Quick Facts

Datos en español (PDF, 111KB)

Organizations Honor District 203
Student Achievement Levels Rate High
Curriculum Designed District-Wide
K-5 Instruction Meets Individual Needs
6-8 Enhancing Self-esteem through Academic Success
9-12 Offerings Promote Lifelong Learning
Academically Talented
Intervention
Special Education Programs, Services
The Fine Arts
Activities and Teams
School Lunches
Bus Transportation
Attendance Areas Map
School Enrollment Procedures
Registration and Participation Fees
School Day Attendance Hours
Schools Depend on Volunteers
Board of Education

Naperville Community Unit School District 203 encompasses approximately 32 square miles of land. The district is located about 28 miles west of Chicago and within DuPage and Will Counties.  Its boundaries encompass much of the City of Naperville, parts of the Village of Lisle and single subdivisions lying within the communities of Bolingbrook and Woodridge.

In terms of student population size, District 203 is one of the six largest school systems in Illinois, with nearly 18,000 students and over 2,400 employees. The Buildings and Grounds Department maintains more than 2,000,000 square feet of space in 22 schools—an early childhood center, 14 kindergarten through grade five elementary schools, 5 sixth through eighth grade junior high (or middle) schools and 2 ninth through twelfth grade high schools.

Strategic planning, school improvement plans, goal-setting, as well as assessment of school district operations and student achievements, are based upon the District 203 beliefs and vision and mission statements:

• Naperville Community Unit School District 203 holds the Belief that an exemplary school district…
  • Values the dignity and uniqueness of each individual;
  • Promotes responsible citizenship;
  • Is the result of a collective partnership of students, staff, parents, & community
• Vision—Building a Passion for Lifelong Learning
• Mission—To educate students to be self-directed learners, collaborative workers, complex thinkers, quality producers and community contributors

Nearly 70% of the District 203 teaching staff has earned master's degrees or higher. Staff development and in-service training are high priorities in the district. Performance evaluation, curriculum development and training in the use of new technologies as related to curriculum help teachers maintain high standards of instruction. Average student-to-staff ratios in 2005-06 (as reported in the 2007 Illinois State Report Card) were: 19.5:1 at the elementary level and 19.5:1 at the secondary level, as compared with the State average of 18.8:1 for both levels.

Organizations Honor District 203

• In the Third International Mathematics and Science Study-Repeat (1999 TIMSS-R), District 203 eighth graders achieved the highest score in science and sixth highest in mathematics among the 38 participating nations and consortiums worldwide.
• District 203 is among several school systems in the country invited by the Center for Leadership in School Reform to pilot an initiative to improve U.S. public education titled “Standard-Bearer Process.”
• Our nationally touted physical education program has been cited by the Centers for Disease Control for years, due its focus on educating students to be fit for life (known as the New PE).
• District 203 annually receives a “What Parents Want” award from SchoolMatch, an independent consulting service based in Ohio.
• The editors of Expansion Management magazine give District 203 top ratings (a Gold Medal) in their annual evaluation of more than 2,000 districts.
• District 203’s parent involvement initiative, School Family Community Partnership (SFCP) has received numerous top awards from the National Network of Partnership Schools, based at Johns Hopkins University. Volunteers from HURRAH—Happy, Upbeat, Retirees (and other) Residents Actively Helping—have also garnered national attention and won an award from Midwest Living magazine for their model intergenerational program.
• Our high schools ranked first and third in a Chicago Magazine measure of school achievement (ACT) relative to per pupil student spending, when compared to all 233 non-magnet Chicago-area high schools (Chicago Magazine, Fall 2007).

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Student Achievement Levels Rate High

• District 203 students consistently perform well in assessments that are administered annually across the state. The Chicago Sun-Times has listed Naperville Central and North High Schools as among the top five in the State in terms of student achievement.
• Of the graduating seniors who responded to recent exit surveys, some 98% indicated plans to go to two- or four-year colleges.
• Virtually 100% of the District 203 Class of 2007 took the PSAE, earning an average American College Test (ACT) composite score of 25.1, among the highest in the State.
• The Class of 2007 produced 54 National Merit Finalists, the highest number in District history. Forty-seven members of the Class of 2008 wre named National Merit Semifinalists, representing 6% of the State total, while District 203 student enrollment is less than 1% of the State total.
• Over 96% of District 203 students graduate from high school, compared with 85.9% statewide.
• District 203 achieves the highest overall State test scores among large PreK-12 (unit) school districts in Illinois.
• Both high schools ranked in the top ten public high schools in Illinois (excluding public schools in Chicago with selective admissions, i.e., "magnet" schools), based on State PSAE scores. (Chicago Tribune, Fall 2007)
• Both high schools rated a "Silver" status, ranking them among the top 2-3% of public high schools in the nation. (U.S. News & World Report, Fall 2007)
• Naperville North and Naperville Central High Schools ranked first and third respectively in a Chicago Magazine measure of school achievement (ACT) relative to per pupil student spending, when compared to all 233 non-magnet Chicago-area high schools (Chicago Magazine, Fall 2007)
• Student achievement is well above the State average, with 91.6% (reading) and 93.3% (math) of all students achieving a "meets" or "exceeds" on State tests.

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Curriculum Designed District-Wide

All curriculum decisions, kindergarten through grade 12, are based upon District 203 Learner Outcomes, which are aligned with Illinois Learning Standards, reflect best practices, and support higher-level thinking skills. Curriculum is reviewed and updated regularly, in order to provide quality work for students. Learner outcomes in the fine arts, health and physical development, literacy, mathematics, science and  social science are evaluated by authentic, multiple and varied assessment tools.

The inquiry approach to learning is utilized in order for students to actively construct knowledge by engaging in observing, questioning and problem solving.

Fifty-five teachers in District 203 are National Board Certified Teachers, one of the largest numbers for an Illinois school district. One hundred percent of District 203 teachers and instructional assistants are "highly-qualified," using federal and state standards established by No Child Left Behind.

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K-5 Instruction Meets Individual Needs

Curriculum in grades kindergarten through five includes instruction in literacy (listening, reading, speaking, spelling and writing), mathematics, science, social studies, general music, art and physical education. Multiple resources including basal texts, carefully chosen software and supplementary publications, and materials developed in-district are designed to encourage children to progress to the best of their individual abilities. Elementary school learning resource centers feature enrichment and support activities and computer assisted instruction. Students have access to school networks and the Internet via computers in the classroom and in school learning resource centers. Individual intervention and enrichment needs are addressed via instructional techniques and support services.

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6-8 Enhancing Self-esteem through Academic Success

District 203 believes that the junior high curriculum should be challenging, integrative and exploratory, so that students acquire a core of knowledge that fosters curiosity, problem solving and critical thinking. Literacy, social science, mathematics and science teachers vary time, incorporate technology and pose questions to assist students in acquiring the core concepts in each discipline. Exploratory instruction, the fine arts, foreign language, applied technology and LIFE (Learning for Independence, Family and Employment), promotes students’ ability to be productive citizens and lifelong learners.

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9-12 Offerings Promote Lifelong Learning

The vision of District 203 high schools is to produce graduates who are self-directed learners, collaborative workers, complex thinkers, quality producers and community contributors. Therefore, the high schools offer comprehensive, intellectually rigorous learning opportunities that lead to the mastery of academic fundamentals, as well as developing the critical thinking and reasoning skills needed to exist in our changing and competitive world. Students have multiple opportunities to master these skills in communication arts, mathematics, science and social sciences, as well as instruction in foreign languages, art and music, the agrisciences, building trades, business technology, computer applications, cooperative education internships, driver education, family and consumer sciences, health, physical education and special education. Appropriate technology is used to enhance all aspects of curriculum.

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Academically Talented

Enrichment opportunities are provided for elementary students through their teachers and gifted program facilitators. Honors mathematics is available to all eligible third through twelfth graders.

Academically talented students in grades 4-8 may participate in Project IDEA programs that encourage the development of higher level thinking skills on a literacy-based platform. The academic top ten percent of fourth through eighth graders may attend classes with specially trained teachers. The top two percent may attend an all-day magnet program. High school students may take accelerated and advanced placement courses.

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Intervention

The District 203 Project Leap program provides one-on-one assistance for kindergartners and first graders who need assistance with emerging literacy skills. A licensing agreement with a major publishing firm was recently signed to nationally market the Leap early reading intervention program.

English Language Learners (ELL) specialists help students from other lands become fluent in reading, writing, speaking and listening in English. Title 1 funding supports interventions in mathematics and reading at eligible sites. The Naperville Education Foundation is also funding after-school Study Skills Academies in each of the 14 elementary schools.

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Special Education Programs, Services

District 203 offers a full continuum of special education programs and related services for students with identified needs, who range in age from three to 21 years. A free screening program can help parents determine if their 3- through 5-year-old preschoolers’ hearing, vision, language and general development are appropriate for their ages.

Programs and services for students with identified needs are delivered by certified special education teachers, speech/language pathologists, occupational and physical therapists, school social workers, psychologists, nurses, vocational coordinators, job coaches and specialists in hearing, vision and low incidence disabilities. Assistive technology is employed where appropriate.

Highly structured, self-contained classes are offered for selected students in locations both inside and outside of the district. A Home School Initiative Program provides support services within the regular classroom for students with disabilities who benefit from inclusion. Home and hospital tutoring services also are provided to eligible students.

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The Fine Arts

Students have a variety of opportunities to perform before the public, beginning at the primary level with programs supervised by classroom teachers and continuing through concerts and stage productions at the senior high level. Both senior highs and some of the junior highs put on musicals during the second semester. Both high schools have drama clubs and theater productions. Vocal and instrumental music instruction is offered at elementary, middle school and high school levels. Vocal music instruction begins at the primary level: band and orchestra at fourth grade. Middle school band and orchestra programs include concert, symphonic, bluegrass strings and jazz organizations. High school music programs include marching, concert, symphonic and jazz bands; instrumental ensembles; string, symphonic and pit orchestras; female, male and mixed choruses; jazz choruses and swing ensembles.

Beginning at the elementary level, lessons in art appreciation are incorporated with production activities in a wide variety of media on a continuum that promotes the development of advanced skills. At the elementary and middle school levels, art activities sometimes reflect prevailing themes in other areas of the curriculum. At the high school level, students often create award-winning pieces in ceramics, digital art, jewelry, photography and other two and three-dimensional formats.

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Activities and Teams

Community service, environmental awareness and student government activities are introduced at the elementary level. High school activities also  include academic and athletic teams; cheerleading, drill and flag teams; and clubs for those interested in topics ranging from chess to skiing. Naperville Central and North High Schools participate in the DuPage Valley Conference.

Interscholastic Athletics

BOYS		Grades		GIRLS	Grades
Baseball		9-12		Badminton	9-12
Basketball		7-12		Basketball	7-12
Cross Country		7-12		Cross Country	7-12
Football		7-12		Golf	9-12
Golf		9-12		Gymnastics	9-12
Gymnastics		9-12		Soccer	9-12
Soccer		9-12		Softball	9-12
Swimming		9-12		Swimming	9-12
Tennis		9-12		Tennis	9-12
Track and Field		7-12		Track and Field	7-12
Volleyball		9-12		Volleyball	7-12
Wrestling		7-12

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Guidance, Social Services

School psychology, social work and health services are offered at all levels. Guidance counselors are on staff at the junior and senior high levels. Orientation programs for students and parents are offered at all levels. Available to senior high pupils are testing and exploratory programs related to career planning, college entrance, advanced placement, vocational training, office skills and scholarships.

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School Lunches

As of October 1, 2010, all elementary, junior high and high schools will offer hot lunches. See the National School Lunch Program page for details.

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Bus Transportation

Trained and licensed personnel operate and maintain a District 203 fleet of vehicles that transport students to and from school, athletic events and field trips. Pupils are entitled to transportation to and from school when they reside more than 1.50 miles from their attendance centers, or live within walking distance but encounter qualifying safety hazards en route. Routes and pick-up times are announced during registration.

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Attendance Areas Map

Click here to view a map that describes current school attendance areas and District 203 boundaries.

A student may be granted permission to attend a school other than the one to which he or she is assigned by virtue of residence if there is space available and the reason for such a change is considered educationally sound. A written application should be submitted to the Associate and Assistant Superintendents for Operations. If alternate attendance is granted, parent(s)/guardian(s) must assume responsibility for transporting the pupil to and from school.

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School Enrollment Procedures

Children may enroll in kindergarten if they reach the age of five by September 1 of the enrolling year. There are no early entrance exceptions. A copy of the official birth certificate (not a hospital certificate) must be shown to school officials when enrolling a child for the first year in an Illinois public school.

Each student must provide proof of immunizations required by Illinois health regulations. Dates of immunizations must be verified by a physician, nurse or health department. Proof of a physical examination completed by a physician within 12 months prior to enrollment must be supplied:

• prior to the first year of public school attendance;
• before entering kindergarten, if a preschool class was the first year of public school attendance;
• when a student transfers from a school outside of Illinois;
• when a student advances to fifth or ninth grade. 

Incoming 7th, 8th, 10th, 11th and 12th graders who plan to try out for interscholastic athletics must have documentation of sports fitness examinations completed by physicians prior to the start of tryouts and within one year of the end of the appropriate athletic seasons.

Copies of the health information forms used in District 203 may be accessed here or requested via FAX (630-420-1066) or telephone (630-420-6300)

Claims for exemption from immunizations or physical examinations on the basis of religious beliefs must be submitted in writing at the time of registration to the Superintendent of Schools, Naperville Community Unit School District 203 Administrative Center, 203 West Hillside Road, Naperville IL 60540-6589.

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Registration and Participation Fees

Per-pupil registration and participation fees offset some of the direct costs for each student's education. In addition to the mandatory registrations fees, there are charges assessed for specific high school course materials; for participation in band or orchestra, interscholastic athletics, intramurals, academic teams and other competitive activities; for athletic events passes; for subscriptions to school publications; and for parking permits (high school seniors). When faced with financial hardship, families may consult with their school principal concerning fee payment assistance.

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School Day Attendance Hours

See the Daily School Information FAQs regarding regular school hours and school hours on half-day Institute Days.

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Schools Depend on Volunteers

For more information about volunteer activities, contact your attendance center or the Office of Community Relations, 630-420-6475.

Through relationships promoted by the District 203 Business Community Education Partnership Council, local organizations conduct activities and participate in projects with individual schools or the school district as a whole.

Through the Naperville Education Foundation, a not-for-profit organization, individuals and organizations donate funding, goods and services that are used to enhance educational opportunities for students beyond what tax dollars support.

Senior adults serve as students’ mentors, reading buddies and tutors through an informal organization known as HURRAH—Happy, Upbeat, Retirees (& other) Residents Actively Helping.

Parents participate in volunteer and social activities conducted by divisions of the Naperville Home & School Association and high school Booster Clubs.

Parents and other members of the community help guide their schools as members of  School Improvement Teams, encouraging family participation in the educational processes and in school practices as members of School Family Community Partnership (SFCP) teams.

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Board of Education

An unpaid Board of Education consisting of seven members elected by the community for staggered four-year terms oversees District 203 operations during meetings that are open to the public—generally the first and third Monday of the month at 7 and 7:30 PM, respectively. For specific meeting dates and/or agendas, see the Board of Education Meeting Dates or contact the Secretary of the Board (usually the Assistant to the Superintendent).

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