Did you know that New Trier High School opened its doors on February 4 1901? Seventy-six students braved a snowstorm to attend that very first day. This impressive institution isn’t just a school it’s a living testament to the evolution of education in the Chicago suburbs. New Trier High School stands proudly serving the communities of Wilmette Kenilworth Winnetka Glencoe and Northfield. It even extends its reach to parts of Northbrook Glenview and unincorporated Cook County. That’s quite a reach for a single high school.
The school’s history is rich with fascinating details. In 1913 New Trier became one of the first American high schools to boast an indoor swimming pool a truly innovative feature for its time. Think of the splash it must have made then. It was a progressive move that set the stage for future advancements.
But New Trier’s innovative spirit didn’t stop there. In the 1950s it became the first US high school with a non-commercial FM broadcast license for a radio station WNTH 88.1 FM. The students ran the station under faculty supervision broadcasting news and music to the community. Imagine the learning opportunities this provided. This was hands-on experience in broadcasting.
The school also pioneered in educational television. By 1970 it operated the nation’s first public high school-based CCTV instructional station ITV which beamed educational programs to township elementary schools. Again students actively participated. New Trier’s commitment to media technology was ahead of its time.
The school’s growth hasn’t always been seamless. In the 1960s it expanded with a new campus in Northfield. This meant New Trier East and New Trier West campuses. A decade later enrollment declined. The school board brought all students under one roof. They closed the West campus temporarily. This decision however sparked a community campaign. Local citizens successfully fought to keep the West Campus for future generations. This shows the strong community bond with New Trier.
Through its many changes New Trier High School has consistently ranked among the top high schools in the nation. It’s a testament to its dedicated faculty staff students and the supportive communities it serves. It’s more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a place where innovation learning and community spirit thrive. It has truly made its mark on the educational landscape of the Chicago area.