<p>I have lived in Chicago my whole life and concur that most of the suggestions you are receiving are strong schools, but echo the comment that most are located in very high cost areas. You can find good schools in the North, West, and South suburbs. If you want to get out in the sticks a bit, check out Saint Charles and Batavia. Less congested than Naperville. </p>
<p>If you like more established western burbs with easy access to the loop by train, check out Hinsdale, Oakbrook, or Elmhurst. On the Metra route in the NW are Park Ridge, Mount Prospect, Arlington Heights, Palatine, and Barrington. In the south, they are building like crazy in Plainfield, but this is a relatively new community and well off the beaten path. </p>
<p>The North Shore has strong public schools, but costs a fortune to live in most towns. Winnetka, Wilmette, Lake Forest, and Highland Park come to mind. </p>
<p>Private school may not be the best option for your son, but Chicago has some excellent parochial schools. I’ve had children in both public and private and can tell you there is partying in both. I can’t agree with Teriwtt comment that drug use or partying in general are more common in privates. You will hear this comment, but everyone that every said this to me never had a student in the private school they were talking about. I found the exact opposite as privates have less patience with repeat offenders and have the ability to easily remove problems. </p>
<p>At any rate, I think you will be pleasantly surprised by all of your options.</p>