About Walker Elementary School

Walker students are eager to learn and to make a positive difference in their community. Our staff members are committed to child-centered learning, and we work to make sure that every student has their needs met. Our parents and community members partner with us, and together we provide excellent learning opportunities for our students.

History of Walker Elementary School 

Walker School is located at 120 Walker Avenue in Clarendon Hills, Illinois, on eight acres of land. 

Back in 1870, a combined church/school was built, but it was destroyed by fire in 1887.  A new frame building was built, but that structure was torn down around 1938.

In 1925, at a cost of $17,500, the first of many sections of a new building was built.  It contained two rooms and a basement with a heating plant and washrooms.  In 1928 two rooms were added to the main floor and a gymnasium/auditorium for a total cost of $29,500.  A north wing, containing two rooms and an office was added in 1938, which is when the frame structure mentioned above was torn down.  In 1953 four classrooms were built and in 1956 three more rooms were added.  A gym, Learning Center and office were constructed around 1968.

Walker School was known as Clarendon Hills School District #56 until it was annexed to Hinsdale Elementary School District 181 in 1947.  When it became apparent that Walker was inadequate to house the growing Clarendon Hills population of students, Prospect School opened its doors in 1952. 

In 2004, the above structure was demolished to make way for the current building.  The current 46,000 square foot building opened in December 2005 and features 15 grade level classrooms, two kindergarten rooms, art and music classrooms, gym, multipurpose room, library, computer lab and space for small group instruction.

In 2024, Walker underwent construction to be completed in the summer of 2025, to add 3 rooms and building renovations to accommodate full day kindergarten and house the district RISE program.

In 1923, twenty-one students attended Walker; by 1930, there were 140!  Our current enrollment averages around 300 students at this time.