Home > Illinois > Chicago > Chicago Community
relocating from Australia
plywood August 2, 2012
Our family is relocating from Australia to Chicago next year. Our children will be in grades 1 and 2. Currently we live in a regional area and attend a medium size private school.....we are looking for a smaller school (small class sizes) public or private fairly close to the city, but are quiet flexible with where we finda home...any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
MagnetMom August 5, 2012
Hi plywood,
You can start here: http://www.greatschools.org/find-schools/
If small class sizes are your priority, you'll want to focus on private and perhaps charter schools. Public schools are going to have a standard size, and it's not going to be small by any stretch of the imagination.
It doesn't mean bad, but if you want small class sizes, you'll want to focus on the other two types.
Good luck.
79805
chicagojlo September 9, 2012
Chicago Magazine publishes an annual list of the best schools in the city and in the suburbs, the latest one is available on their website, along with lots of info on the class sizes at each school etc. You can cross reference that with reviews here on Great Schools.
http://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/September-2012/Best-Public-Schools-in-Chicago-and-the-Suburbs/80512
EducationGriot November 3, 2012
There are a lot of good schools to choose from in Chicago. For private, independent schools take a look at www.ISACS.org to see schools in the area. Schools like Morgan Park Academy have a strong international - global program with exchange students from Australia, Germany, England, etc.
Good luck with your search.81291
kjerm2002 December 18, 2012
There are many bedroom communities that have excellent school systems. Chicago is notorious for large class sizes, and crowded schools. There are good schools schools within the city, but it is complicated. The charter schools in Chicago(unlike Charters in some other states like California) have not achieved higher test scores than traditional schools, and many also have large class sizes. I would suggest exploring the following communities on great schools: Evanston, oak park, Wilmette, Riverside, La grange, and Hinsdale. These are just a sampling of good school systems close to Chicago.81816
yunk03 January 6, 2013
There is a wonderful community near the city its called Park Ridge,Il it has one of the best school systems in our area.Walking conditions to most of them.Close to the city,trains available to downtown Chicago,near the airport.Had friends from Australia that moved back because of business they absolutely loved the area.All the best to you and your family.81960
StruwCrew February 20, 2013
I am a high school teacher who has lived in and taught in several districts in the area. I have also, ironically, studied in Sydney for a year when I was in HS. I strongly recommend that you consider the Western Springs/Downers Grove areas. The elementary, middle and high school districts are all outstanding and you will be set up for your children while they complete their entire education. 82579
