One of the biggest reasons buyers move to the Western Suburbs of Chicago? The schools.
Whether you're relocating from the city, moving from out of state, or simply upsizing within DuPage County, understanding how school districts work here is an important part of the home search. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you navigate it.
How School Districts Work Here
Unlike some areas where one district covers K–12, many Western Suburb communities have separate elementary (K–5 or K–8) and high school districts. That means your home address determines both your elementary/middle school district and your high school district — and boundaries can change even within the same town.
Two homes just blocks apart may feed into different schools, which is why it’s always important to confirm district boundaries during your home search.
Wheaton
Wheaton is served primarily by:
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Community Unit School District 200 (K–12)
One of the most recognized districts in DuPage County, serving much of Wheaton and parts of surrounding communities. It includes:-
Wheaton North High School
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Wheaton Warrenville South High School
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District 200 is known for strong academics, extracurricular programs, and community involvement.
Naperville
Naperville is served by two highly regarded districts:
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Naperville Community Unit School District 203
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Indian Prairie School District 204
Both districts consistently rank among the top in the state and offer extensive academic, athletic, and arts programming. Which one you’re assigned to depends on the specific neighborhood.
Glen Ellyn
Glen Ellyn typically feeds into:
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Glen Ellyn School District 41 (elementary and middle)
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Community High School District 87 (high school), which includes:
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Glenbard West High School
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Glenbard West is particularly well known for its academic reputation and strong athletic programs.
Lombard
Lombard is served by a mix of elementary districts, including:
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Lombard School District 44
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Glen Ellyn School District 41 (in some areas)
High school students typically attend schools within:
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Glenbard Township High School District 87, including:
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Glenbard East High School
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Glenbard South High School
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Again, exact placement depends on address.
St. Charles
St. Charles is served by:
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St. Charles Community Unit School District 303
This district covers both elementary and high school levels and includes:
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St. Charles East High School
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St. Charles North High School
It’s a popular choice for families looking for a blend of strong academics and a slightly more spacious suburban setting.
A Few Important Things to Keep in Mind
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School ratings can vary year to year.
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Boundary lines matter — and can shift.
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Private and parochial schools are also widely available throughout the Western Suburbs.
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Homes in highly sought-after districts may carry higher price points.
If schools are a top priority in your home search, we can narrow down neighborhoods specifically within your desired boundaries and confirm assignments before you make an offer.
📊 Western Suburbs High School Rankings (Niche 2025/2026)
📍 Wheaton School District (CUSD 200)
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Wheaton North High School — Ranked #31 best public high school in Illinois according to Niche.
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Wheaton Warrenville South High School — Ranked #39 best public high school in Illinois.
📍 St. Charles High Schools (St. Charles CUSD 303)
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St. Charles North High School — Ranked #46 best public high school in Illinois and is especially strong in athletics (#7 in the state for athletes).
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St. Charles East High School — Ranked #57 best public high school in Illinois.
📍 Glen Ellyn (District 87)
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Glenbard West High School — Ranked #21 best public high school in Illinois, with high marks for athletics and college prep.
📍 Naperville Area (Districts 203 & 204)
While individual Niche page ranks for each Naperville high school weren’t pulled in these results, data shows that all five Naperville high schools (Neuqua Valley, Naperville Central, Naperville North, Metea Valley, and Waubonsie Valley) placed within the top ~50 in the state in similar 2025 rankings sources — with Neuqua Valley as high as the top ~11 in the state.
📌 Quick Summary (Niche Rankings in Illinois)
| High School | Niche Rank in Illinois |
|---|---|
| Wheaton North HS | #31 |
| Wheaton Warrenville South HS | #39 |
| St. Charles North HS | #46 |
| St. Charles East HS | #57 |
| Glenbard West HS | #21 |
| Naperville Area HSs (all 5) | Top ~50+ in state (Neuqua Valley among best around #11) |
🧠 Notes
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Naperville schools traditionally rank very high, with multiple schools in the top portion of the state’s list in the most recent rankings.
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Rankings can vary slightly each year based on Niche’s methodology (including academics, culture, college prep, diversity, and more).
Final Thoughts
The Western Suburbs offer some of the most highly regarded school districts in Illinois — and that reputation plays a major role in both quality of life and long-term property values.
If you're considering a move — whether in 6 months or 6 years — I’m always happy to talk through how different communities and school districts align with your goals.
Let’s find the right fit for your family.
