I have lived in Naperville for 3 weeks but have been asking questions and researching the area for several months. Right now we are in an apartment and my kids are in 203 schools. We found a house we LOVE in district 204 in aurora. From the beginning people have been telling us to stay in 203. At first we tried to do that but the houses we like are in 204. Random people that I have just met come right out and say "you really need to be in 203, it's established and secure." It even happened today in my apartment lobby. As soon as I mention we're looking for a house it comes up. I have done research online and am satisfied with 204 but why do people keep warning against it? It's making me want to stay out of Naperville altogether. So, to my fellow moms, am I missing something? Is there something bad about 204 or is it just old town prejudice? You can send me a personal message if you'd rather not post. I'd really like to hear something positive about 204, steck elementary and waubonsie high school. Thanks.
Hi Cara,
I'm in 204 and specifically my child will be going to Steck. My bunco group has a lot of teachers who teach at Steck and they have so many wonderful stories to tell. Also, my neighbor is the PTA president and she is so involved that you just can't go wrong.
So, welcome to the neighborhood.
K.
Honestly either school district is awesome. I have a special needs child in 204 and the teachers have been fantastic with him. It is just a snob thing I think with the 203 vs 204. They have been so wonderful I am very reluctant to leave and go to any other school district. The teachers and school said they didn't care what label he had on his IEP that they just wanted to give him the services based on his needs and really that is how it should be done.
Last school district we had in Woodridge was absolutely the worst and really wasn't helping my son as much as they should have and I had to fight tooth & nail for every service. The difference was night & day.
It is really a great school district.
Both school districts are excellent. We live in SW Lisle and actually are in 203. Before we moved here we looked at several homes in Naperville, some were in 203 and some were in 204 and honestly we would've been happy with either. I think that 203 is more highly regarded due to test scores and the resources the district puts into the schools. If you want specific information on particular schools,including demographic information, test scores and parent reviews, a great site is www.greatschools.net. Good luck with your home search!
Ugh. I get so tired of the attitude that comes along with Naperville. I have lived Midwest, I have lived east coast, I have had my child in the absolute worst school district possible (inner city, no funding) to small town with limited options. Anyone who has the option to place their kids in district 203 or 204 should be happy that they have two fabulous choices. My child is in 204 (Builta/Gregory/NeqVal) and we absolutely love it. The quality of teachers is amazing, the curriculum and programs are great, facilities couldn't be better. I am confident that we will continue that experience as my boys grow up in 204. Best of luck to you in your decision.
204 has very reputable schools. What people are trying to say is that because 204 is newer and growing there is still a chance of redistricting. It happened this past year and was a big deal for alot of families. Houses that were currently in Nequa HS were redistricted to Waubansie and the new high school. Feel free to shoot me a message if that didn't make sense! I live in 203 but have friends in 204 that are very happy with the district.
Hi,
I don't live in either district, but several of the ladies in my DAR chapter live in 204 with kids going to either Nequa of Waubonsie and they are VERY satisfied with the schools. One of the kids is actually going to be moving on from district 204 to Westpoint in the fall. District 204 is growing, but I don't think that's a bad thing.
All three of my kids went to 204 - clow, gregory, neuqua...they are now graduated...we loved the award winning music program...both school districts are GOOD. My neighbor has her daughter in clow and likes 204:-)
I went to 203 schools growing up, when there was no 204 really. THe kids I babysat for went to 204. I would say their education was as good as what I got (accounting for the years in between) You won't go wrong with either.
I really will never understand why people have this attitude. BOTH districts are fantastic. I think the only thing that would make a difference would be if you have a child with special needs. 203 really caters to this area. Otherwise, they are both fantastic and I can't see how anyone would feel so strongly for one over another. Honestly, my personal preference is 204. I like that they have middle schools rather than junior highs.
I have lived here my whole life. I feel like people who have the attitude that 203 is better just come across so snooty and for no good reason.
It sounds like you are looking at the Oakhurst area. I think Oakhurst is an awesome area and very friendly family. That is the important thing. You want your children to grow up and be friends with other kids that have parents involved in their lives and schools.
