“Did you know that a naval hero’s name graces this Chicago school?” I’m talking about Farragut Career Academy. It stands here in Little Village. Farragut is more than just a name. It’s a place where students prepare for their futures.
Farragut Career Academy opened its doors in 1894. Back then it was a primary school on Spaulding Avenue. It had sixteen rooms and 900 students could fit in the school. The Chicago Board of Education named it after Admiral David Farragut. He was the first admiral in the United States Navy. George R. Plumb became its first principal. Imagine 500 students in grades 1 through 4. They were part of Chicago’s 175,000 students across 200 schools. Enrollment increased rapidly at that time.
Two years later, the school received an oil portrait of Admiral Farragut. The Grand Army of the Republic presented it. Students sang patriotic songs at the dedication. That portrait still hangs in Farragut’s south building.
Overcrowding became a problem in the early 20th century. Farragut needed more space. An addition with sixteen rooms and an assembly hall was approved. Principal Henry C. Cox believed this would help students finish high school. The addition opened as a high school in 1909. The original building remained a primary school.
Many students worked to support their families. Principal Morse created a plan. Students could work, attend school and still get paid. They alternated weeks between work and school. Companies like Chicago Malleable Iron and International Harvester cooperated. Farragut offered a special vocational curriculum. It improved their industrial education.
Young women learned domestic sciences. Classes included sewing, cooking and hygiene. Vocational programs grew and Farragut expanded. In 1914, most programs moved to Harrison Technical High School. Farragut became a community center. Organizations like Boy Scouts used the classrooms. Adult education classes taught sewing and typing. The school offered free English classes. People could also participate in sports, music and art.
In 1924, Farragut became a junior high school. It housed seventh and eighth graders. This eased overcrowding in other schools. By 1928, an addition doubled Farragut’s size. Peter B. Ritzma became principal. Farragut became a senior high school in 1933.
Vocational training returned in 1935. The Emergency Education Program offered free adult evening classes. Unemployed adults learned typing, sewing and printing.
After World War II, the neighborhood changed. More African-Americans moved in. The student body and staff became more diverse. North Lawndale lacked a senior high school. Many black students from there attended Farragut. By 1968, Farragut was about 90% black and overcrowded.
In 2010, Kanye West performed a private concert. Farragut won the “Stay in School” contest. They improved attendance, grades and behavior.
Farragut Career Academy has produced many notable alumni. These include NFL player Otis Armstrong and NBA player Kevin Garnett. Even Pat Sajak the host of Wheel of Fortune is an alumnus.
Today, Farragut Career Academy continues to serve its community. It provides a unique blend of academic and vocational training. It prepares students for the challenges and opportunities of the future. Remember Farragut Career Academy. It’s a Chicago institution with a rich history and a bright future.