Rich Central High School

Ever wonder what it takes to build a school of the future? Rich Central High School’s story begins not here, but a few miles away at the East Campus of Rich Township High School. In 1952, construction began on the East Campus, funded by a $1.6 million bond. Just a year later, it opened its doors as a four-year high school. Meanwhile, ninth graders attended classes at the Faith United Protestant Church in Park Forest. The East Campus, situated on 55 acres of donated land, was initially designed for 750 students. It quickly grew. By 1955, it expanded to hold 1,100 students thanks to a $450,000 bond. Another bond in 1957 further increased capacity to about 1,600 students. While the East Campus flourished, the district looked ahead. They acquired 50 acres in Olympia Fields, laying the groundwork for a new school. This would become Rich Central High School. In 1959, a $1.69 million bond financed the first phase of the Central Campus, designed for 700 students. Rich Central High School garnered national attention for its innovative design. The Ford Foundation recognized it as a “significant school of the future.” The Nation’s Schools magazine featured it on its cover in 1960, calling it “An Image of the Future in Olympia Fields, IL.” Rich Central High School opened its doors to ninth and tenth graders in September 1961. Around 425 students attended the new campus. At the same time, the East Campus continued to serve roughly 1,600 students. Expansion continued. A 1962 bond issue allowed for an addition to Rich Central High School, increasing its capacity to 1,500 students by September 1963. The community’s investment in education didn’t stop there. In 1966, a $2.7 million bond issue further expanded both the Central and East Campuses. Rich Central High School’s capacity rose to 2,100 students, while the East Campus reached 1,800. Today, Rich Central High School stands as a testament to the community’s forward-thinking vision and commitment to education. It continues to serve students in the south suburbs of Chicago. It offers a comprehensive curriculum. It fosters a spirit of academic excellence. It truly represents the embodiment of a school built for the future.