We can be contacted at 1900 East Kensington Road, Mt. Prospect, IL 60056  Phone: 847-297-4120, Fax: 847-297-4124

Map courtesy of Cartographic Services, Inc., 17 W. Naperville Rd., Westmont, IL 60559 (All rights reserved.)

Within a distance of five miles are four major medical centers and hospitals. The district’s tax base includes the Randhurst Shopping Center and Kensington Business Center.

Residents are served by three park districts: River Trails, Mt. Prospect, and Des Plaines; and two community colleges: Harper and Oakton. In addition, Roosevelt University, National-Louis University, and Northern Illinois University have off-campus sites nearby.

Registration
Students entering school must present up to date medical records, including a physical examination by a licensed physician and immunization records. Children must be age 5 by September 1st to enroll in kindergarten, as verified by an official birth certificate. Proof of residency is required to enroll students in District 26 schools.

The district enjoyed spectacular growth in the 1960's. In 1959, the fall enrollment was 238 students. By 1971 the district had 3180 students, a growth of over 1300 percent. In one decade, what had been a small rural district was transformed into a suburban public school district consisting of seven buildings. In 1964, the district's name was changed to River Trails. Enrollment declined dramatically in the 1970's, but since1985 it has gradually increased and is expected to range between 1,750 to 2,000 through the year 2003.

In 1995, the district celebrated its100 year anniversary. The history of the community and its progress are tied closely together with the history of River Trails Elementary School District 26 and the education of its students. As the District 26 community enters the Twenty First Century it can take pride in the far sighted individuals and groups who worked to form the foundations of the district. It can take pride in its dedicated staff, its well-maintained buildings, its excellent transportation program, high student achievement, and high parental and volunteer involvement.

Curriculum
The district has a comprehensive curriculum that places great emphasis on the basics as well as providing for a variety of enrichment programs. Among the curriculum offerings are art, music, band, orchestra, chorus, drama, life skills, computer education, and algebra. River Trails School District 26 students consistently score above state averages on the Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT). A copy of the State Report Card is available upon request by calling 847-297-4120.

Technology
The Board of Education has an approved 3-year technology plan that recognizes the increasingly important role technology plays in the instructional process. Each school has a computer lab, and there computers in each classroom. Infrastructure, hardware and software improvements have been a Board priority. New science labs at River Trails Middle School incorporate up-to-date technology.

Special Education Services
District 26 offers a full continuum of special education programs and related services to eligible students. The district works with the Northwest Suburban Special Education Organization (NSSEO) to provide these services to district residents between the ages of 3 and 15.

Staff
The district employs a professional staff of over 130 teachers, specialists, and administrators, more than 50% of whom have earned advanced degrees. In addition, the district employs more than 50 Educational Support Staff (i.e., bus drivers, aides, kitchen employees, and secretaries).

Student Population
District 26 Schools serve a diverse population. Diverse student needs are met through programs such as special education, bilingual, and English As A Second Language.

Parent/Teacher Organizations
Each school has an active parent/teacher organization that sponsors events and fund raising activities. Most important, the parent/teacher organizations provide many hours of volunteer services to the schools.

School Organization
The district is organized into two K-5 elementary buildings and one 6-8 middle school. The buildings are clean, well maintained and equipped. In 1991, the district buildings were remodeled and expanded to accommodate increasing enrollment.