Waukegan, IL.... good area and schools or not?

Question

I recently was offered a teaching job at Jack Benny Middle School. I must admit, I applied and interviewed for the position without really knowing much about the area. I have not heard great things about Waukegan.... I have actually heard it being compared to south side Chicago. Now, the suburbs that I have lived and worked in are Lake in the Hills, Schaumburg, and Arlington Heights. They all had VERY good schools and involved parents. Most of the kids were eager to learn. This will be my first year teaching... can anyone out there give me some insight on the area and how their schools are? I need to tell them soon if I accept the position.

Answer 1

Sorry but Waukegan is a 180 degree difference from Schaumburg or Arlington Heights. It reminds me of Gary Indiana. It is not a place where I would want to work.

Compare....

For population 25 years and over in Waukegan

High school or higher: 66.5%

Bachelor's degree or higher: 16.3%

Graduate or professional degree: 5.5%

Unemployed: 9.7%

For population 25 years and over in Schaumburg

High school or higher: 91.8%

Bachelor's degree or higher: 38.9%

Graduate or professional degree: 12.3%

Unemployed: 3.1%

For population 25 years and over in Arlington Heights

High school or higher: 92.7%

Bachelor's degree or higher: 46.5%

Graduate or professional degree: 16.3%

Unemployed: 2.4%

Answer 2

wow thats crazy. i used to like in waukegan like 9 years ago. now i live in cali. well i liked my school. i went to a magnet school there and i got good grades. i dont know how it is now though