Highland Park schools? (Chicago, Naperville, Lake Forest: low income, school district, college)

[Sunsmile]

I have heard that schools in this area have students from more low income areas comprised mostly of hispanics. Does this effect the quality of education? Are there gangs and other things associated with low income groups? Thanks. Dont mean to offend but have other suburbs to consider where this is not an issue.

[chet everett]

From who?

Interactive Illinois Report Card

[Paige65]

Yes, there are a few schools with a larger hispanic population. The quality of the education is good across Highland Park. I would not be concerned about gang activity.

Schools with significant hispanic population and ISAT scores for 2008:

Oak Terrace Elementary (62.9% hispanic) ISAT 70% (meet or exceed)
Red Oak Elementary (35.8% hispanic) ISAT 86%
Sherwood Elementary (14.5% hispanic) ISAT 92%
Indian Trail Elementary (13.1% hispanic) ISAT 90%
Northwood Junior High (36% hispanic) ISAT 83%
Elm Place (middle) School (14.5% hispanic) ISAT 90%

The district ISAT average is 90%. The highest performing elementary and middle schools in Highland Park are at 95%-96% (Braeside, Lincoln, Ravinia, Edgewood Middle, Wayne Thomas).

[hsw]

Wow

Sounds like HP schools are about as worthless as LF schools

Those weak comparables argue for a Winnetka "premium", as it's one of last remaining academically competent/physically safe public school dts in Chic region (or in US for that matter)

Pvt schools are rather costly additions to one's COL on top of unavoidable income and property taxes....but they've been non-discretionary parts of COL of young families in wealthiest suburbs of SiliconValley, NYC and LA for decades....

[Paige65]

Originally Posted by hsw

Wow

Sounds like HP schools are about as worthless as LF schools

Those weak comparables argue for a Winnetka "premium", as it's one of last remaining academically competent/physically safe public school dts in Chic region (or in US for that matter)

Pvt schools are rather costly additions to one's COL on top of unavoidable income and property taxes....but they've been non-discretionary parts of COL of young families in wealthiest suburbs of SiliconValley, NYC and LA for decades....

I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you didn't read my entire post. Your assumption that Winnetka schools fare better is wrong. I'll keep it simple.

Winnetka elementary schools:
Crow Island 2007 ISAT 96; 2008 ISAT 97
Greeley 2007 ISAT 96; 2008 ISAT 93
Hubbard Woods 2007 ISAT 92; 2008 ISAT 94

Highland Park top three elementary schools:
Ravinia 2007 ISAT 96; 2008 ISAT 96
Lincoln 2007 ISAT 95; 2008 ISAT 96
Braeside 2007 ISAT 96; 2008 ISAT 95

So, if you are going to call HP and LF schools worthless, then you should lump Winnetka's in the same boat. FWIW, I believe there are a few Hinsdale schools that had ISAT's of 98. Makes Winnetka look bad.

Why is there an assumption that HP schools are not safe?

Finally, here's another bit of interesting information. Following are the average ACT scores of all Chicago area schools, Highland Park is the only suburban (or non-magnet) school on this list with low income of 10% (actually 9.9%). All other schools on the list have considerably fewer economically disadvantaged (all students are required to take ACT so you're comparing an entire class.)

1. Northside College Prep 27.8
2. New Trier 26.9
3. Payton College Prep 26.8
4. Deerfield 26
4. Young Magnet 26
6. Highland Park 25.8
7. Stevenson 25.7
8. Lake Forest 25.6
9. Glenbrook North 25.5
9. Hinsdale Central 25.5
11. Naperville North 25.4

[LaMaca]

FYI - The dual language program in the HP public school district is one of the most highly regarded in the nation. It just had its 10 year review and all the results were wonderful. Each Kindergarten classroom is half native English speakers and half native Spanish speakers. Both groups are expected to be fully bilingual by 5th grade. The program is in three elementary schools in HP: Sherwood, Red Oak and Oak Terrace.