For the 2025-26 school year, there are 6 public middle schools serving 3,480 students in Waukegan, IL.
The top ranked public middle schools in Waukegan, IL are Learn John Kathy Schreiber Chrtr, John R Lewis Middle School and Edith M Smith Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Waukegan, IL public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 8% (versus the Illinois public middle school average of 24%), and reading proficiency score of 12% (versus the 29% statewide average). Middle schools in Waukegan have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Illinois public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Illinois public middle school average of 61% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Middle Schools in Waukegan, IL (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Learn John Kathy Schreiber Chrtr
Charter School
(Math: 22% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1200 W Glen Flora Ave
Waukegan, IL 60085
(847) 377-0690
Waukegan, IL 60085
(847) 377-0690
Gr: K-8 | 476 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #22.
John R Lewis Middle School
(Math: 12% | Reading: 19%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
600 S Lewis Ave
Waukegan, IL 60085
(224) 303-2560
Waukegan, IL 60085
(224) 303-2560
Gr: 6-8 | 762 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #33.
Edith M Smith Middle School
(Math: 6% | Reading: 12%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
930 New York St
Waukegan, IL 60085
(224) 303-2760
Waukegan, IL 60085
(224) 303-2760
Gr: 6-8 | 489 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: #44.
Robert E Abbott Middle School
(Math: 6% | Reading: 9%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1319 Washington St
Waukegan, IL 60085
(224) 303-2360
Waukegan, IL 60085
(224) 303-2360
Gr: 6-8 | 585 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #55.
Jack Benny Middle School
(Math: 4% | Reading: 8%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1401 Montesano Ave
Waukegan, IL 60087
(224) 303-2470
Waukegan, IL 60087
(224) 303-2470
Gr: 6-8 | 506 students Student-teacher ratio: 28:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #66.
Miguel Juarez Middle School
(Math: 2% | Reading: 4%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
201 N Butrick St
Waukegan, IL 60085
(224) 303-2660
Waukegan, IL 60085
(224) 303-2660
Gr: 6-8 | 662 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Waukegan, Illinois 51爆料s (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Abdssc Sch-3rd Floor High School (Closed 2008)
Special Education School
742 Greenwood Ave
Waukegan, IL 60087
(847) 360-5511
Waukegan, IL 60087
(847) 360-5511
Gr: 6-12 | 27 students Minority enrollment: 96%
Alternative Optional Center (Closed 2008)
Special Education School
1020 Glen Rock Ave
Waukegan, IL 60085
(847) 360-5540
Waukegan, IL 60085
(847) 360-5540
Gr: 9-12 | 118 students Minority enrollment: 83%
1020 Glen Rock Ave
Waukegan, IL 60085
(847) 360-5540
Waukegan, IL 60085
(847) 360-5540
Gr: PK | 136 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
1200 W Glen Flora Ave
Waukegan, IL 60085
(847) 599-3903
Waukegan, IL 60085
(847) 599-3903
Gr: PK | 267 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
1011 Washington St
Waukegan, IL 60085
(847) 263-4765
Waukegan, IL 60085
(847) 263-4765
Gr: 9-11 | 1,097 student Minority enrollment: 89%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public middle schools in Waukegan, IL?
The top ranked public middle schools in Waukegan, IL include Learn John Kathy Schreiber Chrtr, John R Lewis Middle School and Edith M Smith Middle School.
How many public middle schools are located in Waukegan?
6 public middle schools are located in Waukegan.
What is the racial composition of students in Waukegan?
Waukegan public middle schools minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Illinois public middle schools average of 61% (majority Hispanic).
Which public middle schools in Waukegan are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public middle schools in Waukegan include: Robert E Abbott Middle School vs. John R Lewis Middle School, Edith M Smith Middle School vs. Jack Benny Middle School, John R Lewis Middle School vs. Jack Benny Middle School
Recent Articles
School Choice vs. Neighborhood Schools: Key Factors
Explore school choice vs. neighborhood schools in 2025. Learn key factors parents should weigh when deciding the best fit for their child.
Best School Match 2025: Public vs Charter vs Magnet
Compare 2025 public, charter, and magnet school options with updated data, trends, and strategies to find the best fit.
51爆料 Boundaries and Equity in 2025
Explore how public school boundaries shape access, equity, and opportunity for students in 2025. Learn the impact on families and education policy.