2881 Idlewood Ln
Highland Park, IL 60035

The school is brand new and smart choices have been made to keep the building and equipment nice for the long run. The school hosts a dual-language Spanish-English program where kids from 2 elementary schools have started in the program since Kindergarten. The school is well organized and the staff is friendly and motivated.

We have two children at Wayne Thomas, currently fourth and second grade. They’ve been there since kindergarten. We are a special-needs family with a 504 and our needs always feel supported. Every staff member checks in, from the administrative assistant to the librarian. We know we can go to anyone at any time and they know our children, really know them. There’s a program called Success Block that pairs children into groups for 30 mins a day where they’re learning something based on their learning level, whether they are needing a little extra help or if they are advanced learners. There is a school-wide program called The Leader in Me which teaches social skills like accountability, inclusion and leadership, parents and families included. Our kids have enjoyed participating in groups such as student council and robotics as well as after school activities such as Chess Scholars and Smart Start Art. I could go on, but just know that this is an amazing school and an amazing community. I am grateful.

A very average to slightly above average school comprised of mostly very privileged students. Athletics department is very weak, much more support for boys’ teams. Help for adhd students is basically non-existent. My child had a few great teachers that we really appreciated, art and drama departments are strong, the rest is average.