Schools
New La Grange School Fails Fire Inspection: Village
The school did not get a business license and needs a special-use permit, according to a village memo.
LA GRANGE, IL – A private school has opened in La Grange's First Congregational Church, but failed to get a permit from the village, according to public records.
In late August, the village found out Tallgrass Sudbury School, which used to be in Riverside, was operating on the first floor of the church, which is at 100 Sixth Ave.
The school did not get the required local business license, which nonprofit groups must also seek, according to a village memo. The village also determined current zoning does not allow a school, so it must receive a special-use permit.
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On Tuesday, the village's Plan Commission plans to hold a hearing on whether to grant a permit.
As part of business licensing, the village conducts a fire inspection. On Oct. 16, the school failed its inspection and was given 30 days to correct the issues. Such a period is granted when fire violations do not impose an immediate threat.
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The school has since said it corrected violations such as light-duty extension cords, out-of-place ceiling tiles and non-flame retardant materials, according to the village memo. But the school said the church has yet to correct its problems.
In seeking a special-use permit, the school said its students do not have an adverse effect on the neighborhood.
"They do frequent the downtown area for lunch," the church said. "However, they are (held) to the school's rules and regulations while outside, and any unwanted behavior will remove their freedom to leave the building."
According to the school's application, it provides a "democratic community" for students 5 to 18 years old. The students, it said, can pursue their own interests, leading to confident, independent people.
Founded in 2008, the school has had a number of homes in the western suburbs over the years.
The school said it now has 34 students. It runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with students allowed to arrive anytime between 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
The students must be in school for 5½ hours a day, based on Illinois standards, it said.
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