District 86: Some See Private Teachers As Option

HINSDALE, IL — A number of parents questioned Hinsdale High School District 86 officials on their plan for the new school year at last week's school board meeting. Many feared students would fall behind with just two days of in-person learning a week.

A Hinsdale Central parent told the school board she would dig in her own pocket to find a solution for the loss in in-person learning for her child.

"I'm going to be paying a private instructor to supplement learning for my child on the days he will not be here, and there are a lot of parents planning that," she said. "That's not equitable for everyone in the district," especially for those who cannot afford it.

But this solution could become popular at Hinsdale Central, one of the wealthiest schools in Illinois. According to state statistics, 6 percent of Central students come from low-income families, compared with nearly half statewide. In Hinsdale, the median household income is $189,000, three times that of Illinois', according to the U.S. Census.

According to a Washington Post report, parents are turning to hiring private teachers, a trend particularly among the wealthy.

Hinsdale High School District 86 officials announced their plan for the new school year at last week's meeting. It consists of two days of classes and three days of remote learning, but no lunch periods.