Schools subject to Zoning in Illinois?

State of Illinois. Our city has zoning laws and schools are in R-1 zoning district. The school which was there before the zoning laws took effect now wants to build on new land reciently purchase. They contend tey do not have to meet setback requirements and none of the other requirements required by the zoning code. Do they have to comply or not ?
Thanks.
Ron

This is a question best answered by the City Attorney and or the local Planning Commissioners office. There's just not a good general answer that I can give you because so much depends on what local and state laws apply. It also sounds like a question that may ultimately result in litigation. Good luck.