Relocating to Chicago from UK, with family

Hi all,

We are relocating to Chicago in the summer this year, and are trying to plan a look-see trip in early March - our aim is to visit areas and schools in order to make a decision about where to call home.

We think we want to be in the suburbs, and have got the list down to Evanston, Wilmette, Oak Park, La Grange and Riverside - this is based on the commute time to downtown, access to open/park areas and what we have read about schools so far. We have an 8 yr old boy and a 6 yr old girl and I'm currently struggling with how to even begin the school 'selection' process (if we can indeed select a school that we like). Is there anyone on the forum that has advice on how to begin the school search?

I'm wondering if there is an expat relocation service that can help us with things like understanding the school admissions system, and advice on where & when to rent a property to ensure we get places in a school we like.

Any hints and tips would be really appreciated - thank you.