Will County School Districts

Will County is served by over 30 school districts, ranging from small rural districts to large consolidated districts serving multiple communities. Understanding school boundaries and options is essential for families choosing where to live.

Overview of School Districts

Illinois uses a unique system with separate elementary districts (K-8) and high school districts (9-12) in many areas. Some communities have consolidated districts (K-12) serving all grade levels.

Major School Districts

Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202

Type: Consolidated (K-12)
Serves: Plainfield, parts of Joliet, Naperville, Bolingbrook
Website: psd202.org
Phone: (815) 577-4000

Schools:

  • 27 elementary schools
  • 7 middle schools
  • 5 high schools (Plainfield North, South, East, Central, Plainfield Academy)

About: One of Illinois' largest school districts, known for modern facilities, strong academics, and extensive extracurricular programs.

Joliet Public Schools District 86

Type: Elementary (K-8)
Serves: Joliet
Website: jpsmail.org
Phone: (815) 740-3196

Schools: 18 elementary schools, 1 pre-K center, multiple middle schools

Note: District 86 students typically continue to Joliet Township High School District 204.

Joliet Township High School District 204

Type: High School (9-12)
Serves: Joliet and surrounding areas
Website: jths.org
Phone: (815) 727-6950

Schools:

  • Joliet Central High School
  • Joliet West High School
  • Joliet Central Freshman Academy
  • Joliet West Freshman Academy

About: Historic high school district serving central Joliet area with strong athletics and academic programs.

Valley View Community Unit School District 365U

Type: Unit (K-12)
Serves: Bolingbrook, Romeoville, parts of Plainfield
Website: vvsd.org
Phone: (815) 886-2700

Schools: 24 elementary schools, 8 middle schools, 2 high schools (Bolingbrook High School, Romeoville High School)

About: Large district known for diversity and comprehensive programs.

Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210

Type: High School (9-12)
Serves: New Lenox, Frankfort, Mokena, Manhattan, parts of Joliet
Website: lw210.org
Phone: (815) 717-3708

Schools:

  • Lincoln-Way East (Frankfort)
  • Lincoln-Way Central (New Lenox)
  • Lincoln-Way West (New Lenox)
  • Lincoln-Way North (Frankfort)

About: Highly-rated high school district known for academic excellence, strong athletics, and state-of-the-art facilities.

Lockport Township High School District 205

Type: High School (9-12)
Serves: Lockport, Homer Glen, parts of Joliet and Romeoville
Website: lths.org
Phone: (815) 588-8000

Schools:

  • Lockport Township High School (Central Campus)
  • Lockport Township High School (East Campus)

Elementary & Middle School Districts

New Lenox School District 122

Serves: New Lenox
Type: Elementary (K-8)
Website: nlsd122.org
Students continue to Lincoln-Way High School District 210

Summit Hill School District 161

Serves: Frankfort, Mokena
Type: Elementary (K-8)
Website: sd161.org
Students continue to Lincoln-Way High School District 210

Homer Community Consolidated School District 33C

Serves: Homer Glen, Lockport
Type: Elementary (K-8)
Website: homerschools.org
Students continue to Lockport Township High School District 205

Fairmont School District 89

Serves: Lockport
Type: Elementary (K-8)
Website: fairmont89.org
Students continue to Lockport Township High School District 205

Mokena School District 159

Serves: Mokena
Type: Elementary (K-8)
Website: mokena159.org
Students continue to Lincoln-Way High School District 210

Frankfort Community Consolidated School District 157C

Serves: Frankfort
Type: Elementary (K-8)
Website: fsd157c.org
Students continue to Lincoln-Way High School District 210

Manhattan School District 114

Serves: Manhattan
Type: Elementary (K-8)
Website: manhattan114.org
Students continue to Lincoln-Way High School District 210

Other Will County Districts

Additional districts serving Will County communities:

  • Troy Community Consolidated School District 30C (Shorewood, Joliet)
  • Crete-Monee Community Unit School District 201U (Crete, Monee)
  • Peotone Community Unit School District 207U (Peotone)
  • Wilmington Community Unit School District 209U (Wilmington)
  • Reed-Custer Community Unit School District 255U (Braidwood)
  • Elwood Community Consolidated School District 203
  • Channahon School District 17
  • Minooka Community Consolidated School District 201

Private & Parochial Schools

Will County also has numerous private and religious schools:

  • Catholic Schools: Diocese of Joliet operates multiple elementary and high schools
  • Christian Schools: Various denominations operate K-12 schools
  • Montessori Schools: Alternative education options
  • Joliet Catholic Academy: Private Catholic high school in Joliet
  • Providence Catholic High School: Private Catholic high school in New Lenox

Higher Education

Joliet Junior College

Community college serving Will County and surrounding areas. Offers associate degrees, certificates, workforce training, and transfer programs to four-year universities.

Location: 1215 Houbolt Road, Joliet
Website: jjc.edu

University of St. Francis

Private Catholic university offering undergraduate and graduate programs.

Location: 500 Wilcox Street, Joliet
Website: stfrancis.edu

Lewis University

Private Catholic university (located in Romeoville) offering undergraduate and graduate programs.

Location: One University Parkway, Romeoville
Website: lewisu.edu

School Selection Considerations

When choosing a home based on schools, consider:

  • District Boundaries: Verify your address falls within desired district
  • School Ratings: Research performance on state assessments
  • Class Sizes: Student-teacher ratios vary by district
  • Programs: Special education, gifted programs, arts, athletics
  • Facilities: Age and condition of school buildings
  • Extracurriculars: Clubs, sports, and activities offered
  • Transportation: Bus service availability and routes
  • Property Taxes: School taxes make up largest portion of property tax bill

School Enrollment

To enroll your child:

  1. Verify Address: Confirm your home is in the school district
  2. Gather Documents: Birth certificate, immunization records, proof of residency
  3. Contact District: Call or visit district office for enrollment procedures
  4. Complete Registration: Fill out required forms and provide documentation
  5. School Assignment: District assigns student to appropriate school

Resources for Parents

  • Illinois State Board of Education: isbe.net - District report cards and data
  • School District Websites: Calendars, policies, contact information
  • GreatSchools.org: School ratings and reviews
  • District Office: Contact for specific questions about enrollment, boundaries, programs

Moving to Will County? Learn more about our communities in our About Will County guide and check out Property Tax information since school taxes are a major portion of your tax bill.