lake zurich schools as compared to Barrington (Schaumburg, Gurnee: sales, new home)

[Lisamel]

Hi there,
we like Barrington very much, and Lake Zurich also. I've looked at the schools and they are comparable.
I have heard that Lake Zurich is a bit more down to earth than Barrington, and I like that, but I was wondering which one had better schools?
Academics and clubs/organizations?

[nanannie]

Never had Kids in LZ only Barrington,and I can tell you schools are tops,much activities, clubs,and sports as well as tremendous parent participation.Dont think there is anything "wrong" with LZ schools,if there is I have not heard it...What community suits you and your wallet better?.I happen to like Barrington,but as much as I dislike the look of strip malls and sub divisions in LZ,they have alot in the way of great shopping/movies/restaraunts that we visit,(also,more affordable housing options) And "down to earth"??,,Barrington is an affluent burb,more so then LZ, but LZ is nice and seems to have alot to offer as it really has kaboomed over the last decade.I would say you have wonderul kids in both,and some real snobs and creeps in both(like most schoools).More "haves" then "have nots" in Barrington.My kids were /are active and a pleasure to be around,as were many other young people I met around here.I have also known some that I am glad my kids chose NOT to hang with

[Lisamel]

Thanks for the reply. Yeah, I hear ya. There are "those" types of kids everywhere. Even where I live now, all the teens are consumed with what ya wear, what ya drive, etc. It's everywhere so I guess there isn't any escaping it.
I'm glad I don't have girls because i think it's worse with them than the boys, at least it is here.

We will look at both areas equally. As long as the schools are both good, then I guess it's just a matter of what hits me.

[langr]

Here's a quick link to the IL school report cards - objective information on all Illinois schools: Interactive Illinois Report Card

[yogomoto]

I hear the elementary schools in Barrington are fantastic but I've come across negative things about the high school. I was actually looking at some new homes that were in the Lake Zurich school district and the sales agent said that she had gone to Stevenson high school and it was overcrowded.

[ahava]

I would choose Barrington HS over Lake Zurich HS. Barrington has higher test scores, more AP classes, and a better athletic program. Lake Zurich isn't a bad school, though. Also, there isn't a big difference between the test scores of the elementary schools, but Barrington's are higher.

[LkZurichMom]

Originally Posted by yogomoto

I hear the elementary schools in Barrington are fantastic but I've come across negative things about the high school. I was actually looking at some new homes that were in the Lake Zurich school district and the sales agent said that she had gone to Stevenson high school and it was overcrowded.

LZ's not bad, but as someone said Barrington is better. We're currently shopping for property that is in the North Barrington elementary area. This is the best choice in Barrington for elementary from everything I've seen and heard. All of District 220 is good overall.

[ahava]

Originally Posted by LkZurichMom

We're currently shopping for property that is in the North Barrington elementary area. This is the best choice in Barrington for elementary from everything I've seen and heard.

When we were considering moving to Barrington we were looking in that area for the same reason.

[dalbrig]

We have lived in Lake Zurich for the past 10 years, and we really enjoy it. The schools are great, and the local shopping is wonderful as it is not massive like Gurnee and the Schaumburg area. The local Ela Library is terrific (just built about three years ago), and they have anything you could want.
Great place to raise a family. Barrington is more expensive, but also a very nice area to live.

[mj8466]

We are also looking to move (from Villa Park) and want a house for about $250,000. Is that possible in Lake Zurich? What can you get for that? Which side of Lake Zurich is the best? How has your search gone concerning Lake Zurich?