A Graduation Speech by: Someone Who Did Not Earn Valedictorian or Salutatorian…read more Freshman Year: Pimple Ridden. My freshman year was the first time I had witnessed a fellow classmate become sexually abused via a Chicago bus. Yo, what? Sophomore Year: Geometry Stricken. Junior Year: Trigonometry went swell. Senior Year: I met the one. I hope you're safe out there. Sometimes Chicago feels and looks like a grey jungle. Was I an individual or an outcast? This is something I still ponder to this day. It's hard to find love in a city filled with so many souls that are constantly rushing everywhere. Chill. Slow down. Enjoy the little things. Life is finite. Appreciate people. Give respect to earn it. Von taught me these life lessons. Thank you. Good luck to all future generations to come. GO PANTHERS! Sincerely, A 2013 Alumni P.S.: Special thanks goes to every teacher I had the honor and privilege of meeting between 2009 to 2013. The intelligence you shared was priceless.

Education, yes, respect and appreciation for a job well done. Athletics for females? Completely…read moreshocking that a school with female principal and vice principal provide so little support for the girls sports. The only time you will see them at a female sporting event is if there is another event happening simultaneously or afterward - so they make an appearance. The new Athletic Director (and boys baseball coach) Cott...there is not a shred of evidence that he cares in the slightest. Good place to learn and grow....and I guess it is a great example of what the young ladies may unfortunately face the rest of their lives.

Northside really is an exceptional place. I was a part of the first class to complete four years in…read morethe high school, and I can say, without a doubt, that Northside had the kind of impact on me that I don't think I could have had elsewhere. The staff at this school is remarkable not only because of their depth of knowledge on various subject, but because of the fresh approach that they take to education and the compassion that they show their students. It was my experience that the teachers at Northside didn't punch out as soon as the bell rang (or the music played). As for the overall environment, this school has always been extremely progressive in it's approach to the arts and it's dedication to pursuing them. The open mics used to be something of legendary quality for Chicago high school students, and that tradition has been carried on by the annual arts festival the school presents. I found myself completely prepared for college, but more importantly, completely prepared to go after the things in life I wanted to explore personally and artistically. Northside always treated me more like a human than a statistic, which is rare in the CPS. If I ever made the mistake of procreating, I'd be sending my kid here.

Northside College Prep is an excellent and rather unusual high school. It's a Chicago public…read moreschool, with selective enrollment. Students must apply, have a great academic record, and score very well on an entrance exam in order to be accepted. All academic classes are taught at the honors or AP level, which provides the challenge needed by motivated students. My daughter is a freshman here, and so far I've been very impressed with the curriculum, faculty, and teaching methods. The schedule resembles that of a university: each academic class meets twice a week. Every Wednesday is dedicated to an alternative learning program called "Colloquium" which gives students an opportunity to sample a variety of subjects. The administration is well organized and supportive of the staff. In addition, there are very strong parent organizations that contribute to the life and health of the school community. If you know of an academically gifted grade school student, I would highly recommend that you consider NCP when evaluating high schools.

My daughter goes to this high school and is currently a senior. It's in a safe area and although it…read moreis over crowded with student enrollment the staff and teachers do their best to teach and guide the students. They have a nice field and tennis court and it's right next to Norwood Park and pool. The streets around the school get VERY crowded when school is in session especially in the mornings and after school. They just need to do something about the over crowding issue and enforce the metal detectors for anyone entering the school.

Quite honestly, I don't know much about this high school. I will only speak on what I do know. I…read morejust got a five star car wash from the swim team ! What great energy they had! I wish them to have the best season and for them to reach all their goals, including their fundraising one! Driving away with a clean car and a smile on my face! -the person who drove the blue car 8.21.26

A general public high school that has to accept ALL kids from the neighborhood. Luckily, most of…read morethe kids are wonderful.

I am a tutor who works in a number of different CPS high schools. I have had a chance to see the…read morefacilities and experience some of the faculty and programs at each school, and by my estimation Senn High School is one of the finest options available. The school offers a number of specialized programs, from their IB school to the arts program. I wholeheartedly support the efforts of this excellent school.

Excuse me...what kind of school throws out books? Your taxpayers paid for those books. There are…read morehundreds of organizations, businesses that would welcome those books. Something is wrong with the administration of this highly regarding learning institution. Makes me wonder what else do you throw out that can be used by those less fortunate.

sullivan is a good school if you are looking for high…read moreexcellence this is the school the only thing i think they should change is the teachers with bad english

Every time I walk into this school, everyone is so friendly and helpful. I know the staff here are…read moreworking their tails off and are committed to creating a safe space where students get a quality education.

Not the school preview but the grounds surrounding the school are previewed- great park for…read moreneighborhood kids who want like to play sports - has a basketball court - large enough for soccer football and has a baseball diamond

This is a great school! This is the first year our child is going in person and is loving it so…read morefar. We're so impressed with the teachers, administration and the community.

I will never understand why parents who's kid(s) are accepted into Lane Tech did not have their…read morechildren go there, instead going to a run down school with no academic achievements. I will forever regret not taking more opportunities at Lane, and taking advantage of all it had to offer. Looking back, I realize just how lucky I was to have taken the classes I did as none of my friends in other high schools had the option of taking those classes. I wish I had joined clubs and not ran to work after school every day because I preferred making money. I feel like I'd have a lot more memories about my years in high school, but I have very few. Either way, if and when I do have kids, and they are off to high school, Lane Tech will be the number one choice. Yes, I will make that decision for them! Lane has evolved in every way, and continues to be one of the top schools with thousands of students which is why I can only imagine what it will be like in 10, 20 years and so on. I definitely plan on going back for a tour and just walking the halls, not worried about making it to the next class across the entire school in four whole minutes!

This school is amazing, so many different opportunities for every single student. You aren't forced…read moreto take a path because there are so many more to explore on your own. The teachers are great and get along with the students. The food is actually decent compared to the other high school foods. There's off campus lunch with lots of different food options around you. Lane literally has a bit of something for everyone. There are 100+ clubs it's so much fun. If you want a true high school experience then lane is the way!

I used to go to this school, and I hated it. grade 1-4 it's not bad but when I start heading to…read more5,6, 7, and 8th grade I was bullied for following my culture, and what I wear. I used to cover up my body and hair because of my culture and because of that I was called a bomber, Terriots, and long nose. most of the guys in the school act very gay, around me knowing that in my culture i can't support LGBTQ2+ and was not allowed to talk or sit next to a boy. they made me feel very uncomfortable, and insecure about my face and nose, which made me hide it with makeup. they would always follow me while screaming and saying I'm gay, which people have spread rumors about me and how I was a pick me girl. because of that I didn't have any friends and would eat in the bathroom while crying. Teachers are horriable. I tried telling the teacher about this multiple times, and the same words she said was "boys will be boys, I mean you do look gay" after she said that those words haunted me throughout graduation. i now do online high school because I'm scared something like this would happen again.

Great school. My daughter is graduating this year and she was well prepared to face the challenges…read moreahead. Because of the great teachers and administrators she made it to one of the most sought after selective enrollment high schools in Chicago. Thanks Beaubien.

Depaul has come into the old Gordon Tech campus and invested in new technology, some remodeling of…read morethe campus, and added new courses. The school is emphasizing on prepping students for the college level. Depaul has now gone coed as well, a change from the all men high school.

If you have any learning disabilities either get a good lawyer or go somewhere else it's up to…read moreteacher discretion if they want to let you use your accommodations. The counselors are all unprofessional and by the way they act I can't imagine they have a license. Watch out nothing you say to them as confidential.