Oak Park and River Forest High School

Oak Park and River Forest High School is a public high school located in Oak Park, Illinois, serving students from Oak Park and River Forest. The school has a long history, with notable alumni including Ernest Hemingway, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Ray Kroc. It is part of Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200 and has been accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The school has also been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top high schools in the United States.

● History

The school was established in 1873 and has a rich history, with many notable events and alumni. Ernest Hemingway, a famous author, attended the school from 1913 to 1917 and was the editor of the school's newspaper, the Trapeze. Other notable alumni include Frank Lloyd Wright, who attended the school from 1879 to 1881, and Ray Kroc, who attended the school from 1922 to 1926. The school has also been recognized for its historic architecture, with the main building being designed by William Augustus Otis and built in 1907. The school has been a part of the National Register of Historic Places since 1981 and has also been recognized by the American Institute of Architects.

● Academics

The school offers a wide range of academic programs, including Advanced Placement courses, International Baccalaureate courses, and Honors courses. The school has a strong focus on STEM education, with courses in mathematics, science, and computer science. The school also offers courses in foreign languages, including Spanish, French, and Chinese. The school has a high graduation rate, with over 95% of students graduating and going on to attend colleges and universities such as Harvard University, University of Chicago, and Northwestern University. The school has also been recognized for its academic excellence by organizations such as the National Association of Secondary School Principals and the National Education Association.

● Athletics

The school has a strong athletic program, with teams competing in the West Suburban Conference and the Illinois High School Association. The school offers a wide range of sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and soccer. The school has won several championships, including the Illinois state football championship in 2011 and the Illinois state basketball championship in 2013. The school has also produced several notable athletes, including Isiah Robertson, who played in the National Football League for the Los Angeles Rams and the Buffalo Bills, and Donnie Boyce, who played in the National Basketball Association for the Atlanta Hawks and the Washington Wizards. The school has also been recognized for its athletic excellence by organizations such as the National Federation of State High School Associations and the American Athletic Association.

● Arts

The school has a strong arts program, with courses in music, theater, and visual arts. The school has a variety of musical ensembles, including the Oak Park and River Forest High School Concert Band, the Oak Park and River Forest High School Symphonic Band, and the Oak Park and River Forest High School Jazz Ensemble. The school also has a strong theater program, with productions such as Hamlet, The Crucible, and Les Misérables. The school has produced several notable artists, including Bob Balaban, who has appeared in films such as Gosford Park and The Grand Budapest Hotel, and Cynthia Rowley, who is a renowned fashion designer. The school has also been recognized for its arts program by organizations such as the National Association of Schools of Art and Design and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

● Campus

The school's campus is located in Oak Park, Illinois, and consists of several buildings, including the main building, the Field House, and the Swimming Pool. The school has a variety of facilities, including a library, a gymnasium, and a cafeteria. The school has also undergone several renovations, including a major renovation in 2013 that added new classrooms, a new auditorium, and a new athletic facility. The school is also located near several notable landmarks, including the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, the Ernest Hemingway Museum, and the Oak Park Public Library. The school has been recognized for its campus by organizations such as the American Institute of Architects and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

● Student Life

The school has a diverse student body, with students from a variety of backgrounds and interests. The school has a wide range of extracurricular activities, including clubs, sports teams, and music ensembles. The school also has a strong focus on community service, with students participating in volunteer work and service projects throughout the year. The school has been recognized for its student life by organizations such as the National Association of Student Councils and the National Honor Society. The school has also produced several notable alumni who have gone on to make a positive impact in their communities, including Barack Obama, who attended Punahou School and later became the President of the United States, and Hillary Clinton, who attended Wellesley College and later became the First Lady of the United States. Category:High schools in Illinois