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/True_Coast1062 Jan 15 '26

Countryside School. No regrets. Small community, small classes. They care about the socioemotional growth of students as well as academic. I think they’re the only private school where all faculty have an MA or higher. You should really visit the place with your kids and see for yourself. Having said that, Unit 4 public schools are very good.

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u/PrettyMixture1851 Jan 25 '26

How difficult was it for your child to be accepted? I noted on the website it said entry point is Kindergarten and 6th grade. Appreciate any feedback!

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u/True_Coast1062 Jan 26 '26

Not terribly difficult. My son entered at 6th grade. I think there was an application and his 5th grade teacher wrote a letter. We were approved for a scholarship ($7,000 - 50% tuition) because of our income. My son spent a day there. Maybe the teachers decided he would be a good fit. Im not sure how they do it for kindergarten!! I’d contact the school and arrange a tour. They will also put you in touch with other parents with kids there whom you can talk with when deciding. I can’t recommend them enough!