Crane High School

Crane High School is a public high school located in the Near West Side of Chicago, Illinois, and is part of the Chicago Public Schools district. The school has a long history, dating back to 1890, and has been named after Richard T. Crane, a prominent Chicago businessman and philanthropist. Crane High School has undergone several transformations over the years, including a major renovation in the 1970s, which was supported by the Ford Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts. The school has also been recognized for its innovative programs, including its partnership with the University of Chicago and the Museum of Science and Industry.

● History

The history of Crane High School is closely tied to the development of the Near West Side of Chicago, which was once a major industrial hub, with companies like International Harvester and Western Electric operating in the area. The school was established in 1890, during the tenure of Chicago Mayor Harrison, Carter H., and was initially known as the West Side High School. Over the years, the school has undergone several name changes, including being renamed after Richard T. Crane in 1904, in recognition of his contributions to the Chicago community, including his support for the Art Institute of Chicago and the Field Museum of Natural History. The school has also been influenced by the Great Migration, which brought many African American families to the Near West Side from the Southern United States, including Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. Crane High School has also been impacted by the Civil Rights Movement, with many of its students participating in events like the March on Washington and the Selma to Montgomery Marches, which were led by figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Malcolm X.

● Academics

Crane High School offers a range of academic programs, including Advanced Placement courses in subjects like English literature, calculus, and physics, which are supported by organizations like the College Board and the National Science Foundation. The school also has a strong focus on STEM education, with partnerships with companies like Google, Microsoft, and IBM, as well as institutions like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the California Institute of Technology. In addition, Crane High School has a range of elective courses, including classes in music theory, art history, and foreign languages, such as Spanish, French, and Mandarin Chinese, which are supported by organizations like the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Institute of International Education. The school's academic programs are also supported by its library, which is part of the Chicago Public Library system, and offers access to resources like JSTOR and ProQuest, as well as online courses from institutions like Harvard University and the University of California, Berkeley.

● Campus

The campus of Crane High School is located in the Near West Side of Chicago, near the United Center, which is home to the Chicago Bulls and the Chicago Blackhawks. The school's building was designed by the architectural firm of Dowell & Dowell, and features a range of facilities, including a gymnasium, a theater, and a cafeteria, which are supported by organizations like the National Association of Secondary School Principals and the American Institute of Architects. The campus is also home to a number of public art installations, including a mural by the Chicago artist Hebru Brantley, which was supported by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and the National Endowment for the Arts. In addition, the school has a range of sustainability initiatives, including a green roof and a recycling program, which are supported by organizations like the Environmental Protection Agency and the Sierra Club.

● Student Life

Student life at Crane High School is diverse and vibrant, with a range of extracurricular activities and clubs, including the National Honor Society, the Debate Team, and the School Newspaper, which are supported by organizations like the National Association of Student Councils and the American Society of Newspaper Editors. The school also has a strong focus on community service, with many students participating in volunteer programs like the AmeriCorps and the Red Cross, which are supported by organizations like the Corporation for National and Community Service and the United Way. In addition, Crane High School has a range of cultural events, including a Cinco de Mayo celebration, a Martin Luther King Jr. Day observance, and a Black History Month program, which are supported by organizations like the National Council of La Raza and the NAACP.

● Athletics

The athletic teams of Crane High School, known as the Crane Cougars, compete in the Chicago Public League, which is part of the Illinois High School Association. The school has a range of sports teams, including football, basketball, and track and field, which are supported by organizations like the National Federation of State High School Associations and the United States Olympic Committee. Crane High School has a strong athletic tradition, with many of its teams winning city championships and state championships, including titles in wrestling, swimming, and volleyball, which are supported by organizations like the National Wrestling Coaches Association and the American Volleyball Coaches Association. The school's athletic programs are also supported by its athletic director, who is a member of the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association.

● Notable Alumni

Crane High School has a number of notable alumni, including the Chicago politician Danny K. Davis, who is a member of the United States House of Representatives and has served on the House Committee on Ways and Means and the House Committee on Oversight and Reform. Other notable alumni include the actor Kel Mitchell, who is known for his roles in All That and Kenan & Kel, and the musician Common, who is a Grammy Award winner and has released albums like Like Water for Chocolate and Be, which were supported by labels like MCA Records and Geffen Records. Crane High School has also produced a number of notable athletes, including the NFL player Corey Graham, who played for the Chicago Bears and the Baltimore Ravens, and the NBA player Shannon Brown, who played for the Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns, which are supported by organizations like the National Football League Players Association and the National Basketball Players Association. Category:High schools in Illinois