Best Schools in Downers Grove, Illinois

Downers Grove offers parents 17 ranked public schools, and the numbers tell a consistent story. The city's average school score is 7.4 out of 10, and 11 of those 17 schools — 65% — score 7 or higher. That kind of systemwide performance means parents here aren't navigating a split market of a few strong schools surrounded by weaker options. The floor is high, and the spread between schools is narrow enough that most neighborhood choices land well.

The elementary tier sets the pace. Kingsley Elementary leads the city at 9.1 out of 10 — the highest-rated school in Downers Grove by a clear margin. Belle Aire Elementary and Highland Elementary both score 8.7, and Pierce Downer Elementary comes in at 8.5. Having four elementary schools above 8.5 in the same city is unusual. Parents with kids in grades K–5 have genuinely strong options across multiple neighborhoods rather than competing for a single top school's attendance boundary.

The high school tier holds up. Community High School District 99 — North High School scores 8.2 out of 10, a strong result for a comprehensive public high school. Families can count on that trajectory — the strong elementary years connect to a capable secondary option, which matters for parents thinking beyond the immediate enrollment decision.

For practical school selection, Downers Grove simplifies the search more than most Chicago-area cities. With 65% of schools clearing a 7-out-of-10 bar and the top school at 9.1, the city rewards almost any neighborhood pick. Families focused on elementary years should map the attendance boundaries for Kingsley, Belle Aire, Highland, and Pierce Downer to find the best fit by location. Those planning ahead to high school can look at District 99 — North H S with confidence. The central question in Downers Grove isn't whether the schools are good — it's matching the right one to your child's specific situation.