New job in Wheeling: which school? (Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove: to rent, buying a home, buying)

[mamu0815]

Got a new job in the area and would be starting in a month. The hiring process happened so fast. Got two kids in elementary that are performing above average in their current school. We'd like them to move to a school that has a good performance. Haven't found a house yet as well. Can you give me ideas as to which school to enroll them. Possibly within 50 miles from Wheeling. Thanks!

[mamu0815]

Also, we'd like it to be anywhere north of Wheeling, if possible...

[cubssoxfan]

OK, you DO NOT need to expand your search to 50 miles!! That is asking for a super awful commute.
You did not provide budget, size of house and other details to help us advise you. In the vicinity of Wheeling I recommend (Elementary School District/High School listed-realtor should be able to tell you which homes are within the boundaries):
1) Arlington Heights D23 or D25/Hersey or Prospect
2) Prospect heights D23/Hersey
3) Mt. Prospect D57/Prospect
4) Buffalo Grove-Lake Co. section that is in Stevenson HS District.

[mamu0815]

thanks for the input... well, see partner is leaning towards Fox Lake, coz it's halfway from where MIL lives, kind of closer to relatives. But I have no idea at all. I've looked at Antioch from Trulia coz there's not much 4BD that's w/in $200K in Fox Lake. What do you think?

[3Series]

Sounds like a good recommendation.

Depending on budget, you can also look at Northbrook and Deerfield. Home prices and school rankings will be higher but you can still get a quality public school education with the recommendations above.

Wheeling HS, part of District 214 does not have a good reputation, mostly becuase of the large latino/hispanic population that makes up the student body. Becuase of this, home values are lower than other areas with differnt HS attendance areas.

But overall, all these options are fine. Any of the schools including Wheeling HS has the resources to support your child if he/she is an overachiever, underachiever or average.

[mamu0815]

Originally Posted by cubssoxfan

OK, you DO NOT need to expand your search to 50 miles!! That is asking for a super awful commute.
You did not provide budget, size of house and other details to help us advise you. In the vicinity of Wheeling I recommend (Elementary School District/High School listed-realtor should be able to tell you which homes are within the boundaries):
1) Arlington Heights D23 or D25/Hersey or Prospect
2) Prospect heights D23/Hersey
3) Mt. Prospect D57/Prospect
4) Buffalo Grove-Lake Co. section that is in Stevenson HS District.

I looked at the map, & these are all down south of Wheeling. How about school districts north of Wheeling? Any good ones?

[cubssoxfan]

IMO, school with good performance and many of the towns north don't fit my definition. Then add in trying to find a home for 200K and it becomes tremendous challenge. Where does MIL live? How often do you plan on visiting?
Fox Lake and Antioch are not towns that enter the discussion when top schools are desired. Neither are Round Lake or Wauconda. Is partner working? If so, where? Being close to work and having good schools is more important than being 30 minutes closer north to visit MIL on weekends. If you have 200K budget, you will be looking at smaller house in the better districts.

Buffalo Grove is north. Libertyville and Vernon Hills re too. But I question if you will find SFH close to $200K and remember that often, Lake Co. taxes are much higher than Cook Co. taxes so what appears to be a savings on a home $50-$75K less turns out to be a wash.

3 Sereies, many school districts have sacrificed gifted programs in order to balance budgets. I am not a big fan of Wheeling D21, especially Homes and London-the kids did not have the same programs in elementary school as my kids do in D23. What you say about Wheeling is true; it is a better high school than the scores indicate. It has many honors and AP classes and excellent vocational education programs as well. Buying a home in Wheeling that is in D23 and Wheeling HS may be the best compromise.

[mamu0815]

cubssoxfan, that's enlightening to know that taxes are higher in Lake than Cook County. He is about to accept a job offer in Wheeling.

[chet everett]

The rationale that cubsoxfan laid out is pretty solid. It would not make a whole lot of sense to live further from work and likely be paying more in taxes for schools that are not performing as well as those in towns that are closer. The affordability factor with a budget of ony $200k is going to be very hard to find in any of the towns. It probably makes sense to rent for now...

[cubssoxfan]

Originally Posted by mamu0815

cubssoxfan, that's enlightening to know that taxes are higher in Lake than Cook County. He is about to accept a job offer in Wheeling.

Are you staying at home or will you be working?