We have two children (ages 18 months and 5) with a third due in May, and moved to River Forest three years ago after seriously house-shopping for about two years. We looked on the North Shore, in Hinsdale and its neighboring towns, and in Oak Park and River Forest. We chose River Forest for its proximity to Chicago, its pleasing character, and for its schools—especially its elementary and middle schools.

Here’s the point: Despite our village’s many positive attributes, we would never have even considered buying here had the schools not been equal or superior to any other in the Chicago area.

In fact, as we were concluding our 18-month search specifically in Oak Park and River Forest, we affirmatively chose River Forest because test scores released during that time showed District 90 schools ranked approximately 10 percentage points higher than Oak Park’s schools. Of course, test scores are not everything, so we held our breath, bought our house, and hoped for the best.

To make a long story short: We were not disappointed. We could not be happier with our son’s experience at Lincoln School. And everything we’ve heard from other parents assures us that the excellence we have encountered will continue. For this reason, we heartily support the upcoming referendum and look forward to many years of living in River Forest.

Tom and Nancy Snyder
River Forest