Schools are one of the top reasons families choose Downers Grove. The village is served by two highly regarded districts, and the quality of education here’s consistently ranked among the best in DuPage County.
If you’re moving to Downers Grove with kids — or planning to — here’s what you need to know about the schools.
School Districts Serving Downers Grove
Community Consolidated School District 58 (Elementary and Middle)
District 58 covers all of Downers Grove for grades K through 8. It’s one of the highest-rated elementary districts in the western suburbs.
What makes District 58 strong:
- Consistently high test scores across all schools
- Strong special education and gifted programs
- Technology integration and modern facilities
- Active parent involvement and community support
- Neighborhood school model — most kids walk or have a short bus ride
Elementary Schools (K-5):
- Belle Aire
- El Sierra
- Fairmount
- Henry Puffer
- Hillcrest
- Indian Trail
- Kingsley
- Lester
- Pierce Downer
- Whittier
Middle Schools (6-8):
- Herrick Middle School
- O Neill Middle School
Both middle schools offer competitive academics, athletics, and extracurricular programs.
Downers Grove Township High School District 99 (High School)
Downers Grove North
- Strong college prep programs
- Competitive athletics (football, basketball, swimming)
- Active arts and music programs
- Serves the northern portion of the village
Downers Grove South
- Well-rounded academics and athletics
- Strong STEM and AP offerings
- Active extracurricular and club scene
- Serves the southern portion of the village
Both schools send a high percentage of graduates to four-year universities, including Big Ten schools and other competitive programs.
Private School Options
- St. Joseph School — Catholic school serving K-8, well-established in the community
- Avery Coonley School — a private school known for gifted education (Pre-K through 8)
- Montessori options — several Montessori programs in the area for early childhood
How School Boundaries Affect Home Buying
This is important: your address determines which schools your children attend. In Downers Grove, the key boundary to be aware of is the high school split between North and South.
If you’ve a preference for one high school over the other, verify the boundary before making an offer. Your real estate agent should be able to confirm this for any property you’re considering.
How Downers Grove Schools Compare
| Downers Grove | Naperville | Hinsdale | Westmont | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary district rating | High | Very High | Very High | Average |
| High school strength | Strong | Very Strong | Very Strong | Average |
| School variety | Good | Good | Limited | Limited |
| Home price impact | Moderate | High | Very High | Low |
Downers Grove offers excellent schools at a more accessible price point than Naperville or Hinsdale, which is a big part of its appeal for families.
The Bottom Line
Downers Grove schools are a genuine strength of the community. District 58 provides a strong K-8 foundation, and both high schools prepare students well for college and beyond. For families, this is one of the best education values in the western suburbs.
Looking for a Home in a Top School District?
Chicago Estates Co helps families find homes in the best school boundaries in Downers Grove and the western suburbs. We know which streets fall in which districts and can help you make the right choice.
Book a free buyer consultation today.