School District Guide
Three Blue Ribbon High Schools: Finding Your Home in Indian Prairie 204
Ranked #9 in Illinois, with Grammy Award–winning music programs and 53 National Merit Semifinalists in a single graduating class
The District 204 Advantage
Indian Prairie Community Unit School District 204 is one of Illinois’s best-kept secrets in suburban real estate — ranked #9 in Illinois and #36 nationally by Niche, yet serving communities with home prices well below those of neighboring D203. The district educates approximately 26,000 students across 34 schools in Aurora, Bolingbrook, Lisle, and portions of Naperville and Plainfield, maintaining a student body where 63% of students score proficient in math (versus the state’s 27%) and 61% in reading (versus 30% statewide).
The three D204 high schools aren’t just ranked — they’re nationally decorated. Neuqua Valley High School (#12 in Illinois) was named a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Secretary of Education and has earned multiple Grammy Signature School and Grammy Signature Gold designations for its music program. Metea Valley (#32 in Illinois) earned a 2016 Grammy Signature Gold School honor. Waubonsie Valley High School (#49 in Illinois) has received six Grammy Awards total, and its show choir has ranked first in the nation five times. Across all three schools, the class of 2025 produced 53 National Merit Semifinalists.
The district’s diversity is a strength — with 39% Asian and 13% Hispanic enrollment alongside a multilingual student body, D204 has built comprehensive English Language Learning and gifted programming that serves a wide range of learners. A 95% four-year graduation rate (well above the 88% state average) and consistent college readiness metrics reflect a district that delivers at every level, not just for its highest achievers.
For buyers, D204 represents a rare value proposition: school quality that rivals the most expensive districts in the Chicago metro, available in communities where the median home price is meaningfully lower. Whether you’re drawn to south Naperville, Lisle’s Metra access, Bolingbrook’s affordability, or Aurora’s character neighborhoods, a D204 address is an investment in academic excellence that doesn’t require paying a premium for a prestigious ZIP code.
Schools at a Glance
Elementary Schools
Grades K–5
21 schools including Patterson, Cowlishaw, Clow, Graham, Kendall, McCarty, Owen, Peterson, Scullen, Spring Brook, and more
Middle Schools
Grades 6–8
Hill, Granger, Scullen, Still, Gregory, Crone, Bednarcik
High Schools
Grades 9–12
Neuqua Valley, Metea Valley, Waubonsie Valley
Popular Neighborhoods in District 204
From golf course estates to Metra-connected villages — here’s what makes each community unique
South Naperville
D204's corner of Naperville — newer subdivisions along Route 59 with the brand recognition of a Naperville address and the school quality of Indian Prairie. Buyers who want Naperville without the D203 price premium consistently land here.
Stonebridge (Aurora)
An upscale, gated golf course community in Aurora that punches well above the city's price average. Manicured surroundings, a private club atmosphere, and D204 school access attract executives and move-up buyers who want prestige at a relative discount.
Wheatlands
A fast-growing area along the Naperville–Plainfield border with newer construction, generous lot sizes, and modern open floor plans. Families drawn to D204's top-ranked schools find move-in-ready homes here at prices that would be hard to match closer to the Naperville core.
Bolingbrook
The most accessible entry point into D204 — a diverse, family-friendly city with a strong park system, solid infrastructure, and homes that offer exceptional square footage per dollar. For buyers prioritizing school quality on a defined budget, Bolingbrook delivers.
Lisle
An established, tree-lined community on the Metra BNSF line with a highly educated population (over 56% hold advanced degrees) and a quiet suburban character that keeps long-term residents rooted. A hidden gem for commuters who want D204 schools and a 45-minute train to the Loop.
Clow Creek Area
Established neighborhoods near the Bolingbrook–Naperville border, close to Clow International Airport and the Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve. A practical choice for families who want D204's Neuqua Valley or Metea Valley feeder schools with easy access to I-355.
District 204 Market Snapshot
Indian Prairie D204 sits in a compelling position in the Chicago suburban market: top-10 school quality at prices that consistently undercut comparable homes in D203 Naperville. Buyers who discover this gap — often through school-ranking research during a relocation search — move quickly, and homes feeding into Neuqua Valley or Metea Valley in particular tend to attract multiple offers. The district spans four distinct communities, each with its own price range and character, giving buyers real flexibility to find the right balance of budget, commute, and neighborhood feel within the same excellent school system. The live listings below show current inventory across the full D204 attendance area.
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