Tag Archives: School district

Education

Discovering Illinois’ Hidden Gems for Top-Ranked Schools

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When we first moved to the city, we fell in love with the vibrancy of urban life. Living close to work, the convenience of public transportation, and endless dining options made our apartment perfect for us. But as our daughter nears school age, we’re confronting a new question: where should we move to ensure she gets the best education possible?

Like many parents, we had heard of Naperville’s stellar schools. Its reputation precedes it, but as we started researching, we realized there’s a wealth of other school districts in Illinois worth considering. And while moving to the suburbs brings its challenges—longer commutes and often higher housing costs—the opportunities for academic excellence make the search worth it.

Top-Ranked Schools That Might Surprise You

While Naperville is often in the spotlight, schools like Adlai E. Stevenson High School stood out as one of the best in the state. Ranked 6th in Illinois, Stevenson boasts a remarkable 73% Advanced Placement® (AP) participation rate and a diverse student body with 53% minority enrollment. It’s a school that truly prepares students for college-level coursework and beyond.

Another gem is New Trier Township High School Winnetka, ranked 10th in Illinois. Known for its academic rigor and vibrant arts programs, its AP participation rate of 61% makes it a strong contender for families seeking well-rounded opportunities.

For families looking further west, Hinsdale Central High School offers a competitive academic environment, ranking 11th in Illinois with an AP participation rate of 61% and a diverse student enrollment.

Even less expected finds include schools like Glenbrook North High School (19th in Illinois) and Barrington High School (20th). Both are in districts that balance strong academics with extracurricular opportunities, making them ideal for fostering well-rounded development.

Beyond Naperville

Naperville’s schools still deserve recognition for their consistent excellence. Naperville North and Naperville Central rank 25th and 27th in Illinois, respectively, offering robust AP programs and diverse student bodies. But equally impressive are other schools in the Indian Prairie District, such as Neuqua Valley and Waubonsie Valley, which rank among the top 40 schools in the state.

The rankings tell part of the story, but visiting these schools and understanding their unique offerings helped paint a fuller picture. Factors like extracurricular programs, community involvement, and cultural diversity are equally important when choosing a school district.

The Trade-Offs

Of course, with high-ranking schools come higher housing prices. Districts like Adlai E. Stevenson and New Trier are known for their competitive housing markets, with many families vying for a spot. And then there’s the reality of suburban commutes, which can quickly sap the joy of city living.

Still, the value of a strong education can’t be understated. Each school we researched showcased a commitment to excellence, making it clear that no matter where we land, we’ll find a community dedicated to helping our daughter succeed.

For now, the house hunt continues. With so many excellent options, it’s both exciting and overwhelming to weigh the choices. But as we’ve learned, Illinois has more to offer than meets the eye—hidden gems abound for families seeking the perfect balance of education and opportunity.

Education

Buying a Home in Chicagoland Based on School Districts? Don’t Overlook Flood Risks

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When buying a home, most buyers focus on location, school districts, and property value. However, in Chicagoland, there’s another critical factor to consider: flood risk. Flooding is common along rivers throughout the region, especially in lower-lying, unincorporated areas where stormwater management infrastructure may be lacking. If you’re house hunting in Chicago and its suburbs, understanding flood risks could save you from costly surprises down the road.

How to Check a Property for Flood Risks

Before purchasing a home, it’s essential to determine whether the property is located in a floodplain. One of the best resources for this is the FEMA Flood Map Service Center (https://msc.fema.gov/portal/search). By entering an address, you can quickly check if a home is in a designated flood hazard area.

Deerfield, IL: A Case Study

Deerfield, IL, is a highly desirable suburb known for its excellent school system. However, parts of the village are prone to flooding due to proximity to the Middle Fork and West Fork of the North Branch of the Chicago River. The eastern portion of Deerfield lies within the Middle Fork floodplain, while the western portion is in the West Fork floodplain.

The Village of Deerfield Engineering Department provides assistance in determining floodplain status and historical flood data. Residents can access flood maps and receive guidance on FEMA flood determinations by calling 847-317-2490 or visiting www.deerfield.il.us.

Understanding the 100-Year Floodplain

Many homebuyers hear about the “100-year floodplain” but may misunderstand what it means. A 100-year flood doesn’t mean a flood occurs once every 100 years—it means there’s a 1% chance of a flood occurring in any given year. Over the life of a typical 30-year mortgage, homes in a 100-year floodplain have a 26% chance of experiencing flooding—compared to a 4% chance of experiencing a fire. This high probability is why flood insurance is mandatory for federally backed mortgages in flood zones.

Flood Safety Tips

If you’re considering buying a home in a flood-prone area, be prepared to follow these key flood safety measures:

  • Never drive through flooded roads. Most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles.
  • Turn off electricity and gas if a flood is imminent.
  • Avoid walking through flowing water. Just six inches of water can knock a person off their feet.
  • Be cautious of contamination. Floodwaters often contain sewage and hazardous chemicals.

How to Protect Your Property from Flood Damage

If your home is susceptible to flooding, there are several proactive steps you can take:

  • Apply watertight seals to basement walls and foundation cracks.
  • Elevate utilities such as HVAC systems and water heaters.
  • Install a sump pump with a battery backup.
  • Use sandbags or temporary barriers during heavy storms.
  • Consider elevating or relocating your home if flooding is a persistent threat.

Flood Insurance: A Must-Have for At-Risk Homes

Standard homeowner’s insurance does not cover flood damage. If you’re buying a home in or near a floodplain, consider purchasing flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Even if your home is not in a designated flood zone, insurance is a smart investment, as over 25% of flood claims come from low-risk areas.

For more information, visit the FEMA Flood Insurance Program at www.fema.gov.

Final Thoughts: Do Your Due Diligence

When purchasing a home in Chicagoland, don’t just focus on school districts and home values—check the flood risk. Utilize FEMA’s flood maps, contact local engineering departments for historical data, and consider flood insurance. By taking these precautions, you can protect your investment and avoid costly flood damage in the future.

Education

The Complex Dynamics of Hinsdale District 86: Understanding Boundary Redraws

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School district boundaries are a significant factor for many families and investors when choosing where to live. For the Hinsdale community, the boundaries of District 86, which encompasses Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South high schools, have been a topic of heated discussion, especially following the controversial decision to redraw the boundary lines.

Historical Context and the Redrawing of Boundaries

Hinsdale District 86, known for its high-performing schools, recently faced a significant change with the dissolution of a long-standing buffer zone. This zone allowed some families the option to choose between Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South high schools. The district’s school board unanimously decided to redraw the boundaries, impacting where students attend based on their residential location.

The newly defined boundaries aimed to address concerns over overcrowding at Hinsdale Central and under-enrollment at Hinsdale South. The decision split the former buffer zone along geographical lines, directing students west of Route 83 and south of 63rd Street to Hinsdale South, and those in other parts to Hinsdale Central.

Community Reactions and Concerns

The decision to redraw the boundaries was met with mixed reactions. Many residents of the former buffer zone voiced concerns over the hasty nature of the decision and the perceived lack of fairness. Linda Burke, a resident of Hinsdale, called for a moratorium to allow for a more thorough evaluation of the changes.

Some parents feared the impact on their property values, having invested in homes within the buffer zone for the perceived benefit of choosing a high school. Amir Vafa, a Willowbrook resident, highlighted the financial implications of the boundary shift, questioning who would compensate homeowners for potential losses.

Addressing Enrollment Imbalances

A key driver behind the boundary changes was to balance enrollment between Hinsdale Central and South. The imbalance had led to a disparity in course offerings, with South providing fewer options due to lower enrollment. Students at South also faced more frequent scheduling conflicts, affecting their academic experience.

Despite these challenges, board member Kathleen Hirsman emphasized the importance of proximity and minimizing neighborhood disruptions in the boundary redraw. The board aimed to create a fairer distribution of students while also considering the operational impacts on the schools.

Political and Legal Implications

The boundary redraw has been politically sensitive, with some board members and community leaders hesitant to support changes due to potential backlash. The legal framework surrounding boundary changes was also explored, with district attorneys presenting several justifications for redrawing lines based on socioeconomic status, school capacity, and geographic proximity.

Moving Forward

As the community grapples with the implications of the boundary changes, the debate continues over the best way to ensure equitable education opportunities for all students in District 86. Board members and residents alike have called for creative solutions to address enrollment disparities without causing upheaval.

Ultimately, the Hinsdale District 86 boundary redraw reflects a broader challenge in balancing educational equity, community concerns, and operational efficiency. While the changes have stirred controversy, the long-term impact on the district’s schools and their communities will unfold over time.