James Whitcomb Riley School opened in the fall of 1971. It is part of School District #21, which serves parts of Buffalo Grove, Wheeling, Northbrook, Mt. Prospect, Prospect Heights, as well as part of Arlington Heights. Currently, the District consists of nine elementary schools (K--5) and three middle schools.

The boundaries for Riley are Dundee Road on the north, Buffalo Grove Road on the east, Hintz road on the south, and Arlington Heights Road on the west. The Riley Building currently houses approximately 350 students in grades K--5.

The Riley instructional program carefully follows a detailed document that the staff develops each spring. This document not only contains the blueprint for the grade-level, multiage, and other school wide academic programs. This plans also includes the budget for the year. Parents are welcome to examine these program plans in the District Administrative Offices or at the school.

The building theme is A Great Beginning for Tomorrow's World. These theme reflects the continuing efforts to provide the best possible education for students so that they can meet the challenges of the future. We accept the fact that children are unique individuals with diverse talents, learning capacities, interests, and values. We implement curriculum and social programs that best complement these vast differences.

With the cooperation of students, parents and staff working together to provide the best educational environment for the Riley community, our school will continue to be A Great Beginning for Tomorrow's World as we approach the 21st Century.