Here is a report from the Sun Times.
Chicago area's best schools :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: News
Elementary:
http://www.suntimes.com/images/cds/p...0elem-2008.pdf
Although the western and northern suburbs domintate the list, it is nice to see both Chicago proper highlighted nicely, and a Rockford product rounding out the top 5. With each one having a reputation for bad schools, it is nice to see some postive feedback. Of course the majority of Chicago's aren't in the slums to be sure. Springfield comes in first in the downstate category, but is supported by a two Peoria schools at 21 (down some from last year) and 39 (shooting up 30 points).
Middle:
http://www.suntimes.com/images/cds/p...50mid-2008.pdf
While Chicagoland clearly takes the lead, it is nice however to see Peoria take the number 5 spot (good luck getting in though), and again giving heavy hitters like Lake Forest, Evanston, and Barrington some competition at rank 39. My only question; Where are Normal's schools?
High:
http://www.suntimes.com/images/cds/p...0high-2008.pdf
This is were things start to get very intersting, and will require much attention in the coming years. Again, Chicago takes a commanding lead, with little change, until Peoria takes the 17 spot. (Ouch). Although not at the top, it still beats out the ever popular suburban Chicagoland institutions of Naper North, Nequa Valley, and Downers Grove. Farther down the list, shooting up to number 28, and scoring the same as Barrington, comes a B-N school. A few steps down at 31, Peoria likewises ties with a western Chicagoland HS. At 39, Springfield ties with the highly acclaimed Oak Park, and right after, three Peoria schools all tie with each other for the 42 spot. Interestingly enough, they represent all three counties in the Peoria metro area. (How'd that happen?) Not to mention Princeville rising by three digits! Right after them comes yet another Springfield school, and scoring the same as Wheaton comes suburban St. Louis. Nice to see representation come from the largest metros in both northern, central, and southern Illinois. Here comes the shocker, for me at least. Rounding out the bottom come Decatur and Rockford scoring close to Hoffman Estates!! I have to admit, I did not see that coming, and from the looks of it, neither did Rockford.
In the end, I think that I would feel slightly better if some of the other larger urban areas (Moline, Rock Island, C-U, Joliet, Elgin, Cicero) of the state were listed. I would also feel more secure in knowing that our fastest growing areas (Plainfield/Joliet/Shorewood) were better represented. After all, that is were much of our states youngest brain power is going. But it is also nice to see that the education in the Prairie State is not isolated completely to northern Chicago, and the northern and western suburbs. I look forward to next year, and watching to see some of this and last year's "underdogs" can continue to provide high quality education to their citizens.
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09-16-2008, 10:36 AM
2007-08 IL School Report Card Results
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