Hononegah High School in Rockton has been named the best public high school in the Rockford area for 2024, according to the latest rankings by U.S. News and World Report. The school also secured the 59th spot out of 673 ranked schools in Illinois.
The rankings, released on April 23, evaluated nearly 17,660 public high schools across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. While most of the top spots in Illinois went to schools in Chicago and the suburbs, only four downstate schools made it to the top 60. Hononegah was joined by University High School in Normal, Dunlap High School in Peoria County, and Downs High School in McLean County.
U.S. News uses various metrics to assess a school’s academic performance, including college readiness, state exam proficiency, graduation rates, and more. Hononegah excelled in state test proficiency and performance, with an impressive graduation rate of 88%.
With a national ranking of 1,370, Hononegah is in the top 8% of schools in the country and the top 9% in Illinois. Other Rockford area schools also made the list, with Pecatonica High School, Byron High School, and Stillman Valley High School among those recognized.
Overall, Hononegah High School’s achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of its students, teachers, and staff in providing a top-notch education in the Rockford area.