Park Ridge - Niles

Welcome to the District 64 website from Philip V. Bender, Ph.D., Superintendent

Thank you for taking time to visit our website and learn more about District 64. We are proud of our schools and of the accomplishments of our students and staff, and invite you to learn more about us.

School District 64 is comprised of more than 600 staff members who provide a rich academic program and positive learning environment for our approximately 4,400 students. We have five elementary schools, Carpenter, Field, Franklin, Roosevelt and Washington, two middle schools, Emerson and Lincoln, and an early childhood special education center and extended day program at Jefferson School.

As stated in our Strategic Plan:  "The mission of District 64, a vital partnership of staff, families and community, is to inspire all students to embrace learning, discover their strengths, and achieve personal excellence in order to thrive in and contribute to a rapidly changing world by providing a rich, rigorous and innovative curriculum integrating civil behavior and fostering resilience."

We pride ourselves on our commitment to serving the needs of the “whole child” -- academic, social and emotional needs. The strong academic performance of our students, supported by staff, parents, and the community at large, allows us to enhance our challenging curriculum with lessons in developing civil behavior and emotional intelligence skills.

Our standard curriculum includes instruction in Language Arts (reading, writing, speaking and listening), Science, Social Studies, and Mathematics. Students in second through fifth grades learn Spanish, with the opportunity to study either Spanish or French in grades 6-8. Students also receive instruction in Physical Education and the Fine Arts; an extensive elective program is offered at the middle schools.

In addition to our gifted and special education programs, instruction in the general classrooms is differentiated to meet the diverse learning needs of our students. Technology is incorporated into our classrooms and curriculum. Our schools are fully computerized and networked.

Parent and community involvement is both welcomed and strongly encouraged. Our PTO/A’s and the District 64 Educational Learning Foundation (ELF) provide substantial support for our schools. Seniors work or volunteer in our schools, offering our students many opportunities for intergenerational connections.

On behalf of the Board of Education, I welcome you to visit our schools, listen to our students, and watch our outstanding staff in action!