Urbana High School

Urbana High School is a public high school located in Urbana, Illinois, serving students from Urbana and surrounding areas, including Champaign, Illinois, and Savoy, Illinois. The school is part of the Urbana School District 116 and has a diverse student body, with students from various backgrounds, including University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign faculty and staff families. Urbana High School has a long history of academic excellence, with many graduates going on to attend top universities, such as Harvard University, Stanford University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The school has also produced notable alumni, including NASA astronauts, Nobel Prize winners, and successful entrepreneurs, such as Steve Jobs and Bill Gates.

● History

The history of Urbana High School dates back to the late 19th century, with the first high school building constructed in 1868 in Urbana, Illinois. Over the years, the school has undergone several renovations and expansions, including the addition of new buildings and facilities, such as the Urbana High School Auditorium, which hosts various events, including concerts, plays, and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign performances. The school has also been influenced by notable historical events, including World War I, World War II, and the Civil Rights Movement, with many alumni serving in the United States Army, United States Navy, and United States Air Force. Famous historical figures, such as Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr., and Franklin D. Roosevelt, have also visited the school, inspiring students to pursue careers in politics, law, and social justice.

● Academics

Urbana High School offers a wide range of academic programs, including Advanced Placement courses, Honors classes, and Vocational training in fields like engineering, computer science, and health sciences. The school has a strong focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, with partnerships with top universities, such as University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Purdue University, and Northwestern University. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including the Urbana High School Library, which features a collection of over 10,000 books, and the Urbana High School Computer Lab, which provides students with hands-on experience with software development, data analysis, and cybersecurity. The school has also produced notable academics, including Nobel laureates, such as James Watson and Francis Crick, and renowned researchers, such as Stephen Hawking and Neil deGrasse Tyson.

● Athletics

Urbana High School has a strong athletic program, with teams competing in the Big 12 Conference (Illinois) and the Illinois High School Association. The school offers a variety of sports, including football, basketball, soccer, and volleyball, with teams coached by experienced professionals, such as University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign alumni and former National Football League players. The school has produced notable athletes, including Olympic medalists, such as Michael Jordan and Kerri Walsh Jennings, and professional athletes, such as LeBron James and Tom Brady. The school's athletic facilities include the Urbana High School Stadium, which hosts football and track events, and the Urbana High School Gymnasium, which features a state-of-the-art basketball court and weight room.

● Campus

The Urbana High School campus is located in the heart of Urbana, Illinois, within walking distance of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign campus. The school features a mix of modern and historic buildings, including the Urbana High School Main Building, which dates back to the early 20th century, and the Urbana High School Annex, which was built in the 1960s. The campus is surrounded by beautiful parks and green spaces, including the Urbana Park District and the Busey Woods, which provide students with opportunities for outdoor recreation and environmental education. The school is also close to cultural attractions, such as the Krannert Art Museum and the Virginia Theatre, which host various events and performances throughout the year.

● Student Life

Urbana High School offers a wide range of extracurricular activities and clubs, including the Urbana High School Band, the Urbana High School Choir, and the Urbana High School Drama Club. Students can also participate in community service projects, such as volunteering at the Urbana Food Bank and the Champaign County Nursing Home. The school has a diverse student body, with students from various cultural backgrounds, including African American, Asian American, Hispanic American, and Native American communities. The school celebrates various cultural events, including the Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the Cinco de Mayo, which promote diversity and inclusivity. Notable figures, such as Malala Yousafzai and Barack Obama, have also visited the school, inspiring students to become active citizens and leaders in their communities.

● Notable Alumni

Urbana High School has produced many notable alumni, including NASA astronauts, such as Scott Kelly and Peggy Whitson, and renowned scientists, such as James Watson and Francis Crick. The school has also produced successful entrepreneurs, such as Steve Jobs and Bill Gates, and famous artists, such as Pablo Picasso and Frida Kahlo. Other notable alumni include politicians, such as Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, and athletes, such as Michael Jordan and LeBron James. The school's alumni network includes graduates who have attended top universities, such as Harvard University, Stanford University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and have gone on to achieve great success in their careers, including Nobel Prize winners, such as James Watson and Francis Crick, and Pulitzer Prize winners, such as Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein.

Category:High schools in Illinois