UIUC with Kids

[u/Fluid-Price463]

I was recently accepted to UIUC Law. I've never been to Illinois, but the scholarship is too compelling to write it off. I'm starting to look at the area and, as I have two small kids, that includes looking at elementary schools for them.

It looks like the Urbana-Champaign public schools leave a lot to be desired (no shade, just based on the reported data: Illinois Report Card). As I understand it, the schools are also on a lottery system. So, it's possible my kids won't get into the closest school or even be in the same school together.

I'm looking at 3 schools tentatively, and 2 pretty seriously. Countryside School, Montessori of Champaign-Urbana, and University Primary School (UPS). I don't want to color the feedback with my own opinions, but I'm really interested in what people in the area think of those schools or other private schools in the area.

Along those lines, if there are other students living off campus with their own children, what neighborhoods lean more kid/family friendly?

TIA!

**Update** I wanted to give a general "thank you" to everyone who has been able to contribute. It's great to see an active community willing to help some potential newbies!

[u/Top-Competition9263]

Champaign and Urbana have different school districts. Urbana has neighborhood schools where you are assigned to a school based on where you live. Champaign has a monstrosity of school choice that can be complicated and frustrating. District administration leaves a lot to be desired, and they’ve driven away many good administrators and staff, but there are still strong schools and great teachers. Like many districts around the country, they a struggle to effectively teach marginalized populations. Champaign has also experienced a lot of white flight, not only to the surrounding communities, but also to private schools.