Lincoln Park High School (Illinois)
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| Lincoln Park High School |
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| Established | 1899 |
| Type | Public |
| Principal | Dr. Bessie Karvelas |
| Students | 2,200 (Approx) |
| Grades | 9–12 |
| Location | Chicago, Illinois USA |
| Oversight | Chicago Public Schools |
| Colors | blue & yellow |
| Mascot | The Lion |
| Newspaper | Lion's Roar |
| Website | http://www.lincolnparkhs.org |
Lincoln Park High School (LPHS), formerly known as Waller High School, was established in 1899 as the first school on Chicago's north side. The school is consistently among the top public high schools. About 90% of graduates pursue some form of higher education, accepted at 160 colleges worldwide.
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[edit] History
The school was started when three division high school opened in different sections of the city: North, West, and South, to supplement Chicago's main Central High School. As the student population grew, it became clear that more space was needed, and the erection of a new building at the current location was begun in 1899. In 1900 the school officially opened and was renamed Robert A. Waller High School (also the developer of the Buena Park neighborhood in Uptown).
Enrollment was rapid. A 1903 issue of the Yellow and Blue, the school newspaper, lists 82 graduates. The music, athletic, and drama programs were especially strong at this time. In 1919 the ROTC was established at Lincoln Park.
During the 1920’s the two-year vocational program with a mid-year graduation increased in popularity. This program featured a strong business-oriented component. The student body's growth made it necessary for a new building; however, the Great Depression halted all work.
The hard times of the 30’s affected not only families but also the school system. Teachers were not paid on a regular basis; equipment and supplies were not available. The space problem continued however, because more students were attending school. Despite the economic troubles, athletics and other programs continued to grow. The new building was completed in 1938.
The school continued to grow, despite the changing neighborhood. The school population in the early 60’s was almost ideally integrated, and included a rich ethnic, as well as racial, mix. The college preparatory emphasis was strong but so were the various vocational programs and work-study opportunities. Night classes were offered.
In 1962, the high school built yet another building to accommodate the growing student body. During the mid-60’s, Waller High School encountered the struggles for racial accord that consumed the nation. The school fell into disrepair and was seized by racially-sparked conflicts. After the death of Martin Luther King Jr., Lincoln Park became one of the first schools in Chicago to explore cultures and histories of non-white peoples. During the 1970s, the school again had problems with the state of the building and increased racial problems. Community leaders and elementary feeder school parents, including some from the Cabrini-Green public housing development, worked on revitalizing the school.
By the late 1970s and early 1980s, it had been transformed again with its International Baccalaureate and performing arts programs. In 1984 President Ronald Reagan publicly praised Lincoln Park High School[verification needed], as the school produced many Science and History Fair winners, Illinois State Scholars and National Merit Scholars. There are now 2200 students at the school.
[edit] Programs
Lincoln Park High School is ranked the best high school in Illinois and 30th in the nation by Newsweek based solely on the number of AP and IB courses per graduating senior. (note: the report disqualifies all private schools and any schools which accept over 50% of their students based on an entrance exam [1]).
According to the State of Illinois Board of Education Report Card, in 2005 Lincoln Park High School did not achieve Adequate Yearly Progress as defined by No Child Left Behind legislation. Test scores for the entire student body in all subjects averaged 58.40%. Scores had not improved from 2004. To meet legislation requirements a school must demonstrate 95% participation rate on state assessments, in the aggregate and for all subgroups; 40% of students must meet or exceed state standards but only in reading and mathematics; and high schools must show a 66% graduation rate. The school's 2005-2006 NCLB status is identified as "Academic Early Warning"
Lincoln Park High School is made up of four smaller schools. There is the regular Chicago Public high school, Fine Arts/Performing Arts school, the International Baccalaureate Program, and the honors high school program. Many of the students take part in classes at more than one smaller school. The JROTC Program is also at Lincoln Park.
[edit] Sports
At Lincoln Park High School, there are many sports for all seasons during the school year. The seasons are Fall, Winter, and Spring.
Lincoln Park has a history of success in many sports. Their girls soccer team won the city championship in 2005, and placed 2nd in 2006, their boys basketball team won the Big Dipper Tournament in 2006, and boys volleyball team won the city championship in 2006.
[edit] Academic Honors
Lincoln Park High School has been consistently strong in science fair and history fair competitions, sending students to the national contests of each fair every year. In 2006, three student groups placed in National History Day in Washington, D.C. Students Montana Young and Ivan Favelevic received 13th place for Senior Group Exhibit and Brian Lis, Chris Ciszynski, Jonathan Taub, and Adrian Mikocewicz received The History Channel Award for Outstanding Project Tied to a Historic Site for their Documentary. Many students excel in Science Fair as well, going to the state competition every year.
The school also does well in academic competitions. Mayor Daley's Book Team won the City contest in 2006, and the Lincoln Park Know Your Heritage Team won the city contest in 2006 as well. The Lincoln Park Future Problem Solving Team has gone to state every year since its creation in 2003.
Lincoln Park had 19 National Merit Semi-finalists in 2006, the most of any public high school in Chicago.
