Forest Park Individual Ed School

Forest Park Individual Education (I.E.) School is a magnet elementary school serving approximately 300 students in grades K–5 in Joliet, Illinois. Under the leadership of Principal Jacob Darley, the school offers a unique educational environment grounded in Corsini’s 4R/Adlerian philosophy, emphasizing academics, individual responsibility, creative exploration, and counseling support. Forest Park attracts a racially diverse population across District 86 and requires families to attend an orientation, submit an application, and commit to the school’s guiding philosophy.The tight-knit setting includes one-on-one attention and fosters holistic development. Located at 1220 California Avenue, the school operates within Joliet’s vibrant elementary education community.

In February 2025, Forest Park I.E. was named an Illinois School of Character, the only school in the state honored in that year.In May–June 2025, it achieved even higher recognition by being designated a National School of Character, one of just 71 schools nationwide, marking the second time Forest Park has received this prestigious national honor (first was in 2020). Additionally, Forest Park rose to an "exemplary" ranking in the District 86 elementary school ratings—surpassing the previous “commendable” level—with proficiency rates of 41.6% in ELA and 23.4% in math, outperforming district averages.

Q1: What is the principal's name at Forest Park I.E. School? A: The current principal is Jacob Darley Q2: What educational philosophy does the school follow? A: Forest Park I.E. implements Corsini’s 4R/Adlerian philosophy, emphasizing a holistic developmental approach that includes academics, social responsibility, creative exploration, and counseling Q3: How does the school select students? A: Families attend an informational orientation, complete an application form, are placed on a waiting list, and upon selection sign a contract committing to the school's philosophy Q4: What recognition has the school received recently? A: Forest Park I.E. was named an Illinois School of Character in February 2025 and was honored as a National School of Character in May–June 2025, the latter being its second time receiving this national designation (first was in 2020) Q5: How does Forest Park perform academically compared to other district schools? A: In the 2024 ratings, Forest Park was the only elementary school in District 86 to earn an exemplary status, with 41.6% ELA and 23.4% math proficiency—well above the district average