Choosing an elementary school is one of the most impactful decisions parents make for their child’s future. In the Chicago area, some schools stand out for their exceptional academic performance, nurturing environments and community involvement.
To help families make informed choices, this list highlighting the best public elementary schools in the Chicago area, uses a combination of publicly available data from sources like the U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Census Bureau, along with community reviews, survey feedback, and academic performance indicators such as test scores and college readiness.
Read on for our guide to the top public elementary schools in Chicagoland.
Want to explore additional elementary school options in the Chicago area? Take a look at these related articles:
- Best Elementary Schools in Cook County
- Best Elementary Schools in DuPage County
- Best Elementary Schools in Lake County
Best elementary schools in the Chicago area
1. Barbara B. Rose Elementary School (A+)
- Address: 61 W. Penny Road, South Barrington
- District: Barrington Community Unit School District 220
- Why it stands out: Known for its innovative approaches to hands-on learning, Barbara B. Rose fosters a nurturing environment where curiosity and creativity are encouraged. The school is recognized for its exceptional arts and technology programs, which provide students with a well-rounded education.
Established in 1999, Barbara B. Rose Elementary has quickly gained a reputation for excellence in academic performance and community involvement, striving to build a spirit of collaboration among students, parents, and educators.
2. Graham Elementary School (A+)
- Address: 2315 High Meadow Road, Naperville
- District: Indian Prairie School District 204
- Why it stands out: With a strong emphasis on personalized learning experiences, Graham Elementary School prides itself on preparing students for future academic challenges. Its supportive staff ensures that every student reaches their full potential.
Since its founding in 1996, Graham has been committed to educational excellence and innovation, fostering a community that values diversity and academic achievement.
3. Ellsworth Elementary School (A+)
- Address: 145 N Sleight St., Naperville
- District: Naperville Community Unit School District 203
- Why it stands out: Distinguished by its community-centric approach, Ellsworth focuses on creating strong partnerships with parents and community members. The school’s dedication to enhancing literacy and numeracy skills has consistently yielded outstanding academic results.
With roots tracing back to the early 1900s, Ellsworth has a long-standing tradition of excellence, deeply ingrained in Naperville’s rich educational fabric.
4. Grove Avenue Elementary School (A+)
- Address: 900 S Grove Ave., Barrington
- District: Barrington Community Unit School District 220
- Why it stands out: Grove Avenue is celebrated for its exceptional focus on developing social-emotional skills alongside academic prowess, ensuring that students grow into well-rounded individuals.
Established in 1954, Grove Avenue has a history of fostering a supportive and inclusive community environment, engaging students in a diverse array of extracurricular activities.
5. Elm Elementary School (A+)
- Address: 15W201 60th St., Burr Ridge
- District: Hinsdale Community Consolidated School District 181
- Why it stands out: Elm Elementary is renowned for its commitment to environmental sustainability and outdoor education, which enriches the traditional curriculum and encourages students to become stewards of the environment.
For over 50 years, Elm Elementary has dedicated itself to cultivating a nurturing educational setting that balances academic rigor with environmental consciousness.
6. Spring Brook Elementary School (A+)
- Address: 2700 Seiler Drive, Naperville
- District: Indian Prairie School District 204
- Why it stands out: Spring Brook has established a robust framework for fostering leadership skills at an early age, empowering students through various leadership initiatives and community service projects.
For decades, Spring Brook has continually adapted to educational advancements, maintaining a forward-thinking approach that prioritizes student leadership and engagement.
7. Robert Clow Elementary School (A+)
- Address: 1301 Springdale Circle, Naperville
- District: Indian Prairie School District 204
- Why it stands out: Celebrated for its dynamic approach to integrating technology into the classroom, Robert Clow Elementary emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving, equipping students for a rapidly changing world.
Since the 1970s, the school has exemplified a commitment to progressive education, nurturing inquisitive minds and fostering lifelong learners.
8. The Joseph Sears School (A+)
- Address: 542 Abbotsford Road, Kenilworth
- District: Kenilworth School District No. 38
- Why it stands out: With small class sizes and a personalized approach to education, The Joseph Sears School excels in creating an intimate learning atmosphere where students receive tailored support and guidance.
One of the oldest schools on the list, The Joseph Sears School, founded in 1899, has a storied history of academic excellence and community engagement.
9. Oliver Julian Kendall Elementary School (A+)
- Address: 2408 Meadow Lake Dr., Naperville
- District: Indian Prairie School District 204
- Why it stands out: Kendall Elementary places a strong emphasis on cultural inclusivity and global awareness, preparing students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
Since its inception in 1998, the school has been at the forefront of embracing cultural diversity within its curriculum and school activities.
10. Meadow Glens Elementary School (A+)
- Address: 1150 Muirhead Ave., Naperville
- District: Naperville Community Unit School District 203
- Why it stands out: Known for its exceptional academics and athletics programs, Meadow Glens fosters a vibrant community where students can explore their interests and talents.
Established in 1989, Meadow Glens has long been committed to the holistic development of its students, encouraging achievement in both academic and extracurricular pursuits.
This article was recently updated on April 4, 2025 by Chicago Parent’s writer, Sarah Knieff. The update included her research to feature the latest information. Questions? Please reach out to editor@chicagoparent.com.
Follow Chicago Parent on Instagram.
