West Aurora School District 129 includes the communities of North Aurora, Aurora and Montgomery about 50 miles west of Chicago along the Fox River. The district serves a growing and diverse population from its urban, suburban and rural areas. The student population is 46.2% Non-Hispanic Caucasian, 19.4% African-American; 32.5% Hispanic; 1.7% Asian and .1% Native American.

The mission of the district is to provide a positive learning environment that guides all students toward life long learning by maximizing academic, social, emotional and physical growth.

The District houses 11,500 plus students in 12 elementary (K-5) schools and three (6-8) middle schools, one high school and one special-education facility.

The district is allocating more than $70 million in bonds and grants to build an additional middle school, a new elementary school and additions to three other facilities. The funds also are being used to renovate existing buildings and acquire equipment and technology.

West Aurora High School last year produced 65 Illinois State Scholars, eight National Merit Scholars and 80 Presidential Academic Award for Excellence Winners. Sixty percent of the West High Class of 2004 is attending college.

The district has formed dozens of partnerships that provide valuable economic and educational benefits to the students and staff. These include a partnership with Aurora University for the Institute for Collaboration in Education and Health Services; the Before and After School Program in partnership with the YWCA, Heritage YMCA and People for Child Care; and the Health, Freshman and Hospitality Academies.

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