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Chicago District Completes Construction on New Elementary School

  • By Matt Jones
  • 05/19/26

Key Takeaways

  • The new Forrestal Elementary School was built through a partnership between North Chicago School District 187, the U.S. Navy and the Department of Defense, backed by more than $57 million in federal funding.
  • Designed with input from educators, students and families, the new facility aims to provide a stable, safe and modern learning environment for military-connected children.
  • District and Navy leaders said the project reflects a long-term commitment to supporting military families and strengthening the broader Great Lakes and North Chicago communities.

North Chicago School District 187 in North Chicago, Ill., recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Forrestal Elementary School, according to a news release. The new school marks a major investment in military-connected students and families at Naval Station Great Lakes.

The new state-of-the-art school, funded through a partnership between District 187, the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Department of Defense, was supported by a federal grant of more than $57 million. District officials said the facility was designed to serve generations of students while reflecting the unique needs of the Great Lakes community.

Located on Naval Station Great Lakes, Forrestal Elementary serves a large population of military families, many of whom face frequent relocations, deployments and the emotional challenges tied to military life. School leaders said the building was intentionally designed to provide a sense of stability, safety and belonging for students navigating those transitions.

Input from administrators, teachers, students and families helped shape the final design of the school. Bright, engaging learning spaces are paired with calming architectural elements meant to foster both academic success and emotional well-being.

According to district officials, the new facility replaces an aging building and offers expanded educational resources, updated technology and modern collaborative spaces that support 21st-century learning. The school is expected to officially welcome students later this spring ahead of the 2026-27 academic year.

District leaders and Navy representatives joined local officials and families for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, calling the project a symbol of the strong partnership between the school district and Naval Station Great Lakes. Organizers said the new Forrestal Elementary represents a long-term commitment to supporting children of military service members and strengthening the broader North Chicago community.

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

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