Aurora has reason to celebrate this back-to-school season: two of the city’s public high schools have been ranked among the 25 best in Illinois for 2026–27, according to U.S. News & World Report, as reported by Patch.

The recognition places Aurora in elite academic company across a state with hundreds of public high schools, and it reflects the dedication of students, teachers, and families who make these schools stand out year after year. Landing two schools in the top 25 statewide is a milestone that speaks to the strength of public education in the community.

The rankings, compiled annually by U.S. News & World Report, are widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive assessments of public high school quality in the country. Schools are evaluated on a range of factors that measure how well they prepare students for college and beyond.

For Aurora residents, the news arrives at just the right moment — as students head back to class and families look forward to a new academic year full of possibility. Having not one but two schools recognized at the state level is a powerful reminder that Aurora’s public schools are delivering real results for the young people who walk through their doors every day.

Community pride is running high, and the rankings serve as an encouraging sign that Aurora continues to invest in the futures of its students. Congratulations to the students, educators, and staff at both schools for earning this well-deserved recognition.

Sources: Patch