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Chester Non-High School District #122
Since 1917, residents within the school district boundary of Prairie du Rocher school have attended High School at the parent's school of choice.
Because Prairie du Rocher does not have a high school, the Non-High School district is a legal entity that levies taxes to provide tuition and transportation for high school students to attend any public high school. If adequate funds are available, transportation is provided to schools contiguous to Prairie du Rocher. The 3 person Board of Education is committed to providing, at no cost to families, transportation to the high school's of Red Bud, Valmeyer and Waterloo. Tuition is covered completely for families. |
RSVP for May 22, 2024
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Public event for PdR families with current and upcoming high school students.
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Which School is Best?
We cannot recommend one school over another school. Each student's and families' needs are unique. Considerations may include: family tradition, academic class offerings, class or school size, athletics, community relationships, travel, test scores, climate survey, etc. We have provided links to the districts that are adjacent to PdR and their respective school report cards which will provide details on all the items listed above and much more.
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Enrolling in School
You will need to enroll/register directly with your school of choice. We maintain records of enrollment and attendance and are asking that when you know your chosen school before August that you let us know using the form below called "School Choice Notification". Your final school choice is not determined by this notification but where you choose to enroll.
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1. How do I know if i live in the prairie du rocher school district or the Non-High School District?
The home owner tax bill is usually correct and shows the school that receives the property taxes. If you reside at a property that lists for Chester Non-High School on the taxes you are a resident of the Non-High District. Additionally there are federal boundary maps available that show the exact boundaries based on proper taxes, which is fairly correct. During enrollment, schools will verify residency or investigate residency. If you need assistance with determining if you are in the school district, the following resources are available.
2. If my child graduated from Prairie du rocher are they automatically a Non-High Student?
Not necessarily. There is a 1965 statute that permits individuals living contiguous (next to) the Prairie du Rocher district boundaries they may attend PdR without tuition. In Illinois schools are mandated to charge tuition at a rate set by the Illinois State Board of Education based on each school's per pupil operating expense. Please see the question and answer for #1. 4. If I live in town am I a Non-High resident?
Yes, you reside within the Non-High District's boundaries. Please see QUESTION #1 for maps and evidence 5. Why is the name Chester Non-High when it serves only Prairie du Rocher?
The Non-High, by law, is named after the county seat. In the days of one room school houses, Sparta was the only high school in the region and until consolidations in the 1950s, Non-High Schools were common in Illinois. The Chester Non-High serving Prairie du Rocher is the last remaining Non-High School. Without Non-High Prairie du Rocher would have to consolidate with other districts and likely lose the local school. As the education in Prairie du Rocher is also derived from the Commons Fund established by King Louis XV of France and still in existence today, it is of great historical and cultural importance for the region, Illinois, and the United States. 6. How do I choose a School and May I choose a Private or other school than those next to Prairie du Rocher?
Only a public school may be chosen by the Non-High resident. Although other schools may be chosen than those provided, it is important to know that transportation will not be provided as the cost to transport through multiple district boundaries is not within the district's financial means and transportation may be provided if funding is adequate. Additionally, students may not reside in another district's boundaries and receive the choice provided by the Non-High School. Please visit the school's website and school report card for more information as there are a lot of factors to consider. Ultimately your choice should be what is best for the child and family. We recommend you consider what life after high school will be for your child and choose the school best suited to their individual aspirations for the future. 7. Do we get access to all that the school offers like athletics, Career & Tech Ed, and special education services?
Absolutely! There are no restrictions on Non-High participating with activities, athletics, academic offerings and the like. In addition, regional services and cooperatives such as the Career Center of Southern Illinois, Perandoe Special Education District, Alternative School, and Safe School are all extensions of our public schools with very limited exceptions. 8. HOW DO I ENROLL AND REGISTER FOR SCHOOL THIS YEAR?
You will need to contact the high school of your choice and may enroll at any time. However most schools provide registration dates for parents to provide all required documentation such as certified copies of birth certificates, immunizations, proof of residency, etc. We recommend that you contact your school of choice as soon as possible in order to facilitate a class schedule. Contacting a school's counselor will help tremendously with many questions about classes and the school in general. 9. What if I don't choose a school? Is there a school I will automatically attend?
Historically, most students have attended Red Bud. Currently, the only other school serving Non-High students is Waterloo. It is the parent's responsibility to enroll and register for classes at their school of choice. Non-high does not automatically enroll them and the Board of Non-High does not choose the school for parents. It is the sole right and responsibility of the parents. The board has no authority to choose for you and firmly believes in supporting parent authority for school choice. 10. Am I able to change schools at any time?
Though not addressed in the law specific for Non-High Schools, we believe that once registered with a school a child should complete the school year at the enrolled school. There are very few and extremely rare circumstances that may permit a change during the year. However, we believe it is extremely detrimental academically, socially, and, emotionally to change mid semester. If at all possible, enrollment in a new school should be at the start of a new school year or at the very least between semesters. Again, there are extenuating circumstances but those must be addressed on a case by case basis. |
