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.

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

I love this high school…read more There is That one teacher who really gets you. Your Crew. The yearbook! Friday nights under the lights. Get your groove on. Clubs, activities, extracurriculars. Spirit week. Community support.

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.

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.

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.

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 am aware Brian Tennison is now Supertindent. In…read moreretrospect, former Principal Brian Tennison was the most neglectful staff ever seen at Lane Tech College Prep. I am an adult who is 40 years old. I know right from wrong. Principal Tennison might have shook every Lane students hands while he was in office, he neglected their needs as far as stress goes. There was no relief, no therapist offered whatsoever. Brian Tennison did not care. Plus, he took away all the parents privileges to volunteer at their Prom. I was devastated at that time. Even though, my youngest daughter was unhappy about me not going to her prom. I would have been very happy without dancing and prom dinner. I rather be in the same ballroom with both my daughters' prom instead of dinner and dancing. We survived without it. I do not know who changed the prom volunteer policy. Hence I am very sad at Brian Tennison. Dr. Christopher Dignam was a very very excellent principal. Dr. Dignam allowed parents to participate as prom volunteers. You rock Dr. Christopher Dignam!!!!!! Does anyone have a say about the parents, prom and Dr. Chris Dignam?

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.

14 minutes ago DePaul is the best school I've ever gone to,…read morethe academics are strong and there are plenty of activities and clubs and sports to get to know people. To the people who say " it's a fake catholic school" well it's not they teach religion so you can study the bible and they have a 98% graduation rate, and i know everyone keeps saying the deans are soooo strict, but yess they have to be strict otherwise teenagers could do so many bad things if they're not disciplined. Discipline is important for young minds to grow and learn to become better versions of themselves, DePaul is a amazing place to send your kids and you should definitely send them there

Listen...was the school strict? Yes. Were some of the teachers mean and rude? Yes. Were the deans…read moreINSANE? 100% Yes. Yet, it's not THAT bad of a school like some of the people are saying here. I was in the 2025 Class and also went through the two-year IB program -- so I know all about the current state of the school as well as the tough end of the academics. It's a good school -- strict and always making up more rules that don't make sense -- but that environment isn't that bad for teenagers to adapt in. Of course, some of the teachers need to learn how to interact with children, the deans (looking at you Mr. Micheal Rabideau) need to stop picking on the shy neurodivergent kids (Me) during lunch. But it's a good place to learn as long as your Spanish 2 teacher isn't a now convicted and jailed pedophile (Emilio Amado Vrdoljak). :P Done with the jokes now, sorry!! But if you want your kid to actually learn shit -- sign them up for the IB program in Depaul -- if not, send them to your neighborhood special ed program.