Schools in Naperville (Franklin, Time: houses, neighborhood, best schools)

[momandwifefromcali]

Hello all!
We are going to be moving from So.California to Naperville in 2008. We have two small children ages 3 and 5.
We want to move to an area that has the best schools (right, who doesn't ) but we noticed that there are two different school districts. Which one is the best? 203 or 204? We are looking to move there for many many years to come so we want a good elemantary and also a great high school.

Any advise?

Thank you !

[ahava]

Both districts are excellent but the high schools in 203 have better test scores. 204 is still experiencing some growing pains, whereas 203 is pretty much built out. Because of this district 204 has a higher tax rate. I would choose district 203.

[momandwifefromcali]

Originally Posted by ahava

Both districts are excellent but the high schools in 203 have better test scores. 204 is still experiencing some growing pains, whereas 203 is pretty much built out. Because of this district 204 has a higher tax rate. I would choose district 203.

Thank you! That really helps.
So I guess houses in 203 are much more older? And is there a website where I can look up houses by districts?

[ahava]

Originally Posted by momandwifefromcali

Thank you! That really helps.
So I guess houses in 203 are much more older? And is there a website where I can look up houses by districts?

Not MUCH more. I'd guess 30 yrs max except for the historic homes in downtown Naperville. You can find what school district a house is in at this website (American FactFinder) - it will tell you the district but not specific schools.

[dbgaeclark]

I would disagree...I would suggest 204. We live in 204 now and are soon going to be relocating out of state. There is very little difference in test scores between the two, they are both high. The schools in 204 are much nicer and newer...better facilities and newer houses. I love 204, would HIGHLY recommend Fry Elementary, it is wonderful!

[syman]

Would you mind sharing your basis for your observations? Based on results published Naperville North adn Central(203) were in the top 10 and Neuqua was a distant 27th based on the scores as per Sun Times. Fry Elementary did wonderfully well last year, but with the realignment with the proposed 3rd high school, do you think that will have any adverse effect?

Originally Posted by dbgaeclark

I would disagree...I would suggest 204. We live in 204 now and are soon going to be relocating out of state. There is very little difference in test scores between the two, they are both high. The schools in 204 are much nicer and newer...better facilities and newer houses. I love 204, would HIGHLY recommend Fry Elementary, it is wonderful!

[dbgaeclark]

Sorry, I was referring to the Elementary school test scores, not the high schools...my kids are all elementary age.

Fry Elementary won't be affected by the third high school (if there actually is going to be one?!?!), all of Tallgrass attends Fry and that won't change.

Like I said before, I LOVE 204, it has been great and I can't say enough wonderful things about Tallgrass and Fry Elem. It has been a very good experience for our family.

[Hepmac]

Hi,

If you want objective test scores, you should visit this website:

Interactive Illinois Report Card

You'll find all the schools by city, county, etc. You can also compare schools, even though the tool is a little tricky. We have been investigating Naperville, as well. I don't think you can go wrong with any school, 203 or 204. There are marginal differences in the scores, although demographics change by neighborhood.

Commuting in Naperville is a big factor. I have been told to steer clear of Rt. 59 (west side), because the sprawl and related traffic have become problematic. I have also been advised to stay North of 75th, if taking the train or commuting via the highways. Of course, the newer housing is south of 75th, so it all comes down to your priorities. As well, Pace Bus has a number of neighborhood routes that go to the train during rush hour.

I have also been told a new Metra train station is planned for the southwest side of town (95th and 248th), so if you like that area, it may be worth investigating the train.

Good luck.