The Metro Southwest is nationally recognized for its excellent educational opportunities. The Public Schools include outstanding elementary, middle and high schools. The region’s school systems offer a wideVariety of academic subjects as well as technical and industrial education programs. Extra-curricular activities are also available for all students. The parochial systems and private schools in Metro Southland communities offer alternatives to public education. They appeal to parents who want educational programs that equal public school quality, but have a religious foundation.

Excellence in education continues at the post-secondary level as well. Working closely with the MSA, the South Metropolitan Regional Higher Education Consortium (SMRHEC), is a partnership of colleges, universities, high schools, and hospitals working together to collectively extend its resources to meet the educational and training needs of the region.

Highlights of some of the area’s educational institutions include:

MoraineValley Community College is a primary Palos Hills asset, serving as a social and cultural center for the community. It is the state’s sixth largest community college and serves more than 25,000 students from 26 communities each year through classes, seminars, lectures, concerts and other activities. Since 1967, MoraineValley has provided quality education that is convenient and affordable, and has grown in response to the southwest suburban communities that it serves.

Saint Xavier’s New South Campus in Tinley Park marks the beginning of a new partnership and commitment to the future of all students. The modern complex is designed to serve residents in the south/southwest suburbs who seek degree-completion opportunities or wish to participate in advanced study. It houses three separate centers to service the community in Professional Development, Community Development, and Child and Family Development. The facilities include interactive classrooms, library, computer labs, five clinical suites and a student lounge.

Serving the entire area, Governors State University, in University Park, augments the area’s educational programs by providing the final two years of study towards a bachelor’s degree, as well as a Master’s degree program. It is the only university in Illinois serving juniors, seniors and master’s students exclusively. It is presently the fastest growing public university in Illinois. GSU is a marvelous self-enclosed complex that includes a 1,200-seat Center for Performing Arts, recreational facility, and the internationally acclaimed Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park.

Governors State University offers 42 degree programs in four colleges and the Board of Governors (BOG) B.A. degree program, which offers credit for life experience learning. All are regionally accredited and many of these programs are accredited by national organizations. Graduates, on average, score in the 90th percentile or above on all standardized national examinations recorded.

The new DEvRY Campus in Tinley Park offers a comprehensive education focusing on careers in computer technology and related fields.

In addition to these campuses, many students from the Metro region commute to institutions in Chicago including the Illinois Institute of Technology, The University of Illinois at Chicago, the University of Chicago, Loyola University, DePaul University and Northwestern University, among others.

The MSA constantly monitors the local educational community to ensure that today’s students become tomorrow’s leaders.

Members of the SMRHEC include the following:

Governors State University
Joliet Junior College
Kankakee Community College
Lewis University
MoraineValley Community College
Olivet Nazarene University
Prairie State College
Saint Xavier University
South Suburban College
Trinity Christian College
University of St. Francis

The following affiliates offer approved degrees in the region:

DePaul University - Campus in Oak Forest
Illinois Institute of Technology
Illinois State University
IllinoisValley Community College
Loyola University
Robert Morris College

Associates with the SMRHEC include:

Beecher High School
Clifton-Central High School
Coal City High School
Herscher High School
Morris High School
Rich Central High School
Rich South High School
Watseka High School
Riverside HealthCare
South Suburban Hospital

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