Our School

Thank you for visiting the Whittier School website. We have a long tradition of academic achievement, student participation, and parent involvement. Whittier prides itself on the ability to enhance the lives of our students and maintain a positive role in the community by providing a respectful, nurturing, and challenging environment that will enable each child to reach his/her full potential. We strive to create the best learner-focused classrooms possible in order to meet the needs of each of our students. Whittier is a great place to learn!

Whittier's Vision Statement

Whittier strives to develop lifelong learners within a caring, safe, and healthy learning environment.  Our staff will be responsive to each student and collaborate with families and community. Our students will solve problems with perseverance, and develop a social conscience which enables them to contribute to their school, family, and community.  Together we will be respectful of diversity and inclusivity, and we will positively impact the world.

History

Named after American Poet John Greenleaf Whittier, Whittier School opened its doors to 114 students in 1928.  The school now serves just over 300 students in grades K-6 and houses the Gifted and Talented Program for Downers Grove Grade School District 58.  We celebrated our 80th anniversary in 2008.  In September of 2009 Whittier School was recognized as an historical building by the Downers Grove Historical Society.  A bronze plaque commemorating this honor is at our main entrance.

Whittier School is a small neighborhood school that benefits from a high level of parent involvement.  Our belief statements begin with a powerful message that clarifies who we are: “Whittier School will enhance the lives of its students and maintain its positive role in the community by providing a respectful, nurturing, and challenging environment that will enable each child to reach his/her full potential.”  Our beliefs drive our actions and interactions.

School colors for the Whittier Jaguars are blue and gold.  Clubs and activities include Safety Patrol, Student Council, Choir, Band, and Orchestra.  Our PTA sponsors many additional programs and activities.