Winnetka is a primarily residential village of four square miles, located on the shore of Lake Michigan twenty miles north of Chicago. A convenient forty minute drive or train ride to Chicago allows ready access to the city for cultural activities and professional sports events. Ravinia Festival Park, the summer home of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, is ten minutes north of Winnetka. Northwestern University, Lake Forest College and National-Louis University are close by.

Incorporated in 1869, Winnetka derives its name from the Native American word for “beautiful land.” The forest preserves on the village’s western border features many acres of magnificent lagoons and wooded picnic sites. Winnetka has a relatively stable population of approximately 12,420 and contains 4,310 housing units, which are predominately upscale single-family residences. The traditional architecture and well-maintained lawns along tree-lined streets of this attractive suburb reflect the pride that citizens take in their community.

Continued citizen support of the Park District allows extensive use of two public golf courses, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, paddle tennis courts, an indoor ice skating rink, several beaches, a boat launch area and many parks. An exceptional variety of recreational activities are available for children and families throughout the year. Annual fairs, parades, holiday celebrations and contests foster a strong sense of community identity. Some fifty organizations attract adults with interests ranging from history, historic preservation, gardens and government to sports, music, arts and theater.

Another source of local pride is the Winnetka Community House, which has enriched the lives of residents by providing educational, recreational, fine arts and fitness activities for all ages. This unique institution is supported entirely by citizen donations in addition to user fees and rentals.

A further example of the child-centered nature of the community is the nonprofit Winnetka Alliance for Early Childhood. The Alliance was founded by village organizations dedicated to promoting the healthy growth and development of young children from birth to age eight.

A community with affluence, advanced academic degrees and professional success of many of its residents, Winnetka remains a friendly, informal, family-focused community that values education and achievement yet possesses a strong sense of civic and social responsibility. Many families moved to Winnetka because of its nationally recognized school system and remain as “empty nesters” because of their enduring attachment to the village.

Community members’ participation in the schools is considerable and their expectations for the schoolhouse and for their children are high. They provide learning opportunities outside of school for their children and enrichment in the areas of travel, cultural exposure, and sports participation.