King College Prep

In 1971, a beacon of hope opened its doors on Chicago’s South Side. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. College Preparatory High School, known as King College Prep, began its journey. King College Prep wasn’t always a selective enrollment school. It started as Forrestville High School in a repurposed elementary school building. The burgeoning student population needed a new space. The result was a brand new, $7 million building dedicated to the legacy of Dr. King. The official dedication ceremony, attended by Mayor Richard J. Daley, was a momentous occasion for the city. King College Prep became a selective enrollment institution in the 2000-2001 school year, raising its academic standards and solidifying its commitment to excellence. King College Prep boasts an impressive academic record. It offers a wide range of honors and Advanced Placement courses. It also provides access to college coursework through partnerships with various universities. The school’s visual and performing arts programs are particularly renowned. King College Prep’s band and choir have even graced the stages of the Presidential Inaugural Heritage Music Festival in Washington D.C. A remarkable feat for these young musicians. Did you know that in 2008, the marching band opened for the Stone Temple Pilots at a Chicago concert? Quite a unique experience. The athletic programs at King College Prep are also noteworthy. The boys’ basketball team dominated the courts throughout the 1980s and 1990s. They were frequent contenders for the state championship and nationally ranked. The team was coached by the legendary Landon “Sonny” Cox, a Chicago icon in his own right. King College Prep has a remarkable list of alumni. It includes Academy Award-nominated actor Michael Clarke Duncan, and several NBA players. One poignant story is that of Hadiya Pendleton, a majorette in the school’s marching band. She was tragically shot and killed in 2013, just a week after performing at President Barack Obama’s second inauguration. Her story is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by many young people in Chicago. King College Prep continues to uphold its mission. It provides a challenging academic environment for students who dare to dream and strive to achieve.