La Grange School District 102

La Grange School District 102 is a public elementary school district serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade in portions of La Grange, La Grange Park, and Brookfield. Governed by an elected seven-member Board of Education, the district operates seven schools and is accredited by AdvancED. It is part of the Lyons Township area, with most graduates attending Lyons Township High School.

History

The district was formally organized in 1872, following the growth of the surrounding communities spurred by the expansion of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad. Early classes were held in a small frame building before the construction of the original Cossitt School in 1888. The district expanded significantly in the post-World War II era, with Park Junior High School opening in 1957 to accommodate the Baby Boom generation. Throughout the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the district has undertaken numerous renovation and expansion projects, including major updates to Forest Road School and the construction of a new Spring Avenue School building, to modernize facilities for contemporary educational needs.

Schools

The district comprises seven schools, which include four K-4 elementary schools, two 5-6 intermediate schools, and one 7-8 middle school. The elementary schools are Cossitt School and Spring Avenue School in La Grange, along with Forest Road School in La Grange Park and Congress Park School in Brookfield. The intermediate schools are Ogden Avenue School and Seventh Avenue School, both located in La Grange. All students in grades seven and eight attend Park Junior High School in La Grange Park. Each school is named for its geographic location or, in the case of Cossitt, for early community leader Franklin Cossitt.

Academics and programs

The district's curriculum aligns with the Illinois Learning Standards and emphasizes literacy, STEM education, and social-emotional learning through programs like Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports. Specialized offerings include gifted education services, a robust band and orchestra program beginning in fifth grade, and world language instruction in Spanish. Student performance is consistently above state averages on the Illinois Assessment of Readiness, and the district partners with institutions like the Brookfield Zoo and The Morton Arboretum for experiential learning. Extracurricular activities range from scholastic bowl and student council to a variety of athletic teams competing in the West Suburban Conference.

Governance and finances

The district is governed by a seven-member Board of Education elected to four-year terms, which sets policy, approves the budget, and hires the superintendent. The current superintendent is Dr. Kyle Schumacher. Primary funding sources include local property taxes, with additional revenue from State of Illinois evidence-based funding and federal grants. The district's financial operations are audited annually, and bond referenda, such as those passed for facility improvements in 2017, require voter approval. The operating budget is developed with oversight from the Illinois State Board of Education.

Demographics

For the 2023-2024 school year, the district enrolled approximately 2,100 students. The student body is predominantly white, with growing Hispanic and Asian populations. A small percentage of students identify as Black or multiracial. Economically, about 12% of students qualify for the National School Lunch Program. The district provides a range of support services, including English as a second language instruction and special education programs operated in compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Category:School districts in Illinois Category:Education in Cook County, Illinois Category:La Grange, Illinois