Solid schools, friendly atmosphere in Brook Crossing

The neighborhood of Brook Crossing is one residents are proud to call home. Widely respected for the local school programs, Brook Crossing has attracted residents with its progressive schools and for the friendly atmosphere that is immediately apparent.

"We moved here for the school district and their early childhood program," said resident Linda Haas of her choice to relocate from another western suburb. "The whole school district is so friendly, and they had the up-and-coming inclusion (philosophy) for students with special needs."

Brook Crossing, located in south Naperville, was built in the mid 1980s. Two District 204 schools, Clow Elementary School and Gregory Middle School, both are located within the subdivision, as well as a sprinkling of local parks and ponds, including the Springbrook Crossing Pond to the north.

"Brook Crossing is an amazing subdivision," said resident Bill Raczyk. "Great people, great location."

1.  Crossing Pond. The pond, which spans 2 square acres according to lake-link.com, is a popular destination for local fishermen. Residents of Brook Crossing visit the park to catch large-mouth bass in the pond, which has a maximum depth of 10 feet. Other fish species in the pond include bluegill, carp, sucker and yellow bullhead.

How to get there: Turn west onto Leverenz from Plainfield-Naperville Road heading south. The park, with pond, is immediately on the right-hand side.

2. Clow Elementary School is named for Robert E. Clow, who was the school board president of District 40 before it consolidated with Districts 80 and 182 in 1972 to form Indian Prairie Community Unit School District 204. The Clows were well-known area farmers. Clow Elementary opened in 1979. In 2008, 94.4 percent of state test scores met or exceeded standards, according to the Illinois State Report Card. Enrollment for 2008 was 491.

How to get there: Clow Elementary School is located at 1301 Springdale Circle, which you can reach from the intersection of Plainfield-Naperville Road and 95th Street. Simply proceed east on 95th Street until Gateshead Drive and make a right. Go left on Windemere Avenue and right again on Springdale Circle. Follow the road's curve until you reach the school where Springdale Circle and Midland Drive intersect.

3. Gregory Middle School is named for notable community member and Naperville High School graduate Gordon Gregory. The agrarian and farmer, who served in various community posts such as Sunday school teacher, 4-H club leader, school board member and DuPage County Fair Board president, also frequently substitute taught at Naperville High School. Gregory Middle School is part of District 204 and serves grades six to eight. In 2008, the overall percentage of state test scores at Gregory meeting or exceeding standards was 95.9 percent, higher than both the district and state percentages, according to the Illinois State Report Card.

How to get there: Gordon Gregory Middle School is located at 2621 Springdale Circle and can be reached by following the same directions to Clow Elementary. You will reach Gregory before Clow, on the left-hand side.