Wayne Thomas Elementary School
Highland Park, IL 60035
Phone: (224) 765-3900
District: North Shore School District 112
GreatSchools Rating
public • Grades KG,1,2,3,4,5 • 432 students
Wayne Thomas Elementary School, a public school located in Highland Park, IL, serves grades K-5 in the North Shore School District 112.It has received a GreatSchools Rating of 7 out of 10, based on a variety of school quality measures.
Wayne Thomas Elementary School is a public school located in Highland Park, IL. 432 students attend Wayne Thomas Elementary School.
School Ratings
| Category | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Test Scores | 9/10 | The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2025 Illinois Assessment of Readiness data from Illinois State Board of Education, and using 2025 Illinois Science Assessment data from Illinois State Board of Education. |
| Student Growth | 4/10 | The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2025 Student growth data from Illinois State Board of Education. |
Posted: April 17, 2025
We couldnt be happier with our experience at Wayne Thomas Elementary School. The teachers are truly excellent dedicated, passionate, and consistently going above and beyond to support each child's learning and development. Our children have thrived both academically and socially, and we credit so much of that to the incredible staff and supportive environment.
The parent community and PTO are equally impressive. Families are engaged and actively involved, creating a strong sense of connection and shared purpose. There are so many meaningful volunteer opportunities throughout the year, which makes it easy to get involved and stay connected to whats happening in the classroom and around the school.
Its no surprise that the school received an Exemplary rating in Illinois its a reflection of the outstanding leadership, dedicated teachers, and collaborative spirit that defines this school. We feel truly fortunate to be part of such a wonderful and diverse learning community and would highly recommend it to any family looking for a nurturing, high-quality educational environment.
Posted: April 17, 2025
Posted: April 17, 2025
Posted: April 17, 2025
Posted: April 17, 2025
Posted: April 17, 2025
Posted: April 17, 2025
Posted: April 17, 2025
Posted: April 2, 2025
Posted: April 2, 2025
Posted: April 2, 2025
Posted: April 2, 2025
Posted: April 2, 2025
Posted: April 2, 2025
Posted: April 2, 2025
Posted: April 2, 2025
My son has been the victim of significant bullying and harassment this year. Unfortunately, the staff has shown little concern for the issue. Im deeply disappointed in this school. Until they take a hard look at their internal problems and make meaningful changes, I dont believe they deserve to receive any further awards.
Posted: January 21, 2024
Posted: January 21, 2024
Posted: January 21, 2024
Posted: January 21, 2024
Posted: January 21, 2024
Posted: January 21, 2024
Posted: January 21, 2024
Posted: January 21, 2024
Posted: January 21, 2024
We have two children at Wayne Thomas, currently fourth and second grade. Theyve been there since kindergarten. We are a special-needs family with a 504 and our needs always feel supported. Every staff member checks in, from the administrative assistant to the librarian. We know we can go to anyone at any time and they know our children, really know them.
Theres a program called Success Block that pairs children into groups for 30 mins a day where theyre learning something based on their learning level, whether they are needing a little extra help or if they are advanced learners.
There is a school-wide program called The Leader in Me which teaches social skills like accountability, inclusion and leadership, parents and families included.
Our kids have enjoyed participating in groups such as student council and robotics as well as after school activities such as Chess Scholars and Smart Start Art.
I could go on, but just know that this is an amazing school and an amazing community. I am grateful.
Posted: January 10, 2024
We have a daughter in 1st grade and a son entering Kindergarten this coming school year, and we couldn't be happier with Wayne Thomas! We were hesitant when we saw the school's scores when we first moved up to the city 7 years ago, but the current district and school leadership is exceptional (which is obviously reflected in the current scores) as is the school's PTO. In addition, the area is close to the lake and has numerous activities to offer for families (we especially like walking to Highwood for dinner, including weekly food trucks / concerts in the park).
Posted: January 10, 2024
Posted: January 10, 2024
Posted: January 10, 2024
Posted: January 10, 2024
Posted: January 10, 2024
Posted: January 10, 2024
Posted: January 10, 2024
Posted: August 21, 2023
Wayne Thomas is exemplary. My kids have had a phenomenal experience going to school here. The teachers work so hard with each individual student. The leadership at the school is excellent. Communication is also worth raving about. As parents we get a weekly update from the principal, in addition to the teacher updates. There are opportunities to volunteer with the PTO as well. My kids rave about all their teachers and are excited to be at school. I cant say enough great things about all the staff at Wayne Thomas!
Posted: August 21, 2023
Posted: August 21, 2023
Posted: August 21, 2023
Posted: August 21, 2023
Posted: August 21, 2023
Posted: August 21, 2023
Posted: August 21, 2023
Posted: October 30, 2019
Posted: October 30, 2019
Our family has now experienced three different teachers at WT and each has been remarkably hands-on and engaged. My children feel cared for and safe.
Posted: October 30, 2019
Leader in Me school as of 2019/2020 school year.
Posted: October 30, 2019
Amazing Principal! We are a military family and were nervous about starting our children (Kinder and 4th) at this school due to its 6/10 rating online. Wayne Thomas has a new Principal as of the 18/19 school year who has been hands-down the most amazing school leader out of the six schools my children have attended all over the U.S. After my daughter's first two days, the Principal called to ask how she was transitioning into the new school and genuinely cared about her well-being as the "new kid". How absolutely relieved we were to have that kind of support! He and the Vice Principal also personally welcomed every single new Kindergartener to WT at each of their homes prior to the first day of school. THAT is commitment. We fully expect to see that 6/10 score skyrocket after another year or so with Mr. Rodrigo in charge!
Posted: October 30, 2019
Posted: October 30, 2019
Posted: October 30, 2019
This school exceeded our hopes and expectations! We are so thankful to have such a great place for our children to attend.
Posted: January 16, 2018
Posted: January 16, 2018
Posted: January 16, 2018
Very helpful teachers in all the grades while my son was at this school. Zero tolerance in Bullying. As a Parent I had a peace of mind knowing my son is safe. Thank you to all the Staff at Wayne Thomas.
Posted: January 16, 2018
Posted: January 16, 2018
Posted: January 16, 2018
Posted: January 16, 2018
Posted: January 16, 2017
Really great teachers. My son's favorite won the prestigious Golden Apple award!
Posted: December 7, 2016
The social worker and the art teacher both told my child to his face: "You know you have problems, right?" The advanced learning teacher threw his stuff in the trash can during class. He would come home crying every day.
Posted: December 7, 2016
Posted: December 7, 2016
Posted: December 7, 2016
Posted: December 7, 2016
Posted: December 7, 2016
They are mean to my boy that is in 4th grade.
Posted: December 7, 2016
Posted: June 23, 2014
I have two boys attending this school. Teachers are passionate about teaching and Principal Deeley is doing a good job managing the school. My only recommendation is a bright/gifted program to continue challenging the minds of academically gifted kids.
Reviews provided by GreatSchools™
| # | Name | Type | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Forrestal Military Community | Neighborhood/Subdivision | North Chicago | IL | 6.9 mi | |
| 2 | Forest City Nimitz | Neighborhood/Subdivision | North Chicago | IL | 7.6 mi | |
| 3 | Woodlake Apartments | Apartment Complex | Gurnee | IL | 12 mi | |
| 4 | Reserve at Eagle Ridge | Apartment Complex | Waukegan | IL | 14.8 mi |
| # | Name | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Libertyville | Libertyville | IL | 8.5 mi | |
| 2 | Waukegan | Waukegan | IL | 11.1 mi |
| Base | Distance |
|---|---|
| Great Lakes Naval Station | 6.8 mi. |
| Coast Guard Chicago | 31.2 mi. |
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