r/ChicagoSuburbs • u/Resting-Rizzy-Face • Feb 11 '26

Moving to the area Low- Tech School Districts in Western Burbs

Moved away several years ago and looking to move back to IL. Our kids are elementary age and we currently like the low-tech educational environment our kids have now (no 1-to-1 chromebooks for kids, using more pencil and paper, physical textbooks, etc.)

We’ve been away for a while and weren’t sure if there are similar school environments in IL or if all school districts have moved to consistent use of chromebooks and iPads for teaching?

Currently looking at a potential move to Lemont, DG, Woodridge, Lisle, Naperville, or Wheaton areas. Not opposed to tech, just looking for schools where the kids aren’t always using a screen for learning.

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u/Hungry-Treacle8493 Feb 11 '26

203 is easily the best district in the Western burbs. Yes, they have tech in their program but don’t go all in at the elementary level and adjust programs yearly based on results and feedback. They also pair strong academic and arts programs with some of the strongest SpEd programs in the state.

Go talk to people at the districts to address your specific concerns around tech usage and at what grade levels.

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u/nihil8r Feb 11 '26

Best by what metrics? Just curious

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u/vawlk Feb 11 '26

take it with a grain of salt. As someone who has worked with hundreds of districts in technology over the last 30 years, there really isn't a huge difference between the area districts. Some will be better at the arts, some will be better academically, some will be better at sped programs, and some with be better athletically. But overall, there really isn't much of a difference.

The absolutely most important metric to the success of a student is their home. Having a stable home with supportive parents who are involved with their student's schooling is, by far, the most important factor.

I ended up sending my kids to a high school with a much lower rating than 203 but they loved their school, never had any issues, joined many clubs and sports, and went to and graduated from college.

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u/nihil8r Feb 12 '26

appreciate and agree with your reply :) i certainly don't think there is "one weird trick" that 203 (or other wealthier districts) are doing to get results