In a down market buyers and sellers need to consider all facets of property value. There is no doubt that property values are affected by their local school districts. What many prospective buyers fail to consider when buying a large home or condo is how that might work in an urban city. In the Chicago Public School system there are choices. One of the obvious choices would be the local, or neighborhood school. This is especially true in today’s tough economy because enrollment in public school is free. Why pay high tuition for private schools if you can get an excellent education for your children at the local public school? And why buy a luxury home in a neighborhood that does not offer an excellent public school?

Whether your family now includes children, or you are planning to have children, or you just want your property values to stay strong, you must think about a home that is located in a school district that performs well even when buying in a big city. So if you are looking for a single family home or large condo, look at the Chicago Gold Coast neighborhood.

The Ogden Elementary School Main Campus for grades K-5 is located at 24 W. Walton Street. Students in grades 6-8 attend the Ogden West Campus located at 1250 W. Erie. The Ogden School District is a neighborhood public school. Known for the professional, energetic and progressive educational environment, Ogden School is a great example of what a Chicago Public School can be. Take a look at the 2007 Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT) for 8th graders:

Parents are pleased with the education and programs currently offered at Ogden as seen on www.gradeschools.net. Rated with 4 out of 5 stars, parents feel the learning environment is great, discipline is handled well, classroom sizes are good and there is good diversity amongst the population.

Ogden Elementary Schools offer a variety of extra programs to all students who wish to participate. They have a breakfast and lunch menu available. There is a sports program, after school programs, a Science Fair and a History Fair, just to mention a few.

In the news for those who are looking to High School, the Ogden School District is about to become one of Chicago’s first K-12 public schools. In 2009 Ogden will begin enrollment in OIHS; The Ogden International High School of Chicago. The formation of this high school will allow Ogden Schools to offer a continuum of educational best practices for both elementary and secondary school children. The visionary plan for this school is very high, expecting to maintain successful educational and community goals. As stated in the plan for the school, “We are dedicated to maintaining and improving the high standards of education for all students at Ogden School.

Our expectations remain high, but our goals attainable.

We envision our school as a community resource, a center for family-focused activities that benefit the entire community.”

Excitement about this new school is swelling. Informational meetings for potential students and parents are being held this winter.

Initially the new high school will enroll 140 students in the 9th grade beginning in September 2009 and grow to 560 students over four years, adding a new 9th grade each year thereafter. Each grade will be comprised of five sections of 28 students.

As a small school, OIHS will never grow beyond a maximum of 600 students. That is very appealing.

As stated in the mission for this school: “OIHS will develop a rich, rigorous college preparatory curriculum that prepares students for lifelong success in a global society.Ogden will embed internationalism in all aspects of the educational program.To this end, Ogden will use the Asia Society International Studies Schools Network Graduate Profile as the foundation for our school design and our education plan.” Students who graduate from this program will be ready to compete and perform with the best and brightest in the world.

As a resident and successful real estate agent in Chicago’s Gold Coast I am thrilled with the education to be found at Ogden Elementary School. I am very excited about the entrance of a flagship high school to the school district as well.

If you’d like to know more about the Ogden School District or the Ogden International High School of Chicago, call me at 312-264-5878.

Posted By: Randee Simborg.