RIVER TRAIL SCHOOL

River Trail School is a public elementary school that is part of the Gurnee SD 56 school district, located in Gurnee, IL with about 499 students offering grade levels from Kindergarten to 8th Grade. With about 32 teachers, River Trail School has a student/teacher ratio of about 15:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

River Trail School, located at 333 N. O'Plaine Rd in Gurnee, Illinois, is a specialized educational facility within the Woodland Community Consolidated School District 50. The school serves as a therapeutic day program designed to support students in grades K–8 who require additional social, emotional, and behavioral assistance. By offering a smaller, more structured environment than a traditional neighborhood school, River Trail provides individualized attention and tailored support systems that help students navigate challenges while maintaining access to a standard academic curriculum.

The school is noted for its highly collaborative approach, emphasizing a multidisciplinary team that includes special education teachers, social workers, and behavioral specialists. This team works closely with students and their families to develop personalized learning plans that focus on skill-building, self-regulation, and academic growth. Because it functions as a district-wide resource, River Trail School plays a critical role in ensuring that all students within the Gurnee community have the appropriate tools and environment necessary to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

For more information, contact River Trail School at (847) 249-6253 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.