54 School District

It really depends on which school your kids end up in and how much money you have. My kids went to a 54 school in Hanover Park and now their kids are there. We were poor and my kids had an awful experience. They seperate the haves from the have nots, not intentionally I'm sure, but it still happens. There are special food fundraisers every week by the PTA and we couldn't afford it. Every kid in their class knew it and let my kids know on a regular basis that they were the poor kids. It's still going on. If your kids are special needs you should prepare for a fight. They have very little to offer most special needs kids unless profoundly severe. My grandkids in the district now have ASD diagnosis and the district won't even recognize their doctor's diagnosis. Now, if you are well off and your kids are not special needs, the district is great. The curriculum is good, the teachers are dedicated and they try to instill in the kids to be the best they can be. They are very big on healthy self esteem in their programs. One more thing to note though, they have almost eliminated recess, at least in my grandkids class. The teacher says there is no time and by law they don't have to give the kids recess, only about 20 minutes gym time.

We are in the elementary school level and have been very pleased with the quality of teachers and friendly community. Scores, etc. vary by school. It is a very big district. Check the online report cards for schools to see how each school measures up. There is a huge emphasis on reading and math in the district. They finally seem to be wising up that there is more to life than reading and math, and are working to improve the science curriculum, and are increasing art instruction for the upcoming school year. Depending on your interests, there are several schools of choice for dual language and other instructional options.

I love the schools. I moved from Dist 88 to 54 before my oldest even started kindergarten and I have had nothing but good experiences and she just graduated 8th grade last week. I will say that there are some schools in the dist that tend to be better than others but that might also be a preference from the people that I know. I also need to point out that neither one of my children are in the special education department or have IEP's so I do not know how well the schools do with those issues. My youngest is in the gifted program at her school and advanced math and loves it. I also know that one of the reasons I like the school is that I became very involved in my daughter's classrooms and got to kow their teachers. I find that the teachers resond quickly to emails and questions rather quickly. I do know the one issue is we seem to have a large turnover of administration. Overall I am happy to have moved here and think I have given my children a great opportunity for a good education.
R.

Both of my children attended in Dist. 54 and we loved the school. I do have to say that school's strength (and weaknesses) do vary within the district. Thinking ahead(because friends that they make in grade school often will be friends in HS)... the High School district is good too. Things to consider: some Jr. Highs get divided and go to different HS's, so be sure you are within the boundry of the HS you want your child to attend.

I have lived in Schaumburg for over 12 years and my kids are currently enrolled in district 54 schools. One is going into 5th grade and the other into 7th grade Junior high. I have nothing but good things to say about it. My younger one receives special services and I have had good experiences with the programs and the social workers and school psychologists there. Yes, there are some schools that are better than others, but if you find the right fit, you won't be disappointed.

both of my children were in Dist. 54 - one used the special ed. services and one used the gifted program. Great school district - exc. teachers, curriculum - great parents who were very involved in their children's lives. Guess it depends on which school - schools do vary - I would highly recommend Dist. 54.

MH in Elk Grove Village

both of my children went to Dist.54.My daughter just graduated jr.High.
My son is going to start Kindergarten...........
I had good and bad experiences,I believe it all depends,
it is a very good District, I'm glad I moved here.