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Darien School District #61 serves three grade level center schools in the City of Darien and portions of Downers Grove, Willowbrook, and Westmont.
In 1925, the first school built was the old Lace School. By 1944, Lace School had a total enrollment of 12 students, and was granted full recognition for the first time by the Illinois Office of Education. By 1947, the district enrollment had increased to 40 students. Between 1952 and 1973, three elementary schools and one junior high school were constructed in order to accommodate the rapid student growth. In 1977 the district peaked at 2,684 students. Like many other suburban school districts, District #61 began to experience an enrollment decline. Marion Hills School was closed in 1993, and Fairview School in 2007. Today's enrollment is approximately 1,450 students. District #61 has developed a reputation for providing excellent educational programs at a very reasonable cost to taxpayers. Not only does the district provide services for the gifted and special needs students, but extra-curricular activities as well. The band and vocal music programs have received national recognition for excellence. District 61 offers full day kindergarten and students in third through eighth grade receive Chromebooks as part of the District's 1:1 initiative.
