Lyons Township High School District 204

Lyons Township High School District 204
Name	Lyons Township High School District 204
Type	Public
Grades	9–12
Established	1888
Superintendent	Brian Waterman
Location	La Grange, Illinois
Country	United States

Lyons Township High School District 204 is a public high school district serving several communities in Cook County, Illinois. The district operates two campuses, the main Lyons Township High School in La Grange and the North Campus in Western Springs. It is accredited by the Cognia accreditation agency and is a member of the West Suburban Conference.

History

The district was established in 1888 following a vote by residents of Lyons Township. The original school building was constructed in La Grange on the site of the present-day South Campus. Rapid population growth in the post-World War II era, particularly in the northern portion of the district, led to the opening of the separate North Campus in Western Springs in 1957. Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, the district expanded and modernized its facilities, including significant renovations to both campuses to accommodate evolving educational needs.

Schools

The district operates a single high school, Lyons Township High School, across two campuses. The South Campus in La Grange houses all freshmen and sophomores, while the North Campus in Western Springs is dedicated to juniors and seniors. This two-campus model is a distinctive feature of the district. Both facilities include extensive resources such as modern science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes.

Academics

The district offers a comprehensive curriculum with over 200 courses, including numerous Advanced Placement offerings and honors tracks. It maintains strong programs in STEM fields, the humanities, and visual and performing arts. Lyons Township High School consistently receives high rankings from publications like U.S. News & World Report and has been recognized with the National Blue Ribbon School award. The school also features specialized support systems, including the Project Lead the Way engineering pathway and extensive world language programs.

Athletics and activities

Athletic teams, known as the Lions, compete in the West Suburban Conference and are part of the Illinois High School Association. The school has won state championships in sports such as boys' soccer, girls' cross country, and boys' gymnastics. The district also supports a wide array of extracurricular activities, including nationally recognized programs in speech, debate, scholastic bowl, and music ensembles like the Marching Band and orchestra.

Demographics

The student body is drawn from the villages of La Grange, La Grange Park, Western Springs, Burr Ridge, Willow Springs, and portions of Countryside and Indian Head Park. Demographic data from the Illinois State Board of Education indicates a predominantly white student population with growing racial and ethnic diversity. The district has a very low rate of students from low-income households as defined by the National School Lunch Program.

Governance and finances

The district is governed by a seven-member Board of Education elected at-large from within the district boundaries. Operational funding is primarily derived from local property taxes, with additional support from the State of Illinois and federal sources. The district's financial operations and tax levies are overseen by the Cook County Clerk's office and are subject to the Illinois Property Tax Extension Limitation Law. Major financial decisions, including referendum questions for facility improvements, are presented to voters for approval.

Category:School districts in Illinois Category:Education in Cook County, Illinois Category:1888 establishments in Illinois