One of the most crucial decisions a parent must make is where to educate their children. Many families face whether to send their children to a private or public school. It’s obvious that both sorts of schools have benefits and drawbacks, but how do you decide which is best for you? In the end, choosing a school where your child will succeed intellectually and socially is the best thing you can do for him or her in the short and long term.
What Is A Public High School?
A public high school is a school that is maintained at public expense for the education of pupils in a community or district and is part of a free public education system that often includes both elementary and secondary schools. In simple terms, public schools refer to schools that are supported by taxes and governed by elected people (politicians).
How Can I Enroll In A Public High School?
To enrol in school in the United States, you must first register as a student. This implies you must go to the school and sign papers to be accepted. Learn what documents you’ll need and how you will be accepted.
Learn about the meals served at school and the regulations that must be met. Find out what to do if you are absent from school and how to get to school. In the United States, schools do more than just teach students.
Field trips, outdoor activities, festivals, after-school programs, and summer camps are all available through schools and other groups. In the United States, children are required to attend school. You may face consequences if you do not send your children to school and you have the option of sending your children to any form of school.
Are Public High Schools Free?
They don’t charge tuition to students who live in their tax jurisdiction. They can and will charge tuition or just refuse to admit students who live outside their district boundaries (such as international students).
Tuition-free does not mean entirely free, as charging fees for incidental services such as bus transportation, lab fees, sports / extracurricular expenses, and so on has become the standard.
Students may also be expected to engage in fundraisers, in which they sell products or services to collect money for certain school events.
Because public education is free, the majority of students attend it.
Is Attending A Public High School In Chicago Worth It?
Although all public schools are far from perfect, they still provide major benefits to the students who attend them daily. Many families are exploring alternative education options, such as homeschooling, private schools, and charter schools, as a result of public education getting a bad name in recent decades. Public schools, on the other hand, continue to play an important role in preparing the next generation of international leaders.
We’ll go over a few of those benefits now.
Benefits of Attending A Public High School
Public education is unbeatable in terms of cost. Although some parents may object to the recently increased costs of supplies and participation in sports teams, these schools are still far less expensive than their private equivalents. The average tuition for private schools in the United States is $19,310, according to GreatSchools.org. The average cost of boarding school is $35,118, against public schools that are free for all students.
Every youngster in a community has access to education through public schools. According to the Huffington Post, public schools are not allowed to reject children away based on their academic performance, income level, or disability. This assures that every kid in a community, regardless of their current personal or financial condition, has access to the same educational opportunities as their neighbours down the street.
Because public schools accept all children from the community, those who attend are more likely to be placed in classrooms with children who do not think, act, or look like them. Peers are more likely to be exposed to students from other cultures or socioeconomic backgrounds. They may be taught how to collaborate with pupils who have mental and physical challenges. For all of the children who attend a specific school, the diversity of the student body can be a valuable learning experience in and of itself.
According to Education Bug, public schools generally have the resources to provide additional academic options such as advanced classes and courses in specialized disciplines such as technology and the arts. Gifted and talented programs, the International Baccalaureate, and Advanced Placement classes are all possibilities. Students who want to achieve will have a variety of options, while those who are not interested in academic acceleration will have options as well.
Teachers in public schools must be certified by the state, according to PublicSchools.org. Certification also necessitates continued education and the renewal of credentials regularly. Because charter schools and private schools are exempt from this requirement, parents are often unaware of the quality of training that the teacher in their child’s classroom has received. These institutions may not even require teachers to have a four-year degree to work in the classroom.
What To Consider In Choosing A Public High School
Just as it’s critical to know the average class size and educational outcomes of the schools you’re contemplating, you should also know the educational philosophy that each of your potential schools follows. Different educational philosophies are used by different types of schools. For example, public schools are often driven by results and a need to “teach to the test.” Independent schools, on the other hand, frequently have far more creativity and flexibility in developing their curriculum in a way that goes deeper and allows students to learn more holistically.
You should acquire a sense of what the academic program looks like in addition to learning the educational philosophies of the schools you’re considering. You’ll be spending the next four years at this institution, so check sure they provide classes that you’ll enjoy and that will push you!
Top 10 Public High Schools in Chicago
#1 Walter Payton Preparatory College
#2 Northside College Preparatory High School
#3 Jones College Prep High School
#4 Whitney M. Young Magnet High School
#5 Adlai E. Stevenson High School
#6 Libertyville High School
#7 Hinsdale Central High School
#8 Vernon Hills High School
#9 New Trier Township High School
#10 Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
#1. Walter Payton Preparatory College:
Walter Payton’s culture and atmosphere are warm and inviting as if it were a close-knit community. The teachers are friendly and want you to succeed, and there are many kids from all nationalities and backgrounds, making it simpler to establish friends and adjust to the school.
Students and teachers have formed after school enrichment groups and programs that provide tutoring and community development. Clubs allow you to pursue your interests and discover new ones, as well as link you with people from similar ethnic/ racial backgrounds. Walter Payton discusses global injustices to encourage allyship and empower minority kids. Walter Payton College Prep is a public magnet school in Chicago, Illinois, with an 18 to 1 student-to-teacher ratio.
#2. Northside College Preparatory High School:
Northside College Prep students consider themselves privileged to be able to attend. Northside is a compact neighbourhood that is ideal for everyone. Cross country and track are two of the most popular sports in the athletics curriculum. Students can join a variety of groups, such as an environmental club, a journalism club, or a gaming club.
Northside has something for everyone, and its students have access to a wide range of activities. Northside College Preparatory High School is a public magnet school with an 18:1 student-teacher ratio in Chicago, Illinois.
#3 Jones College Prep High School: Jones College Prep offers a wide range of honours and advanced placement opportunities, making it a fantastic school to attend. Jones Student has access to nearby college campuses such as DePaul University and Columbia College and can communicate with them. Jones is a fantastic school with relatively few cases of racism affecting its kids.
The institution is continually introducing new policies and procedures to avoid such situations from occurring. Jones College Prep is a fantastic school with a kind atmosphere and a dedicated faculty. Jones College Prep High School is a public magnet school in Chicago, Illinois, with an 18 to 1 student-to-teacher ratio.
#4. Whitney M. Young Magnet High School:
Everyone has a place at Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, whether it’s in sports, art, drama, or academic competitions. The school’s basketball and football teams are among the top in the district. The teachers and staff are really helpful and approachable. They are well-educated and will always act in the student’s best interests. The school’s environment is pleasant to be in as well as secure. Whitney M. Young Magnet High School is a 19-to-1 student-teacher ratio public magnet school in Chicago, Illinois.
#5. Adlai E. Stevenson High School:
Adlai E. Stevenson High School is exceptional because it consistently considers the students’ long-term aspirations and objectives. With a devoted and qualified staff, they provide lessons and courses for almost any interest. It’s simple to blend in and locate your social group. The school is divided into various departments, each of which is manned by experts in their respective specialities.
The institution is well noted for its theatrical and sports productions. The school offers a wide range of organizations, bands, classes, and other options for students, making it easy to connect people who have similar interests. With a student-teacher ratio of 15 to 1, Adlai E. Stevenson High School is a top-rated public school in Lincolnshire, Illinois.
#6. Libertyville High School:
Libertyville High School offers a variety of programs and activities for students to choose from, allowing them to focus on their passions while taking advantage of the school’s facilities. The teachers are nice and understanding, and they are always willing to assist their students.
There is a great deal of school spirit and exciting events. For their prom and other school field trips, the school rents out large sites in Chicago, such as the botanical gardens or Navy Pier. Libertyville High School is a 14-to-1 student-teacher ratio public high school in Libertyville, Illinois.
#7. Hinsdale Central High School:
Hinsdale Central High School prepares you for college and offers a variety of academic competitive opportunities. The school has a fantastic Math Team as well as a Scholastic Bowl team. The degree of rivalry and camaraderie among students is high, which only serves to strengthen bonds and build some lasting connections.
The teachers are excellent and just care about the students’ progress, occasionally challenging them. Some of the lessons are challenging, but they are also the most pleasant because of the excellent instruction. Hinsdale Central High School is a top-rated public high school in Hinsdale, Illinois, with a 13-to-1 student-teacher ratio.
#8. Vernon Hills High School:
The Vernon Hills High School experience is nothing short of fantastic. Students love their academic studies and have several options to participate in organizations and sports. The school encourages pupils to form relationships with their teachers. The community’s hands-on environment provides several chances that most schools do not provide. The school is like a close-knit community where students can form lifelong friendships and connections. Vernon Hills High School is a 14-to-1 student-teacher ratio public high school in Vernon Hills, Illinois.
#9. New Trier Township High School:
New Trier High School is one of the finest performing high schools in the country, with outstanding teachers and kids who are very gifted and determined, allowing the other students to be more productive.
The pressure to perform at New Trier can be frightening, but the faculty is well-equipped and qualified to teach children and meet their unique needs. Most high schools do not have an inclusive environment for students of all abilities, but New Trier does. New Trier Township High School is a public high school in Winnetka, Illinois, with a 12 to 1 student-teacher ratio.
#10. Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy:
The curriculum at Illinois Mathematics and Science are excellent, and students can choose from a variety of Engineering-related courses. Medical sciences, chemistry, mathematics, and physics, for example, have excellent teachers and a well-structured curriculum. The workload can be difficult at times, but it is manageable. Although the math curriculum can be challenging, the administration makes up for it.
Many incidents are addressed honestly and adequately. The administration tries to keep in touch with the community. Residence staff and professors are well-liked by their students, and they are the closest to them. The majority of the students, teachers, and staff are friendly and helpful. Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy is a public, magnet, alternative school with a student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1. It is located in Aurora, Illinois.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best public high school in Chicago according to US News and World Report is Walter Payton Preparatory College. The school covers excellence in both academic and extracurricular activities than other schools
The best public high school in Chicago according to US News and World Report is Walter Payton Preparatory College. The school covers excellence in both academic and extracurricular activities than other schools.
Public High Schools in Chicago, just like other public high schools in the United States are good options for anyone. They have qualified teachers, adequate facilities and are economic options.
The choice to attend a public or private high school is highly dependent on the needs of the individual child. Factors like location, finance, expectations from the school, and preferred class size are factors to consider when making the choice.
The choice to attend a public or private high school is highly dependent on the needs of the individual child. Factors like location, finance, expectations from the school, and preferred class size are factors to consider when making the choice.
All the schools in our list of top 10 are all good, but in case you need a specific option, we recommend the schools in the top 3: Walter Payton Preparatory College, Northside College Preparatory High School, and Jones College Prep High School.
Public High Schools in Chicago are free to the students. They don’t charge tuition to students who live in their tax jurisdiction.
Conclusion
Choosing a high school is a thrilling experience! There are few things more invigorating than discovering a school community that you know will support you as a student and as a person, whether you’re just ending middle school and seeking to take the next step in your academic journey or you’re already in high school and searching for a change.
This is also a significant decision that will have a significant impact on your future. That is why it is crucial to analyze the colleges you are considering attending critically and to ensure that you are selecting the school that is the best fit for you. When it comes to selecting a high school, you’re doing more than just deciding where you’ll spend the next four years. You’re deciding about which community to join.
References
- usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/illinois/rankings/chicago
- publicschoolreview.com/blog/10-advantages-to-public-education
