Three of Community Consolidated School District 59's fourteen schools are located in the far western area of Des Plaines. Graduates from District 62 continue the educational process at Maine West High School, part of Maine Township High School District 207. Since it opened its doors in 1959, Maine West High School has earned numerous awards and recognitions, including being named one of the nation's best by Redbook magazine. Students at the high school choose from nearly 200 different courses. The curriculum includes advanced placement courses in English, Spanish, calculus, computer science, physics, biology, chemistry, U.S. history, and European history.
Many advanced courses are also available.
Opportunities involving music are varied and include several vocal groups, plus concert and symphonic bands and a concert orchestra. The school also teaches public speaking, drama, technical theatre, competitive speech, oral interpretation, debate, and broadcasting. Maine West High School fields a complete roster of boys and girls sport teams. Students also participate in a wide variety of extracurricular clubs and organizations. Des Plaines and neighboring communities have numerous high quality private and parochial schools and academies available to parents seeking alternatives to public education.