Education in Will County

Will County offers some of the best public education in Illinois, with several districts consistently outperforming state averages. For families moving to the area, school quality is often the top factor in choosing a neighborhood. Here's what you need to know.

Top-Rated High School Districts

Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210

Serving Frankfort, Mokena, New Lenox, and Manhattan, Lincoln-Way is widely considered the premier high school district in Will County. Lincoln-Way East in Frankfort and Lincoln-Way Central in New Lenox regularly earn top marks for academics, athletics, and college readiness. Graduation rates exceed 95%, and the district offers extensive AP course offerings.

Plainfield School District 202

One of the fastest-growing districts in Illinois, Plainfield operates four high schools: North, South, Central, and East. The district has invested heavily in STEM programs and career-technical education, giving students diverse pathways.

Lockport Township High School District 205

With campuses in Lockport and Homer Glen, this district offers strong academics alongside one of the most competitive athletics programs in the Southwest Prairie Conference.

Elementary & Middle School Standouts

Summit Hill District 161 (Frankfort)

Consistently ranked among the top elementary districts in the state. Small class sizes, strong parent engagement, and excellent test scores make this a magnet for families.

Homer Community Consolidated District 33C (Homer Glen)

Known for personalized attention and above-average academic performance. Homer Junior High regularly scores in the top tier on state assessments.

Mokena District 159

A smaller district with a community-school feel. Strong parental involvement and consistent academic results make Mokena a popular choice for families.

New Lenox District 122

Serving New Lenox and parts of Joliet, this district has invested in modern facilities and technology integration. Spencer Crossing Elementary and Martino Junior High are standout schools.

Private & Parochial Options

Will County also has excellent private school options including Joliet Catholic Academy (one of the top Catholic high schools in Illinois), Providence Catholic High School in New Lenox, and several parish elementary schools throughout the county.

How School Districts Affect Home Values

In Will County, homes in top-rated school districts typically command a 5-15% premium over comparable homes in lower-rated districts. This is especially true in the Lincoln-Way and Summit Hill district boundaries, where demand from families drives consistent property values.

When searching for a home, always verify which school district a property falls in — district boundaries don't always follow city limits.

Choosing the Right District for Your Family

Consider these factors beyond test scores:

• Class sizes — smaller districts like Mokena and Summit Hill tend to have lower student-to-teacher ratios
• Special programs — does your child need gifted programs, special education resources, or specific extracurriculars?
• Commute — how far is the school from potential homes? Will County covers a large area
• Community — smaller districts often have stronger parent involvement and a tighter-knit school community

Find Your Family's Perfect Neighborhood

We can help you find homes in the school district that's right for your family. Explore our neighborhood profiles for detailed information on each community, or contact an agent who knows the area.