Welcome to District 99!

Dr. Hank Thiele
District 99 Superintendent

Community High School District 99 is located in Downers Grove, Illinois. Our two-school high school district includes Downers Grove North High School and Downers Grove South High School—two of the most prominent high schools in the Chicago area and in Illinois. Both schools have a rich history of excellence in academics, performing arts, athletics and activities.

Our district initiatives are continuously focused on increasing student achievement, and in the 2022-23 school year we launched our new five-year Strategic Plan, "Future Focused, Future Ready." You can read more about the plan here and our 2023-24 goals this year here.  

Throughout the years, our accomplishments have included:

  • Supporting all students, on all academic levels. We encourage students to enroll in challenging honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and also identify and support those students who need additional interventions to succeed.
  • Developing curricula to align to rigorous state standards. Our faculty members have designed integrated math courses as well as measures to assess speaking, listening and writing into all of our academic departments.
  • Focusing on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) curriculum, including courses such as AP Environmental Science and Principles of Engineering. We also offer STEM summer academic camps for middle school students.
  • Partnering with community businesses and organizations to provide programs for students that better prepare them for the future world of work.
  • Developing and completing a comprehensive Master Facility Plan with input from the community, ensuring that our environment is prepared for 21st century teaching and learning. 

Our work during will continue to grow student achievement. With the guidance and leadership of our Board of Education, we will continue following our mission to provide high quality educational opportunities for all students in a caring, student-centered environment.

I value and recognize that it is the combined efforts of our teachers, staff, parents, volunteers and administrators that make our schools such outstanding places for our students to learn and grow. Thank you!

I look forward to serving you,

Dr. Hank Thiele
District 99 Superintendent