Best School Districts in the Chicago South Suburbs: A Buyer’s Guide

When South Suburbs buyers tell us what matters most in a home search, school districts come up in almost every conversation. Illinois’s funding model means local districts vary dramatically in quality — and the South Suburbs are home to some of the best-performing public schools in the entire state.

Here’s what you need to know about South Suburbs school districts before you start your home search.

Top-Rated South Suburbs School Districts

Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 — Frankfort, New Lenox, Mokena, Manhattan

Lincoln-Way is consistently ranked among the top high school districts in Illinois and the country. With four high schools — Lincoln-Way Central (New Lenox), Lincoln-Way East (Frankfort), Lincoln-Way West (New Lenox), and Lincoln-Way North (Mokena) — the district serves communities across central Will County. The district offers rigorous AP coursework, dual-credit programs, award-winning athletics, and some of the highest ACT scores in Illinois.

Communities served: Frankfort, New Lenox, Mokena, Manhattan (for high school)
Why buyers choose it: Exceptional college preparation, high graduation rates, strong extracurricular programs

Lemont-Bromberek CSD 113A + Lemont Township High School District 210 — Lemont

Lemont’s school system is among the most celebrated in Illinois. Lemont High School has won multiple Illinois School Board Association Award for Excellence designations and consistently ranks in the top 10% of Illinois high schools. The elementary district feeds seamlessly into the high school, creating a cohesive K-12 experience. Lemont’s small-town feel combined with exceptional schools makes it one of the most desirable communities in the Southwest Suburbs.

Communities served: Lemont
Why buyers choose it: Award-winning schools, tight-knit community, strong home value retention

Homer Community Consolidated School District 33C + Lockport Township High School — Homer Glen, Lockport

Homer Glen feeds into Lockport Township High School, which offers a strong academic program, excellent vocational and technical education tracks, and robust athletic programs. Homer CCSD 33C includes highly rated elementary schools that prepare students well for high school success. Homer Glen’s newer housing developments attract families specifically for this school corridor.

Communities served: Homer Glen, Lockport
Why buyers choose it: Strong K-12 pipeline, diverse programming, more affordable home prices than Frankfort/New Lenox

Orland School District 135 + Carl Sandburg High School District 230 — Orland Park

Orland Park’s elementary schools (District 135) are consistently high-performing, and Carl Sandburg High School is one of the top schools in the south Cook County area. The district offers extensive AP course options, a nationally recognized music program, and strong athletics. Orland Park’s school system is a major driver of the community’s sustained real estate demand.

Communities served: Orland Park
Why buyers choose it: Excellent reputation, diverse extracurriculars, strong community identity, south Cook County location

Tinley Park Elementary District 146 + Andrew High School (Matteson District 218) — Tinley Park

Tinley Park feeds into Victor J. Andrew High School, which offers a full range of AP courses, honors programming, and strong college placement. The community’s elementary schools are well-regarded and the overall K-12 experience is solid. Tinley Park’s more affordable price point relative to Frankfort and New Lenox makes it an attractive option for families who prioritize value.

Communities served: Tinley Park, Frankfort (partially)
Why buyers choose it: Good schools at a lower price point, Metra access to Chicago

How School Districts Affect Home Prices in the South Suburbs

School district boundaries directly impact property values throughout the South Suburbs. Homes in Lincoln-Way and Lemont school districts typically command a 10–20% premium compared to similar homes in adjacent districts. This premium is especially pronounced for single-family homes with 3+ bedrooms — the primary target for families with school-age children.

When analyzing comparable sales for buyers and sellers, Krembo Group always considers school district boundaries as a primary factor — even homes on the same street can have meaningfully different values if they fall in different districts.

How to Check School District Boundaries in the South Suburbs

  • Illinois Report Card — illinoisreportcard.com — state data on every IL school district
  • GreatSchools.org — ratings, test scores, and parent reviews for individual schools
  • Niche.com — school district rankings and community comparisons
  • County Assessor Websites — search by address to confirm exact district assignment
  • Your Krembo Group agent — Dan can confirm exact school boundaries for any address you’re considering

Search Homes by School District

Looking for homes in a specific school district? Browse current listings by community:

Need help identifying homes in your preferred school district? Contact Dan Krembuszewski at Krembo Group — (708) 921-0035. Dan can filter your search by exact school boundaries and find homes that meet your district requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions About South Suburbs School Districts

What is the best school district in the Chicago South Suburbs?

Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 is widely considered the top school district in the Chicago South Suburbs, covering Frankfort, New Lenox, Mokena, and Manhattan for high school. Lemont-Bromberek and Lemont Township High School District is also elite. At the elementary level, New Lenox Elementary District 122 and Frankfort CCSD 157C are consistently top-ranked.

Does the school district affect home value in the South Suburbs?

Yes, significantly. Homes in the Lincoln-Way and Lemont school districts typically sell for 10–20% more than comparable homes in adjacent districts. The school district premium is most pronounced for 3-bedroom+ single-family homes — the primary choice for families with school-age children. Krembo Group always factors school district boundaries into pricing analysis for buyers and sellers.

Which South Suburbs town has the best schools for the money?

Mokena consistently offers the best value for school quality. Homes are slightly more affordable than Frankfort while still feeding into Lincoln-Way North High School. New Lenox is a close second — excellent schools with a wider range of price points than Frankfort. Manhattan offers the most affordable entry into the Lincoln-Way district but has a more rural character.

Can I buy a home in the South Suburbs and choose my school district?

No — school district assignment is based on your home’s address, not your preference. Some communities span multiple elementary districts even within the same town. It’s critical to confirm the exact school district for any specific property before purchasing. Krembo Group verifies district boundaries for every home we help clients purchase.