The top reported proficiency rate is 79% in English language arts. The lowest is 63% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Lake Zurich Middle - N Campus
Lake Zurich Middle - N Campus is a middle school serving grades 6 through 8 in Hawthorn Woods, a low-density residential village northwest of Chicago defined by large single-family homes on roughly one-acre lots, winding roads, and forested land. The school sits within Lake Zurich CUSD 95, which was recognized as a 2024 National Blue Ribbon district, a federal designation reflecting academic performance.
The school's test results show mixed performance across subjects. In English language arts, proficiency is stronger: sixth and seventh graders showed proficiency rates in the low to mid-range, while eighth grade proficiency climbed to the high level. Math proficiency is noticeably lower across all grades, falling into the mid-range for sixth and seventh grade and the low-to-mid range for eighth grade. Science results, available only for eighth grade, sit in the mid-range. State testing data for elementary grades served elsewhere in the district was not available, so the full academic picture across district primary schools cannot be assessed here.
When placed against the county's districts, this school's overall proficiency index sits above the midpoint, meaning its average proficiency rate across tested subjects and grades exceeds the median performance in Lake County. That said, the underlying math results warrant attention. A parent considering the school may want to look into the math program directly with school staff to understand how the school is addressing that gap and what supports exist for students who need strengthening in that area.
The school itself draws from a modest enrollment spread across three grades. The student body is predominantly white, with smaller representations of Asian, Hispanic, and other backgrounds. Free-or-reduced-price-lunch data was not available, so the school's economic profile remains unclear from the data provided.
Hawthorn Woods itself is in active growth, with new construction concentrated in the Hawthorn Woods Country Club master-planned community around a golf course. New single-family homes are priced substantially above the county median, reflecting the village's character as a high-end commuter suburb. Housing values in the area have appreciated modestly, and rental costs align with regional trends. The village has no traditional downtown and residents drive to nearby Lake Zurich, Libertyville, or Mundelein for shopping and services. Civic life centers on parks, the aquatic center, and forest preserve trails rather than a town center. There is no Metra rail station in the village itself; commuters use nearby stations and major roads like Midlothian and Algonquin.
The district has recently completed a full rebuild of May Whitney Elementary, replacing a century-old building with a new facility featuring air conditioning, modern learning spaces, and enhanced security. The district has also adopted a new strategic plan, Empower95, which includes formal guidance on artificial intelligence integration in classrooms, signaling a multi-year instructional shift.
This school is likely a fit for families drawn to a suburban, single-family-home setting with active growth, outdoor amenities, and a recognized district, while understanding that math instruction would be an area to examine closely and that the community requires a driving-dependent lifestyle.
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