The Parent's Guide to Choosing a High School in District 155
Last updated: 2026-10 · Crystal Lake Insights
In This Guide
District 155 serves the Crystal Lake and Cary area with four high schools, each with its own character, strengths, and traditions. While your home address determines your assigned school, understanding the differences helps with home-buying decisions and setting expectations for your student's experience.
Crystal Lake Central High School
Location: 45 W Franklin St (downtown Crystal Lake) Enrollment: ~1,580 students | Rating: 7/10
Central is the oldest D155 school with a downtown campus that gives it a walkable, community-integrated feel. Strong academic programs with AP offerings, established theater and arts programs through proximity to Raue Center, and competitive athletics. The campus is more compact than the newer schools.
Known for: Theater program, academic rigor, downtown location, walkability to shops and restaurants for upperclassmen.
Crystal Lake South High School
Location: 1200 S McHenry Ave Enrollment: ~1,720 students | Rating: 7/10
South is the largest D155 school with extensive athletic facilities and a wide array of extracurricular activities. The campus has more land, better sports infrastructure, and a large student body that supports niche clubs and organizations.
Known for: Athletics (football, baseball), large campus, wide extracurricular offerings, strong school spirit.
Prairie Ridge High School
Location: 6000 Dvorak Dr Enrollment: ~1,610 students | Rating: 7/10
Prairie Ridge is the newest D155 school with modern facilities, updated technology, and a campus designed for 21st-century learning. Rapidly developing traditions and a growing identity. Located in the western/northern portion of Crystal Lake.
Known for: Modern facilities, growing athletics program (football state contention), newer building with updated amenities, STEM focus.
Cary-Grove High School
Location: 2208 Three Oaks Rd, Cary Enrollment: ~1,540 students | Rating: 8/10
Cary-Grove consistently rates highest in D155 and has built a powerhouse football program with multiple state championships. The school has a tight-knit community feel reflecting the smaller towns (Cary, Fox River Grove) it serves. Strong academics and a winning sports culture.
Known for: Football dynasty (multiple state titles), highest rating in the district, tight-knit community, strong academics and athletics balance.
How to Compare
| Factor | Central | South | Prairie Ridge | Cary-Grove |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enrollment | 1,580 | 1,720 | 1,610 | 1,540 |
| Rating | 7/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 |
| Campus Age | Oldest | Mid | Newest | Mid |
| Top Athletics | Theater/Arts | Football/Baseball | Football | Football (State) |
All four schools offer AP courses, dual-credit through MCC, competitive athletics, and strong college prep. The differences are more about culture and community than academic quality.
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