JOLIET PUBLIC SCHOOLS DISTRICT 86

What JOLIET PUBLIC SCHOOLS DISTRICT 86 does

Joliet Public Schools District 86 is a government entity organized under Illinois state law that operates as the third-largest elementary school district in Illinois, serving nearly 9,300 students from early childhood through eighth grade across 15 elementary schools, 4 junior high schools, 1 early childhood center, and 1 alternative school in Joliet. Founded in 1857, the district employs 1,508 staff and is led by Superintendent Dr. Theresa Rouse, with governance provided by a seven-member Board of School Inspectors. Its product portfolio centers on core K-8 curriculum delivery (language arts, mathematics, science, social science, fine arts, physical development and health), supplemented by four magnet programs (Eisenhower Academy, Forest Park I.E., Hufford I.E., Washington Academy), Summer Scholars enrichment, and social-emotional learning curricula (Second Step for K-5, Character Strong for junior high).

The district's technology stack is a standard Google-centric K-12 EdTech footprint: Chromebooks for students, Seesaw for grades K-2, Google Classroom for grades 3-8, ClassLink single sign-on, the LEARN Platform for approved digital tools, Aspen Family Portal (Follett) for student information and registration, and the Rooms (Apptegy/Edurooms) two-way communication platform accessible via a custom iOS/Android district app. An E-Learning Plan (2025-2028) replaces traditional snow days with synchronous and asynchronous digital instruction, and FirstView GPS enables bus tracking. Vendor compliance is managed through the Student Data Privacy Consortium under FERPA, SOPPA, CIPA, and COPPA.

The district is funded primarily through local property taxes, Illinois state education funding, and federal grants (including ESSER III), with nominal student fees of $25 for elementary (K-5) and $45 for junior high (6-8) covering workbooks and instructional materials. Revenue is not explicitly disclosed, but reserves of $159 million at fiscal year-end 2025 represent 70% of revenue, implying an annual operating budget of approximately $227 million. Distribution runs through direct enrollment at 21 schools, with First Student Transportation providing bus service and YMCA KidZone operating before/after care. Recent major capital programs funded by a 2023 voter-approved referendum include new 142,700-square-foot Gompers and 171,000-square-foot Hufford junior high schools (opening 2026-2027) and a 14,900-square-foot Thomas Jefferson Elementary addition (opening 2027-2028).

Name

JOLIET PUBLIC SCHOOLS DISTRICT 86

Legal name

Joliet Public Schools District 86

Website

https://joliet86.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1857

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Joliet Public Schools District 86 is a government K-8 school district in Joliet, Illinois, serving nearly 9,300 students across 21 schools as the third-largest elementary district in Illinois, funded by local property taxes, state aid, and federal grants.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

K-8 Public Education Services

NAICS

Elementary and Secondary Schools (611110), Elementary and Secondary Schools (6111), Elementary and Secondary Schools (61111)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Public K–12 Combined Schools (EDAJAAAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Public Elementary Schools (EDAJAAAB), Public Virtual & Blended Learning Programs (District-Run) (EDAJAAAI)

Keywords

• K-8 public education
• Elementary education services
• Junior high education
• Public school district
• Early childhood education

Headquarters

HQ city

Joliet

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Public Education Funding: Public school district funded primarily through local property taxes, state education funding (Illinois), and federal grants. Receives ESSER III funding for COVID-related expenses. Bond ratings reflect financial health - upgraded to 'AA-' from 'A+' by S&P Global Ratings.
2. Student Fees: Nominal student fees for workbooks and instructional materials: $25 for elementary (K-5) and $45 for junior high (6-8).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Joliet Public Schools District 86 provides comprehensive K-8 public education to nearly 9,300 students across 21 schools in Joliet, Illinois. The district delivers standard curriculum (language arts, mathematics, science, social science, fine arts, physical development and health), specialized magnet programs, early childhood instruction, bilingual education, before/after school care, social-emotional learning curricula, and technology-enabled E-Learning Days through a combination of physical schools and digital platforms.

Product overview

Joliet Public Schools District 86 operates as a unified school district providing comprehensive elementary and middle school education across 21 schools serving nearly 9,300 students in Joliet, Illinois. The district's product portfolio centers on its core educational programs including standard curriculum delivery, specialized Magnet Programs (Eisenhower Academy, Forest Park I.E., Hufford I.E., Washington Academy), and Summer Scholars. Technology-enabled learning features prominently through the E-Learning Program (replacing snow days with virtual instruction via Seesaw for K-2 and Google Classroom for 3-8), and the Rooms communication platform for parent-teacher interaction. Social-emotional learning is delivered through Second Step (K-5) and Character Strong (Junior High) curricula. Major capital initiatives include new Gompers (142,700 sq ft) and Hufford (171,000 sq ft) junior high schools opening in 2026, plus a Thomas Jefferson Elementary addition (14,900 sq ft) for 2027-2028. The district maintains operations spanning before/after school care, mental health support services, and athletic/fine arts programs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• E-Learning Program Virtual learning platform that replaces traditional snow days with synchronous live instruction and asynchronous independent learning for K-8 students, delivered via Seesaw for grades K-2 and Google Classroom for grades 3-8 on school-issued Chromebooks.
• Summer Scholars Program Summer school program operating annually from June 15 to July 16, offering academic enrichment and remediation for students across the district.
• Magnet Programs (Eisenhower Academy, Forest Park I.E., Hufford I.E., Washington Academy) Specialized magnet programs accepting applications for the 2026-2027 school year at four district schools, offering enhanced educational opportunities beyond the standard curriculum.
• Rooms Communication Platform Two-way parent-teacher communication tool accessible via web and the District 86 mobile app (iOS/Android). Enables district and school information access, parent-teacher chat, and real-time notifications for families.
• Second Step SEL Curriculum (K-5) Social-Emotional Learning curriculum for Kindergarten through fifth grade, providing a holistic approach to building supportive school communities through SEL skill development.
• Character Strong Curriculum (Junior High) Character development and social-emotional curriculum for junior high schools built around eight essential character traits and five SEL skill areas.
• YMCA KidZone Before/After School Care Before and after school child care program offered through partnership with Galowich YMCA, providing supervision and activities outside regular school hours at multiple District 86 schools.
• FirstView GPS Bus Tracking GPS tracking system for school bus transportation allowing parents to monitor bus location and estimated arrival times for student commutes, operated through partnership with First Student Transportation.
• Read to Rise Summer Library Program Summer library program held at Sanchez, Thigpen, and Washington Schools, with libraries open Mondays through Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. through July 16, offering book checkouts and reading prizes.
• Mental Health Support Resources Comprehensive mental health support including suicide prevention resources (988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, Crisis Text Line), mindfulness apps (Calm, Headspace, Relax Melodies), and community partner resources (Parent Guidance, ThriveWorks).
• Mobile Vaccination Clinics Will County Health Department mobile vaccination clinics for incoming sixth grade students with Medicaid, no insurance, or underinsured coverage, delivered at District 86 schools.
• Honor Roll Recognition Program Academic recognition program acknowledging students who achieve Honor Roll status for each trimester of the school year.

Quantifiable outcome

• 92% average student attendance rate
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration13 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Will County Health DepartmentcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 June 2026Will County Health Department provides mobile vaccination clinics for incoming sixth grade students with Medicaid, no insurance, or underinsured coverage at District 86 schools.
• Joliet Junior CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner site for free children's summer meals program offering breakfast (7:30-9:30 a.m.) and lunch (11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.) Mondays through Thursdays during summer for students 18 and under.
• Messiah Lutheran ChurchminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner site for free children's summer meals program offering breakfast and lunch for students 18 and under during summer.
• Salvation Army JolietminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner site for free children's summer meals program offering breakfast and lunch for students 18 and under during summer.
• First Student TransportationcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSchool bus transportation provider for District 86 students. Contact: 815-724-0078.
• YMCA KidZonecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBefore and after school child care program at multiple District 86 schools through Galowich YMCA.
• Northern Illinois Food BankcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides weekly food bags to District 86 families in need.
• Catholic CharitiesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides Foster Grandparents at District 86 schools.
• Bernie's Book BankminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDonated more than 56,000 books to District 86 students.
• Visitation & Aid SocietyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides Thanksgiving and Christmas gift cards to families at each District 86 school.
• Nicor Gas / Operation WarmminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvided over 250 new winter coats for Culbertson Elementary students.
• Orland Park Dental Services (OPDS)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides in-school free dental screenings performed by licensed dentists, hygienists, and assistants for eligible District 86 students.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• Chicago Public Schools: Illinois' largest public school district and a broad-incumbent comparator for governance scale, state-funding formula exposure, union environment, and SEL/character education programming.
• Rockford Public Schools District 205: Mid-size Illinois public school district comparable in K-12 scope; useful peer for benchmarking bond ratings, referendum strategies, and post-pandemic enrollment trajectories in Illinois.

Direct peers

• Elgin Area School District U-46: Large Illinois K-12 public school district; comparable in scale (~40K students but with similar multi-building operating model, magnet/specialty programs, and bilingual/SEL curriculum strategy).
• Joliet Township High School District 204: The receiving high school district for District 86's 8th-grade graduates; both are public school entities operating within Joliet, IL with overlapping governance and feeder-school coordination, making them the most direct operational counterpart.

Others

• Apptegy: Vendor powering Joliet District 86's Rooms communication platform, mobile app, and district website; representative of the EdTech infrastructure stack enabling modern K-8 district operations.
• YMCA of Northwestern Illinois (Galowich YMCA KidZone): Operating partner delivering before/after-school child care via KidZone across multiple District 86 schools; representative third-party provider of out-of-school programming extensions.
• First Student (bus transportation): School bus transportation partner providing District 86's bus service with FirstView GPS tracking; peer for K-12 student-transport delivery at scale.
• Follett School Solutions (Aspen): Provider of the Aspen Family Portal that District 86 uses for student information and family communication; archetypal SIS vendor for U.S. K-12 districts.

Regional players

• Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202: Adjacent K-12 public school district in Will County serving neighboring communities; comparable in size and demographic profile to District 86 with similar grade-band structure and Will County funding dynamics.
• Valley View School District 365U: K-12 public school district serving Romeoville and Bolingbrook in Will County; similar operating environment, suburban-Illinois demographics, and shared property-tax funding model.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/JolietSD86
• Facebookfacebook.com/JolietPublicSchoolsDistrict86
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/gompers-junior-high-school

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about JOLIET PUBLIC SCHOOLS DISTRICT 86