America’s Best School District Is in Illinois, And It Isn’t Cheap

For the last half of my time in high school, I lived in this suburb with one of the best school districts in the country, but, oddly, my family wasn't in it.

A new study from MoneyLion examined how much families need to earn to live comfortably in America's top school districts.

Using Niche's 2026 Best School Districts in America rankings, MoneyLion examined the top 150 districts while also considering the cost of living, home values, and household income.

At the top of the list, and the #1 school district not just in Illinois but in America, is Glenbrook High School District 225 in Glenview.

Before you pack up and move, a family reportedly needs to earn $171,165 a year to live comfortably in Glenview.

While that might sound like quite a bit, among America's elite school districts, Glenbrook is actually one of the more affordable when you compare them side by side.

READ MORE: Here's How Much You Should Gift Graduates in Illinois This Year

person standing near brown concrete wall

Here's Why Glenview Is Surprisingly Affordable

Twenty-two of the top districts require families to earn at least $250,000 a year to live comfortably, while five require more than $450,000.

Apparently, a great school district comes with quite the price tag.

Illinois can at least take some pride in this: 12 school districts ranked among America's top 150, more than any other state.

READ MORE: Illinois Home To One Of Most Expensive Colleges In America

woman wearing blue denim jacket holding book

Does Attending America’s Best School District Determine Your Future?

As for me, I didn't get an education at Glenbrook. I ended up at a nearby high school, and things turned out just fine.

Maybe that's the real lesson here. Having one of America's best school districts in your backyard is great, but where you go to high school doesn't get to decide where you end up.