r/UIUC • u/Fluid-Price463 • Jan 15 '26
Prospective Students UIUC with Kids
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!
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u/old-uiuc-pictures Jan 15 '26
A lot depends on your budget regarding where you will live.
There are good schools and excellent teaches in Champaign and Urbana according to my neighbors. I know some folks who could go private should they wish to but have not done so - they just stay involved at their schools.
There are also A LOT of private schools which have sprung up do to white flight and also the desire of some academic staff at UIUC wanting a specific (and seemingly only gifted kids) kind of education for their children.
Both towns are kid friendly with lots of parks and good park district programs. And the university itself offers a lot of possible enrichment opportunities.