One of the primary reasons many residents choose to live in Evanston is the area’s strong school system. District 65 serves Evanston (and a small portion of Skokie) taking students from pre-K through eighth grade. Standards across the district are high, with an average class size of 20 pupils per class and a standard of $16,000 spent per student. And besides the number of quality public school options the city has, its educational landscape is only strengthened by the addition of several private institutions as well.
Below, we have compiled a brief guide to Evanston’s public and private schools. If you’re a new District 65 parent, be sure to stick around till the end for some bonus tips just for you.
Evanston’s K-8th public schools:
Chute Middle School
Grades 6-8
(847) 859-8600
1400 Oakton Street
Evanston, IL 60202
One of three of District 65’s middle schools, Chute services Evanston’s southwestern neighborhoods.
The feeder schools for Chute are Dawes, Oakton, and Walker Elementary Schools.
Like all of Evanston’s middle schools, Chute has systems of support and curriculum for Spanish-speaking students.
Chute’s PTA is a founding partner (with the Evanston YWCA) of the Ricky Byrdsong Race Against Hate, which is an always popular philanthropic event in Evanston, you can learn more about the race here.
Chute’s campus includes spaces dedicated to arts and technology, an auditorium, a library, a gymnasium, and large fields for outdoor space.
Dawes Elementary School
Grades K-5
(847) 905-3400
440 Dodge Avenue
Evanston, IL 60202
Dawes Elementary School is the neighborhood school for a portion of southwest Evanston that is contained within McCormick, Main, Asbury, and Howard. Also known as the Dawes Eagles, which inspires the motto for students which is “Soaring towards Excellence.”
Dawes is one of five elementary schools that offers a TWI program at school. (For more information on TWI, see Dewey Elementary School next.)
Dawes nourishes the entire student with its offerings in art, music, technology, and PE.
Chute Middle School is where Dawes students will head for middle school.
Dawes is committed to applying restorative justice practices for all students that allow for healthy relationships and outcomes for all stakeholders.
Dewey Elementary School
Grades K-5
(847) 859-8250
1551 Wesley Avenue
Evanston, IL 60201
Dewey is one of Evanston’s neighborhood elementary schools serving an area roughly bounded by the lake on the east, Ridge and Dodge on the west, Dempster to the south, and Noyes to the north.
The school’s mascot is the Tigers, and its colors are yellow and blue.
Dewey has a full theater, gym, playing fields, library, two playgrounds, and more space dedicated to other programing and services.
Dewey feeds into Nichols Middle School.
Dewey is one of D65’s five Two-Way Immersion (TWI) schools. The TWI program begins with an emphasis on Spanish instruction through the early grades before gradually shifting to English as students rise through the grades. You can find out more about the TWI program here.
Dr. Bessie Rhodes School of Global Studies
Grades K-8
(847) 859-8450
3701 Davis Street
Skokie, IL 60076
http://district65.net/rhodes
Bessie Rhodes School of Global Studies is one of two K-8th grade magnet schools. The school’s mascot is the rockets.
The Rhodes Library offers varied programing such as authors visits and summer reading lists, and it even has a sizable number of books in Spanish as a part of its large collection of books.
The name comes from Dr. Rhodes, the school’s first principal after reopening what was formerly Timber Ridge Magnet School.
Global Studies is truly engrained in the curriculum, as instruction in Spanish and Mandarin starts in first grade, and a choice of concentrating on one of the two languages is offered for students for 7-8th grade.
Other focuses of the global curriculum are cross-culture understanding, curiosity, empathy, critical thinking, and effective communication.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Literary & Fine Arts School
Grades K-8
(847) 859-8500
2424 Lake Street
Evanston, IL 60201
Formerly known as King Lab, this school is Evanston’s other magnet school, drawing from all over the Evanston/Skokie District 65 attendance area and priding itself on its diverse and insular community.
Offering K-8 instruction with a typical grade being comprised of three classes of twenty students each.
The school’s chosen concentration of Literary and Fine Arts was formally adopted in 2011 as part of an arts-integrated learning system.
This curriculum engages students by allowing them “to view the world through the eyes of an artist.”
Named for Dr. King, the school maintains a commitment to ideas he has championed since its inception, including mutual respect, inclusion, and strong bonds with the community.
Haven Middle School
Grades 6-8
(847) 859-8200
2417 Prairie Avenue
Evanston, IL 60201
Haven Middle School services a triangular-shaped part of northern Evanston that lies between Lovelace Park, the Northwestern Campus, and ETHS.
It is fed by Kingsley, Lincolnwood, Orrington, and Willard.
Extracurricular activities include Science Olympiad, athletic pursuits (see below), gardening, video production, and community service undertakings.
The Haven Library maintains a digital learning media center that is full of useful educational materials and is available to all students.
The Haven North Stars compete in basketball, volleyball, and soccer in school-sponsored competitions.
Joseph E. Hill Early Childhood Center
Ages birth through 5 years-old
(847) 859-8300
1500 McDaniel Avenue
Evanston, IL 60201
Often abbreviated as the JEH Center, this facility on McDaniel is where District 65’s pre-K programing offerings take place.
Students range in age from months after birth through 5-year-olds.
Registration includes a check of residency and custody, for more information please visit the school’s website here.
The JEH Center strives to support both families and students for rigorous and engaging kindergarten education.
The ability to enroll is not conducted on a first-come, first-served basis, but instead is based on criteria from state and federal guidelines.
Kingsley Elementary School
Grades K-5
(847) 859-8400
2300 Green Bay Road
Evanston, IL 60201
Kingsley’s attendance area is bounded by Jackson to the east, Emerson to the south, Pioneer and Ewing to the west, and Isabella to the north.
Kingsley Elementary School is a feeder school for Haven Middle School.
Extracurriculars include the Kingsley Chorus, Chess Wizards, Battle of the Books, the Kinsley Band and Orchestra, and Drama Club.
Before and after school care is available from 7:00am to 6:00pm to help accommodate a variety of schedules.
The Kingsley Comets offer sports and wellness programs that include co-ed flag football and basketball, as well as a Girls Play Sports Program.
Lincoln Elementary School
Grades K-5
(847) 905-3500
910 Forest Avenue
Evanston, IL 60202
Lincoln Elementary is the neighborhood school for a part of southeast Evanston that stretches from the lake to Sherman and Elmwood east-west and Hamilton to Calvary Cemetery north-south.
Lincoln uses Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS), which is D65’s approach to intervention and prevention of behavioral problems and improving the learning environment while encouraging all students to be Lincoln Leaders!
The Lincoln Library provides all students with access to books and technology through a variety of programs and initiatives.
Lincoln engages parents and the community to help reinforce the educational community the school has created in hopes of fostering students who have a life-long love of learning.
Lincoln is a feeder for Nichols Middle School.
Lincolnwood Elementary School
Grades K-5
(847) 859-8550
2600 Colfax Street
Evanston, IL 60201
Lincolnwood Elementary School serves a diagonal area that is centered around McCormick and stretches from Harrison and Ridgeway in the northwest to Dodge and Dempster in the southeast.
Lincolnwood’s staff strives to provide a dynamic learning environment by using technology, differentiation, and activities to help challenge and engage students.
Lincolnwood Elementary Library offers a variety of reading programs, digital citizenship content, and coding enrichment.
One special program the school offers is a Walking Club for grades K-2 which meets Fridays before school.
Lincolnwood students will matriculate to Haven Middle School upon the completion of 5th grade.
Nichols Middle School
Grades 6-8
(847) 859-8650
800 Greenleaf Street
Evanston, IL 60202
Nichols Middle School services graduates from Dewey. Lincoln, and Washington Elementary Schools.
Nichols students can enjoy going to school in a classically inspired school that features a bell tower and antique tiles throughout the building.
The school provides ample fields, a gymnasium, a computer lab, areas dedicated to the arts, and a library.
Nichols offers a variety of clubs and activities, including Geography Club, Art Club, Student Council, Rocket Club, Improv, and Climate Club.
In addition to the above clubs, Nichols also offers non-competitive intramural programs that are free of cost to every student and include sports such as ultimate frisbee, soccer, volleyball, and basketball.
Oakton Elementary School
Grades K-5
(847) 859-8800
436 Ridge Avenue
Evanston, IL 60202
Oakton Elementary serves a portion of South Evanston roughly bounded by Asbury, Main, Sherman, and Howard.
Oakton is one of Evanston’s TWI program schools, meaning instruction can take place in a mixture of English and Spanish.
One unique feature Oakton boast is being home to District 65’s African-Centered Curriculum (ACC) program which features lessons on African and African-American history and culture and emphasizes family engagement and small class sizes to gain a better understanding of these storied and varied cultures. You can watch a video about the program here.
Oakton graduates will be able to matriculate to Chute Middle School.
Extracurricular programs include Chess Club, Basketball, Chorus, Garden Club, and Flag Football. Learn more here.
Orrington Elementary School
Grades K-5
(847) 859-8750
2636 Orrington Avenue
Evanston, IL 60201
Orrington Eagles come from a part of Evanston that stretches from Ashland in the west to Isabella to the north, the lake to the east, and Noyes and Lyons to the south.
Orrington graduates will feed into Haven Middle School.
The Orrington Library offers an eLearning Library and coding resources in addition to the books in its collections.
The Orrington PTA is very active and takes part in fundraising and programing for the school such as talent shows and setting up Minecraft servers to use with fellow students.
Orrington students have access to arts and technology spaces, the library, auditorium, gymnasium, and outdoor fields.
Park School
Ages 3-21
(847) 424-2300
828 Main Street
Evanston, IL 60202
Park School is a joint venture between ETHS’s District 202 and District 65 dedicated solely to special education.
The school caters to students ages 3-22 who may for whatever reason may benefit from its many unique resources and intensive therapeutic environment.
Students can learn job training skills as early as age 16.
Park School has a wealth of programs and is able to offer speech and physical therapists as well as occupational and physical therapy.
Feel free to learn more about Park School by visiting their website here.
Rice Children’s Center
Grades 1-8
(847) 859-8700
1101 Washington Street
Evanston, IL 60202
Rice Education Center (REC) serves students grades 1-8 who have been identified to have social or emotional disabilities.
One option available to REC’s students who have had difficulty in the conventional education environment or alternatively “have challenges being successful at home” is the ability to live on campus.
Classes are limited in size to help provide greater personal attention and an environment where every student is encouraged to reach their academic potential.
Walker Elementary School
Grades K-5
(847) 859-8350
3601 Church Street
Evanston, IL 60203
Walker Elementary School’s attendance area is bounded by Crawford to the west, Simpsons and Elgin to the north, McCormick and Dodge to the east, and Greenleaf to the south.
Walker students will move on to Chute Middle School upon graduation.
The Walker Library provides eLearning resources, reading lists, and programing such as a librarian read aloud, author visits, and Bibliomania!
The school’s running programs encourage healthy physical and mental habits and personal goal setting, characteristics that have been shown to have a positive impact on students’ educational and emotional lives.
Walker’s Parent Advisory Team (PAT) takes the place of a regular PTA and works with the school to fulfill additional needs the community has as they arise.
Washington Elementary School
Grades K-5
(847) 905-4900
914 Ashland Avenue
Evanston, IL 60202
http://district65.net/washington
Washington Elementary services a compact neighborhood that is roughly bounded by Brown and Dodge to the west, Dempster to the north, Elmwood to the east, and Main and Monroe to the south.
Washington is one of Evanston’s five primary level TWI program schools and is the only school with two strands of the program.
Families with students that are new to Washington will be paired with a current Washington family to help answer any questions and welcome them into the school’s community.
Washington is the district’s largest elementary school, with approximately 530 students spread between kindergarten and 5th grade, and provides stimulating arts and daily physical education.
Washington Thunderbirds will graduate to Chute Middle School upon completion of 5th grade.
Willard Elementary School
Grades K-5
(847) 905-3600
2700 Hurd Avenue
Evanston, IL 60201
http://district65.net/willard
Willard Elementary is somewhat unique in that its attendance area boundaries are non-contiguous. You can find a map of the school’s attendance area here.
Willard is also a TWI program school, providing students with high-level language and literacy skills in both English and Spanish. (Click here for more on the program.)
Willard has partnered with Right At School to offer varied and engaging after-school programing. Learn more by visiting their website here.
Willard School Library offers a variety of programing, support, and services for Willard students. In addition to eBooks and audiobooks, you can view the library’s collections here.
The Willard PTA offers multiple volunteering opportunities and brings parents and teachers together to support one another throughout the year.
Evanston’s private schools:
Beacon Academy:
1574 Sherman Avenue
Evanston, Illinois 60201
224.999.1177
[email protected]
Beacon Academy is a Montessori-style school that serves 213 students at the 9th-12th grade level.
The school is a NAIS member and offers IB-level instruction.
Graduates go on to universities such as Tulane, the University of Wisconsin, and American University.
Located in downtown Evanston, the school’s student body includes students who come from Chicago and other suburbs.
Athletics include a full-slate of both boys and girls sports such as tennis, volleyball, cross country, sailing, basketball, and fencing.
Roycemore School:
PK, K-12
1200 Davis Street
Evanston, Illinois 60201
Phone: (847) 866-6055
Fax: (847) 866-6545
[email protected]
Founded in 1915, Roycemore is one of the oldest educational institutions in Evanston and serves students from pre-K all the way through 12th grade.
The school has 230 students while maintaining a 6:1 student to teacher ratio.
Roycemore moved to its current location in 2011 and added a full-sized gymnasium as part of renovations undertaken of their current building.
The “NU Option” allows Roycemore High Schoolers to take classes at Northwestern for college credit at no additional cost.
Roycemore athletics has a “no-cut” policy that ensures every student will be able to take part, regardless of ability, as long as they show the proper time commitment.
Chiaravalle Montessori
425 Dempster Street,
Evanston IL 60201
847.864.2190
Admission 847.313.9521
Chiaravalle Montessori school is located at 425 Dempster Street and is currently serving 356 students from the pre-K level through 8th grade.
70% of the school’s students come from the Evanston community while the rest come from Chicago, Wilmette, and other suburbs.
The Montessori-style instruction focuses on recognizing each student’s inherent humanity and works to bring the best out of each individual.
Chiaravalle recently completed its LEED Platinum certified North Wing in 2015. The new addition provides meeting spaces, technology and performing arts areas, a library, and a gymnasium.
Instruction begins with toddlers and starts with programing designed for 16-month-olds.
St. Athanasius School
2510 Ashland Avenue,
Evanston, IL 60201
Phone 847-864-2650|
Fax 847-475-7385
Commonly referred to by the community as St. A’s, Saint Athanasius School is a Catholic school that was founded in north Evanston in 1921.
The school has enrolled approximately 297 K-8 students.
St A’s is recognized as a 2019 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education and extracurricular activities include visual and performing arts along with a complement of athletics.
St. A’s students wear uniforms from first grade through eighth grade.
You can find out more about the St. A’s admissions process here.
Pope John XXIII School
1120 Washington, Evanston, IL 60202
Phone: 1-847-475-5678
Email: [email protected]
Pope John XXIII, sometimes referred to as PJ23, is another Catholic school that caters to K-8 students from Evanston, Chicago, and the surrounding suburbs.
The average class size is 16 and the student to teacher ratio is 14:1.
STEM curriculum is a focus at Pope John XXIII teaches students to explore all aspects of a potential problem and develop problem-solving and collaborative working skills.
Programing at PJ23 starts at the 3-year-old and 4-year-old levels.
Morning and after-school care are available as is the opportunity to take part in a variety of extracurricular activities such as sports and chess club.
The Barbereux School
3333 Culver Street
Evanston, IL 60201
Ph: 847.864.3215
Fax: 847.864.8199
[email protected]
The Barbereux School is an early childhood education provider that has been serving the Evanston community for over 90 years.
The school has programs for students from pre-school through first grade.
The school offers up to five full days (7:15am- 6:00pm) with preschool beginning at the age of 3.
The curriculum focuses on communal learning, language comprehension, and the building blocks of pre-literacy as well as using activities to build skills such as mathematics.
Community events include teacher meet & greets, international potlucks, and an annual holiday program.
Fusion Academy
847 Chicago Avenue
Suite 200
Evanston, IL 60202
Phone:847.868.8693
Email:[email protected]
Not the most traditional private school per se, Evanston’s Fusion Academy opened at 847 Chicago Ave. in 2017 as the 38th Fusion campus nationwide.
Fusion is nationally accredited by Cognia.
Fusion Academy offers unique educational opportunities such as one-on-one personal instruction in classes and personalized mentorship.
Enrollment includes in-person and online options, with over 250 courses available for students to take.
Fusion Academy also offers test-prep and tutoring for those that wish to stay at their current school but still want to take advantage of Fusion’s services.
Bonus Tips for New Parents:
Starting at a new school can be just as overwhelming for students as it is for parents. To help ease the burden, we’ve compiled some of our favorite tips for the parents of Evanston’s newest students, which you will find below.
Familiarize yourself and your student with the latest version of D65’s student handbook, which is filled with important information, rules, and regulations.
You can check out attendance maps for all of District 65’s schools here.
Everything you need to know about school registration can be found here along with a handy checklist.
More information on the district’s magnet schools, ACC Program, and TWI Programs can be found here.
Quick facts such as demographics and student enrollment for each school can be found here.
When available, information about Camp Timber-Lee will be found on this page.
District 65’s volunteer handbook is available here.
The district-wide assessment calendar is posted here and is broken down by grade level.
And there you have it, the pride of our community, Evanston’s excellent public and private schools. We hope you enjoyed reading and learned a lot in the process. Feel free to reach out with any questions or comments you might have and be sure to keep it tuned to Evanston Parent for all your local E-Town info.
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