General Information and Brief History

Chaney-Monge Elementary School District 88 is located in the City of Crest Hill, County of Will in northeastern Illinois. Established in 1916 through the efforts of local industrialist Cassius C. Chaney, District 88 continues to be a true neighborhood school for the children residing in the eastern half of the town bounded by Joliet to the south, Lockport on the east, Romeoville to the north and Richland District 88A to the west. The notorious Stateville Penitentiary sprawls over half of the District's 4.5 square miles and George Mikan, Mr. Basketball and the NBA first "Big Man", was born and raised just a few blocks from the school's present location. James J. Monge, namesake of the Junior High, served the primarily eastern European-immigrant residents of the area for 39 years retiring in 1966. Prior to the incorporation of the City of Crest Hill in 1960, the old Chaney School headed by Mr. Monge was the focal point for formal education, recreation, social and political activities in the neighborhood.

Now, one attendance center houses 475 students and 50 employees on average daily during the school year. Over 95% of Chaney-Monge students will attend Lockport Township High School upon completing their elementary school education. Half of the students participate in the district's transportation and school meal programs. In addition to what may be termed a "traditional standards based" curriculum, students have the opportunity to receive instruction in music, art, technology. physical education and health. Illinois School and District Report Cards for Chaney-Monge District 88 may be accessed here. Additional comparative statistics including NCLB/AYP status may be found there as well.

The Chaney-Monge Parent Athletic Association, a totally self-funded, self governed independent agency, has been providing athletic opportunities at the instructional and inter-scholastic level since 1993. The Chaney-Monge Music Parents Association provides economic and volunteer support for the district’s band and chorus programs. Finally, the Chaney-Monge Parent-Teacher Organization supplies students, teachers and residents of the community with a full slate of educational, fun, fund-raising and service oriented activities throughout the year.