Before you stands Oak Park and River Forest High School a place of tradition and history. Founded in 1871 Oak Park and River Forest High School opened its current building in 1907. It is the only school in Oak Park and River Forest District 200. This school has shaped generations of students.
Oak Park and River Forest High School has a rich history. Newsweek has listed it six times as a top American public school. In 2009 the school was ranked #549. The school was ranked even higher in previous years.
The school district includes all of Oak Park. It also includes almost all of River Forest. Oak Park Elementary School District 97 and River Forest School District 90 feed into Oak Park and River Forest High School.
The school’s crest is a significant symbol. It is a shield divided into three sections. The top left shows an acorn and oak leaves. The bottom has wavy lines for a river. The right shows trees for a park or forest. The motto is inscribed on a divider. The motto is “Those things that are best” in Greek. The crest has symbolized the school since 1908.
Oak Park and River Forest High School does not have a valedictorian. Instead it presents the Scholarship Cup. This award goes to graduating seniors. They must have the highest weighted GPA. This is calculated after seven semesters. Transfer students can also win. They need to attend for five semesters.
In 2008 Oak Park and River Forest High School had a high average ACT score. It was 24.5. Over 94% of the senior class graduated. The school offers many Advanced Placement courses. These include Economics, English, Art History and much more.
Student life at Oak Park and River Forest High School is vibrant. The school sponsors many arts organizations. The school’s orchestra was founded in 1907. Oak Park was one of the first to give credit for orchestra performance.
The school has many music groups. These include a gospel choir and jazz bands. There is also a marching band and pep band. Three choirs perform during the school day. Several small student-run groups exist. The school also has a concert band and symphony orchestra.
The school supports a dance team and an orchesis group. Eleven stage productions occur each year. These include shows in the Little Theatre. Studio 200 hosts black box performances. A summer and winter musical are also staged. The school sponsors a stage crew and a makeup group.
Oak Park and River Forest High School also has a speech team. The Crest is the school’s literary and arts publication. It has been active since 1893. The school also has a television news program called Newscene. It was founded in 1982.
In 2018 a docuseries called America to Me premiered. It followed Oak Park and River Forest High School students. The series explored race and education.
Oak Park and River Forest High School offers over 60 clubs and activities. These range from athletic to artistic. There are also academic, cultural and social awareness clubs.
The school’s intramural program is popular. It has basketball, badminton and ultimate frisbee. Dodgeball and flag football are also played.
Oak Park and River Forest High School competes in the West Suburban Conference. Its teams are known as the Huskies. The school sponsors teams for young men and women in various sports.
Several teams have won IHSA-sponsored state championships. These include baseball, softball, and swimming. Tennis, track and field, volleyball and wrestling teams have also won.
In the school’s early days “field days” were common. Students competed for prizes. Events included the hammer throw and sack race.
In 1927 the school built a large fieldhouse. It had four gyms and two swimming pools. It also had an indoor track.
The Oak Park Relays were a major track event. It became the largest in the Midwest. The school partnered with others to build a new outdoor track.
The Oak Park and River Forest High School lacrosse program is one of the oldest in Illinois. Water polo was played as early as 1901.
Oak Park and River Forest High School has produced many notable alumni. These include Ernest Hemingway and Dan Castellaneta. Many have excelled in letters journalism and the arts. Others have made contributions to science and sports.
Oak Park and River Forest High School stands as a testament to education and community. It is a place where students can thrive. It is a place where traditions are honored. Its legacy continues to inspire.