Moving to St Charles, IL- Our School System

Moving to St Charles, IL- Our School System

When looking to purchase a home, it is important to look at the school system. A good school system is integral to the future success of your children, and increases property value.  St Charles School District (CUSD 303) is among the best in Illinois.  It is a high achieving, pre K-12 system.  Currently its 17 schools serve 13,800 students, from St Charles and portions of West Chicago, South Elgin, Wayne, Campton Hills, Wasco, Elburn and Unincorporated Kane County.

The History of CUSD 303

While formal school districts were formed in the late 19^th-early 20^th centuries, legislation worked to develop consolidated districts in the mid 1947. Community Unit School District 303 was born in 1949 when, through a referendum, voters approved consolidating High School District 150, Elementary District 87 and Little Woods District 79.  

District Structure

Currently CUSD 303 operates 12 elementary schools, three middle schools, and two high schools.

School Achievement

CUSD 303 schools perform well above state average, with a comprehensive fine and performing arts, and practical arts curriculum.  Current data includes the following fine points:

• District 303's composite ACT score for 2009 is 23.0 compared to a state average of 20.6 and the national average of 21.1. 
• 90.0 percent of all District 303 students met or exceeded state learning standards in 2009 (92.7 percent ISAT; 78.5 percent Prairie State Achievement Exam.) Statewide, an average of 75.5 percent of all students met or exceeded state learning standards in 2009 (79.8 percent ISAT; 53.0 percent PSAE.)*
• Approximately 92% of the district's graduates go to college.

Two of the schools, Haines Middle School and St. Charles East have been honored by the U.S. Department of Education as a Blue Ribbon School. St. Charles North has been nominated in 2009 as well. This award recognizes excellence in teaching and instruction, student achievement, leadership and parent involvement.

St. Charles North was named to U.S. News & World Report Magazine's list of the nation's "Best High Schools" for 2009.  St. Charles East and St. Charles North both appeared in the 2009 Newsweek magazine rankings of the Top 6% of high schools nationwide and made the 2009 Top 10 in West Suburban Living Magazine's ranking of high schools in the western suburbs.  Both St. Charles East and St. Charles North High Schools have been named GRAMMY Signature Schools for their outstanding music programs.

In the 2009 Chicago Sun-Times rankings of all Illinois schools, both St. Charles East and St. Charles North appeared in the Top 30 among high schools. 

Eleven schools, Bell-Graham, Corron, Ferson Creek, Fox Ridge, Lincoln, Norton Creek, Wasco and Wild Rose Elementary, were named as winners of the Illinois State Board of Education Academic Excellence Award for 2008. 

Curriculum

CUSD 303 educational program has a tradition of state and federally recognized academic achievement, championship athletic teams and award winning fine and performing arts programs.  Faculty members have been recognized by the state and national levels for successful and innovative teaching

Seventy CUSD 303 teachers had achieved National Board Certification, the highest level of certification available to educators.

Fine and Performing Arts

The fine and performing arts at CUSD 303 are national renowned for innovation.  Yearly, many concerts and visual art exhibitions allow the public a glimpse of the creativity of St. Charles students. The art and music program is extensive and allows students the opportunity to work in a variety of media.

Instructor Profile

The average teacher salary in 2009-2010 was $64,177 (state average of $61,402), and the average teacher had 11.5 years of experience.  About 71 percent of District 303 teachers hold Master's Degrees or more.

For further information on our wonderful St. Charles, IL schools, feel free to email me

Rich Edgley

Greater Chicagoland Home Inspection

richedgley@greaterchicagolandhomeinspection.com