Summary:
Zip code 60463 in Palos Heights, Illinois, is served by six schools across three districts, offering a complete K-12 pipeline with a unique, age-segmented elementary structure that produces standout results.
The educational landscape is dominated by the highly-rated Palos Heights School District 128, which operates four schools: Indian Hill (PK-K), Chippewa Elementary School (1-3), Navajo Heights Elementary School (4-5), and Independence Junior High School (6-8). This split elementary model is clearly working, as all District 128 schools significantly outperform state averages. Independence Junior High School is the standout, earning a 5-star rating and ranking in the 91st percentile statewide, with exceptional English Language Arts (87.4% proficient) and Science (74.7% proficient) scores. Chippewa Elementary School is a hidden gem in math, with 84.6% of 3rd graders proficient—far exceeding the state average of 49.6%. Meanwhile, Palos East Elementary School, part of the 5-star rated Palos CCSD 118, is a model of consistency, maintaining top ratings for three consecutive years.
The most significant concern is the "Palos Heights Paradox": the stark drop-off at the high school level. A B Shepard High School, part of Chsd 218, is the only school with a 1-star district rating and underperforms state averages in all subjects. Despite spending the most per student ($25,204), it has a high chronic absenteeism rate (29.6%) and a low graduation rate. Additionally, Indian Hill has a troubling chronic absenteeism rate of 22.7% for a PK-K school, nearly double the district average, which warrants immediate attention. Overall, families in 60463 have excellent elementary and middle school options, but should be aware of the challenges at the high school level.
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