensuring equitable distribution of resources could be key focus areas for the district moving forward.