Picture this. You stand before George Washington High School a grand edifice on Chicago’s far southeast side. Its red white and blue color scheme hints at its namesake. The first President of the United States. George Washington High School serves the Hegewisch and South Deering neighborhoods.
This isn’t just any high school. George Washington High School boasts a rich history. It’s a public four-year institution part of the Chicago Public Schools district. For years it faced challenges. It even fell into the bottom 5 percent of Illinois schools for achievement. But a remarkable turnaround has transformed the school.
The story isn’t simply one of academic improvement. It is a story of resilience community and overcoming adversity. It involves dedicated teachers and a supportive principal fostering a culture of belonging. George Washington High School now holds a Level 1 ranking the highest in the CPS system. Test scores are up. Discipline issues are down.
The school’s athletic teams the Patriots and Lady Patriots also played a significant role in this revitalization. Think about the boys’ basketball team’s regional championships in 2005-06 and 2006-07. Consider the boys’ soccer team’s astonishing run of IHSA Regional Championships. They won from 2009-10 to 2015-16 and again in 2017-18 2020-21 and 2021-22 and 2022-2023. They even secured IHSA State Championships and placed third in the state.
The girls’ teams shone too. The girls’ basketball team won Public League championships. The girls’ softball team made history with four consecutive trips to the state competition. A feat achieved by only one other team in Illinois.
But George Washington High School’s narrative is more than just athletic victories. It’s a story of students teachers and administrators working together. They overcome challenges and build a strong school community. Racial incidents occurred but students organized walkouts to demand change. The school responded by creating a system for reporting racist behavior. They created restorative conversations and meetings to address these issues.
This isn’t just a school. It’s a testament to the power of collective effort. It’s a place where students feel safe empowered and proud. As you stand before George Washington High School remember this journey of transformation. This remarkable school continues to thrive on the East Side of Chicago.