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Community High School District 99 serves a 32-square mile area of 65,000 residents with two renowned, award-winning high schools, North High School and South High School.
District 99 is located in Chicago's western suburbs approximately 19 miles from the loop, and serves the towns of Bolingbrook, Darien, Downers Grove, Lisle, Oak Brook, Westmont, Woodridge and unincorporated portions of DuPage County.
Both North High School and South High School have reputations for academic excellence. The District develops goals and detailed action plans in its continuous quest to improve on its core mission: student learning and achievement. A $68.4 million budget supports the operations of the District, and is enhanced by an educational foundation, 99 Plus. Enrollment totals 5,300 and is stable. Enrollment and has grown slightly and projections show that it will peak in the next few years.
North High School
From its opening in 1928, North High School has developed a solid record of educational excellence in academics, athletics, and activities. With an enrollment of 2,300, North High prides itself on supporting and recognizing each individual student. North High is located at 4436 S. Main St., Downers Grove.
South High School
Opening in 1964, South High School has grown to a current enrollment of 3,300 students, offering an excellent comprehensive academic program and renowned co-curricular opportunities for students. South High is located at 1436 Norfolk, Downers Grove, Illinois.
Learning Facilities
Both schools have updated facilities that are state of the art. Funded by a $49.5 million voter referendum, major additions and renovations were completed in 2001. Large classrooms, modern technology laboratories, multiple student resource centers, new science laboratories, extensive fine arts wing, new field house, expanded commons areas, and upgraded technology infrastructure provide a quality learning environment for students and teachers.
Academic Program & Extracurricular Activities
Students in District 99 select from over 200 course offerings ranging from skills classes for students who need extra academic assistance to Honors and Advanced Placement courses. The comprehensive curriculum has more than 200 courses. For a detailed look at the academic program, see the curriculum guide. For more on student achievement, and school statistics, see the Illinois School Report Card.
Both schools offer a multitude of interscholastic athletic teams for boys and girls in addition to an intramural athletic program. In addition to athletics, the schools host more than 50 activities for students, including special interest clubs, student governing organizations, both print and non-print communications activities, and a wide range of performing arts groups. Student participation in activities is highly valued and is evidenced by a participation rate of over 75%. Both schools are conference contenders, frequent conference champions and competitive state contenders. Recent state champions include football, girls' volleyball, badminton and the speech team, a perennial powerhouse in the state.
There is a rich tradition of musical excellence, with large numbers of students performing annually in the All-State Band, Choir, and Orchestra. Opportunities are also available for foreign language experiences through travel outside the United States. Snowball and other healthy lifestyle programs, as well as student leadership programs, are experiencing high levels of participation. Character education is also taught and integrated into the culture of each school.
Academic Achievement
Both North and South High Schools have an outstanding reputation for fostering student learning. Strong academic achievement is recognized by an average ACT composite that is significantly above the state average, or 22 at North and 21.3 at South. Equally as strong is achievement in the Advanced Placement program. In 2002, District 99 students took 857 exams and of those, 77 percent received a score of 3 or higher, a score for which most colleges award credit.
In addition, more than 84 percent of District 99 graduates continue their education at the college/university level.
Professional Staff
The staff is exceptionally well qualified. The teaching staff number 412 and averages 14 years experience. Eighty-one percent of teachers have a Master's Degree or above. The schools' emphasis on learning extends to the faculty, who participate in an extensive array of opportunities for professional development and growth.
Community
Community High School District 99 comprise the suburban communities of Bolingbrook, Darien, Downers Grove, Lisle, Oak Brook, Westmont, Woodridge and nearby sections of unincorporated DuPage County. The communities provide modern libraries, established park districts, a YMCA, and churches for all faiths. There is an extensive array of local organizations to support a variety of cultural and intellectual interests. The commuter rail system and nearby expressways provides easy access to Chicago's businesses, museums, theaters, and professional athletic events. Major private and public universities and colleges are within easy commuting distance and add to the cultural and intellectual environment of the community.
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