Lyons Township High School

Lyons Township High School. It is a comprehensive public high school serving several communities in Cook County, Illinois, primarily La Grange and Western Springs. The school is part of Lyons Township High School District 204 and is known for its strong academic programs and extensive extracurricular offerings. Its athletic teams, known as the Lions, compete in the West Suburban Conference.

History

The institution was founded in 1888 following a vote by residents of Lyons Township. Its original building was located in the village of Lyons. As the suburban population grew in the early 20th century, the school relocated to its present area in La Grange. A significant expansion occurred with the 1953 opening of the North Campus facility to accommodate increasing enrollment from communities like La Grange Park and Countryside. The school has undergone several major renovations, including a major addition and modernization project completed in 2004, to update its facilities for contemporary education.

Campus

The school operates on a unique two-campus system, with the South Campus in La Grange housing freshmen and the North Campus, also in La Grange, serving sophomores, juniors, and seniors. The South Campus features the historic Reber Center for performing arts. The North Campus includes extensive facilities such as the Vaughan Building for science and the East Campus building for fine arts and technology. The campuses collectively feature multiple gymnasiums, swimming pools, a fieldhouse, and athletic fields, including a stadium used for football and track and field.

Academics

The curriculum offers over 200 courses, including a robust selection of Advanced Placement programs. It houses specialized academies such as the District 204 Math and Science Academy. Students consistently perform well on standardized tests like the ACT and SAT. The school maintains partnerships with nearby institutions like the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign and Argonne National Laboratory for research opportunities. Its graduation rate and college matriculation statistics rank among the highest in the state of Illinois.

Athletics and activities

The Lions compete in Illinois High School Association sanctioned sports within the West Suburban Conference. The school has won state championships in sports including boys' soccer, girls' cross country, and debate. Its rivalry with nearby Hinsdale Central High School is notable, particularly in football and basketball. The extracurricular program includes over 100 clubs, a nationally recognized marching band, and competitive programs in theatre, Model United Nations, and Scholastic Bowl.

Notable alumni

Distinguished graduates include Nobel Prize-winning chemist Robert H. Grubbs, former United States Secretary of Defense James Mattis, and astronaut Michael J. Bloomfield. In entertainment, alumni include actor and comedian John Mulaney, actress Jenny McCarthy, and filmmaker William Friedkin, director of *The French Connection*. Notable figures in sports include Major League Baseball player Jim Bouton and National Football League quarterback Tim Lester.

Category:High schools in Cook County, Illinois Category:Educational institutions established in 1888