The Island neighborhood is located on the far West Side of Chicago in the Austin community. It encompasses roughly a square mile and is adjacent to the municipalities of Oak Park and Cicero. Berwyn is also a few blocks away. Its name originated from the fact that when it was being developed in the early 20th century, it was separated from the rest of Austin by railroad tracks and Columbus Park to the North. To the East lies an industrial corridor, to the South, Cicero and to the West Oak Park -thus "The Island". Today The CTA Blue Line and The Eisenhower Expressway (290) share space with the railroad, making a convenient transportation hub for its residents.
Schools[edit]
George Rogers Clark Elementary School is in the Island community. The school's mission is "To integrate Fine Arts & Technology throughout the curriculum" and enrollment is roughly 400 students. Grade levels range from Pre-Kindergarten to Eighth Grade. Clark also provides classes for autistic and handicapped children. It is a diverse school given high achievement marks by the CPS. To keep students engaged in extra curriculum activities there are after school programs and athletic activities, as well as Saturday Enrichment Programs.
Shopping[edit]
The Island is a walkable community with many businesses located on Roosevelt Road and the nearby Harrison Arts District in Oak Park.
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