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. Many day care and preschools are also available in the community. Inc. Village Profile and Builder Profile are trademarks of Progressive Publishing, Inc.