Schools are one of the top reasons families choose Oak Park, and the reputation is well earned. This is the complete map of the system — every public school by name, the high school, the private and parochial options, preschool, and how enrollment and ratings actually work. (Tap any school for its map and reviews; for current parent takes, ask Oak Park families right now →)

Public elementary schools (District 97)

Oak Park Elementary School District 97 serves K–8 and is well regarded for academics and a long, deliberate commitment to diversity and equity. It runs eight elementary schools, each assigned by attendance area: Beye, Hatch, Holmes, Irving, Lincoln, Longfellow, Mann, and Whittier. Your home address determines which one your child attends, so it’s worth checking boundaries before you buy.

Public middle schools

District 97’s elementary schools feed two middle schools: Brooks Middle School and Julian Middle School, both serving grades 6–8 with strong arts, music, and athletics programs.

Public high school (OPRF)

Oak Park and River Forest High School (OPRF) is the single public high school, shared with neighboring River Forest — a large (roughly 3,000+ student), historically significant school known for strong academics, an unusually deep arts and athletics program, notable alumni, and a diverse student body. Because it’s village-wide, your address doesn’t change which high school your child attends.

Private & parochial schools

Fenwick High School, a well-regarded Catholic (Dominican) college-prep school, is in Oak Park and draws students from across the region. For younger grades there are Catholic elementary schools such as Ascension and St. Giles, plus Keystone Montessori and other independent and Montessori options nearby.

Preschool & early childhood

Families have plenty of early-childhood choices — District 97 offers early-childhood programs, and there are numerous private preschools, Montessori programs, and church-affiliated nursery schools across the village, plus Park District and library programming for the youngest kids.

Ratings & how families choose

District 97 and OPRF generally rate well on services like GreatSchools and Niche, and the schools are a major driver of Oak Park’s high property taxes — residents are, in effect, paying for them. Beyond ratings, families weigh individual-school fit, specific programs, class sizes, and the district’s equity work; because the elementary you get depends on where you buy, boundaries are worth checking against our neighborhoods guide.

How District 97 enrollment works

District 97 assigns each of its eight elementary schools by attendance area, so your home address determines your child’s school. When you’re house-hunting, check the boundary for any specific address before you commit — two homes a few blocks apart can feed different schools. Middle-school assignment (Brooks or Julian) follows from the elementary feeder pattern. The district also runs early-childhood and dual-language and gifted-support programming; specifics evolve year to year, so confirm current offerings directly.

Oak Park and River Forest High School, in depth

OPRF is a large, comprehensive high school of roughly 3,000+ students, shared with neighboring River Forest. It’s known for a deep and serious arts program (music, theater, visual arts), competitive athletics, a wide slate of AP and honors courses, and a historically significant landmark building. It has a long list of notable alumni and a diverse student body, and — like the district — a visible, sometimes debated commitment to equity work. For most Oak Park families, OPRF is the single public high school, regardless of where in the village you live.

The eight elementary schools

District 97’s elementaries — Beye, Hatch, Holmes, Irving, Lincoln, Longfellow, Mann, and Whittier — are neighborhood schools, each with its own community feel, PTO, and traditions, feeding into Brooks and Julian middle schools for grades 6–8. Families often say the individual-school culture matters as much as the ratings, so touring the one you’re zoned for is worth it.

Ratings, test scores & how to read them

District 97 and OPRF generally rate well on GreatSchools and Niche, but those scores reflect a diverse district and don’t capture individual-school culture, specific programs, or class sizes. Families weigh fit alongside numbers, and the schools’ equity work — a defining feature of Oak Park education — is something current parents have strong, varied views on. The most useful read comes from talking to families at the specific school.

Private, parochial & Montessori options

Beyond the public system, Fenwick High School is a well-regarded Catholic (Dominican) college-prep drawing students regionally; Catholic elementaries like Ascension and St. Giles serve younger grades; and Keystone Montessori and other independent and Montessori programs round out the choices. Preschool and early-childhood options — district, private, Montessori, and church-affiliated — are plentiful.

How families choose a school in Oak Park

Start with your zoned elementary (address-based), tour it, and talk to families there; weigh the ratings against fit, programs, and commute; and consider private/parochial if you want a specific environment. Because schools drive both home values and the high tax bill, they’re central to any move — cross-reference with our neighborhoods and moving guides.

The school year, registration & getting involved

District 97 and OPRF follow a standard Chicago-area academic calendar (late-August start, summer break), with registration windows each spring and summer — new residents should register as soon as they have a lease or closing. Both districts have active parent-teacher organizations and education foundations, and Oak Park’s parent community is famously engaged, so it’s easy to plug in. Before-and-after-school care and enrichment are available through the schools and the Park District.

Why Oak Park families care so much about schools

Schools are arguably the number-one reason families move to Oak Park — and, because they’re funded largely through the village’s high property taxes, residents feel real ownership of them. The result is a community deeply invested in its public education, from packed school-board meetings to robust foundations. For newcomers, that engagement is a feature: it means resources, involvement, and neighbors who care. For the current, honest read on any specific school, talk to families there or ask in the Oak Park community.

The bottom line on Oak Park schools

Between a well-regarded K–8 district (D97, eight neighborhood elementaries feeding Brooks and Julian), a large and respected shared high school (OPRF), a strong Catholic prep option (Fenwick), and plentiful preschool and private choices, Oak Park gives families genuine range — and the community’s deep investment in education is a big reason people move here and stay. Just remember the elementary school follows your address, so check boundaries before you buy.

Quick answers about Oak Park schools

Oak Park’s public schools are District 97 (eight neighborhood elementaries — Beye, Hatch, Holmes, Irving, Lincoln, Longfellow, Mann, Whittier — plus Brooks and Julian middle schools) feeding Oak Park and River Forest High School (OPRF). Elementary assignment is by address; OPRF is village-wide. Private options include Fenwick (Catholic prep), Ascension and St. Giles (Catholic elementary), and Keystone Montessori. Ratings are generally strong, but tour your zoned school and talk to families for the real picture.

A final word for families

Whatever grade your kids are in, Oak Park gives you real options and a community that genuinely cares about its schools — just confirm your zoned elementary before you buy, tour it, and lean on other local parents for the honest, current take.

Frequently asked questions

What schools are in Oak Park, IL?

Public: District 97 runs eight elementary schools (Beye, Hatch, Holmes, Irving, Lincoln, Longfellow, Mann, Whittier) and two middle schools (Brooks and Julian), feeding Oak Park and River Forest High School (OPRF). Private options include Fenwick High School, Catholic elementary schools like Ascension and St. Giles, and Keystone Montessori.

What are the elementary schools in Oak Park?

District 97’s eight elementary schools are Beye, Hatch, Holmes, Irving, Lincoln, Longfellow, Mann, and Whittier, each assigned by attendance area — your home address determines the school.

Are Oak Park schools good?

Yes — District 97 and OPRF generally rate well and are a major reason families move to the village, with a long commitment to diversity and equity. Fenwick High School is a respected private alternative. High property taxes largely fund the public schools.

Which high school do Oak Park students attend?

Oak Park and River Forest High School (OPRF), the single public high school shared with River Forest — it’s village-wide, so your address doesn’t change which high school your child attends.

Are there private and Catholic schools in Oak Park?

Yes — Fenwick High School (Catholic college prep), Catholic elementary schools such as Ascension and St. Giles, and Keystone Montessori, among other independent options nearby.

Does Oak Park have preschools?

Yes — District 97 early-childhood programs plus many private preschools, Montessori programs, and church nursery schools across the village, along with Park District and library programming.