-
Oak Ridge School is directly aligned to District 300’s central mission: to provide engaging and inclusive educational experiences that empower and equip all students to discover, innovate, and succeed now and in the future.
Oak Ridge School is located in Carpentersville, Illinois, a northwest Chicago suburb in northern Kane County. Our school is approximately 3.6 miles north of the Interstate 90 and Route 25 interchange. Carpentersville has a population of 38,921, according to the United States Census.
In the 2024-25 school year, Oak Ridge School served 80 students throughout District 300. We celebrate our diverse student population:
Oak Ridge School is part of District 300, the 6th largest school district in Illinois based on student enrollment. District 300 serves over 23,000 students and covers 118 square miles in northern Illinois. The district includes 17 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, 3 high schools, 1 kindergarten through 8th grade school, 1 early childhood center, and 1 alternative school.
Mission Statement:
Oak Ridge School Community and Educational Opportunities provides an environment in which all students, parents, community, and staff work together to promote lifelong learning and responsible citizenship.
After a two year search for an in-district special education facility, Oak Ridge School, opened in 1998. The facility was erected as a mobile unit consisting of 3 office areas, a hallway, lunchroom, computer room and 3 classrooms on the former Oak Ridge Elementary School property that was still owned by the district. In 2001, an additional mobile unit containing a multipurpose room and two additional classrooms were attached to the rear of the structure. After the additional space was added, Oak Ridge school became the District 300 alternative education program for many of the special education and safe school students in grades 6-12 who would otherwise be out placed into non-district schools. In the spring of 2014, construction at the Oak Ridge new site began at 300 Cleveland Ave. in Carpentersville. During the summer of 2014, the old Oak Ridge building was demolished and the new building opened in August of 2014.
Students are referred to Oak Ridge for a variety of reasons. Enrollment at Oak Ridge could have accommodated up to 78 students across 6 separate classrooms. After the expansion in 2014, the number of classrooms increased to 10, allowing a maximum enrollment of 130 students.
Teachers use best practices and differentiated instruction to help students achieve success. For many, Oak Ridge School is a chance to remain in school and graduate. Students are expected to follow District 300 curriculum and expectations. All middle and high school students are enrolled in classes which are appropriate to their grade and achievement level. Classes are generally small and academic and behavior support is given daily. In 2023, an additional room was added for in school supervision due new Illinois guidance regarding restraint, timeout, and isolation.
At Oak Ridge School, students progress through a level system based on performance and achievement. The ultimate goal is for students to be able to mainstream back to their base school and be successful. Students who remain at Oak Ridge must meet District 300 high school graduation requirements to obtain a diploma.
Oak Ridge School students are able to participate in programs and activities to explore opportunities that exist past high school such as post secondary educational opportunities. Students also have the opportunity to meet with the school guidance counselor and social worker regarding community employment opportunities.
Fast Facts
- Mascot: Oak Trees
- School Colors: Navy and Gray
- Year Opened: 2014
