Young Magnet High School

I attended Whitney Young, graduating in 1992. Sounds like WY has stayed one of the best in the city. I appreciate WY more now, as an alum, than I ever did as a student. It gave me exposure to diversity, to global issues, and to many different viewpoints. I had very liberal teachers, very traditional teachers, and many who were in-between. All of them cared, even if they didn't always show it (like the gym teachers.) On the down side, WY is a big school and unless you seek out opportunities, they don't always find you. My teachers didn't encourage me to make friends or grow socially through clubs or sports. Travel time and having to depend on the CTA Ashland bus was very difficult for me. I had to use my own resources to fight off some bullies freshman year, and to find a group of friends I felt comfortable with. If I was to give suggestions for WY to improve, I would ask the teachers and hall staff to get to know their students better and help them find extracurricular opportunities that would fit them well. I also wish I had been exposed to more college options.

I started going to WY this year as a 7th grader. It was a big adjustment of me to go from a school with 220 kids to a school with about 2200 kids. I really like the faxct that middle school students got a chance to mingle with high school students, and i really enjoy my classes too. The work load is a lot, and we do a lot of projects, but its definitely worth it, and i love everything about my school. Even though i miss my old school, i definitely dont regret switching to WY. The only thing i dont like is waking up early, but its definitely worth it :) ciara

Six years of my life. And I loved it. WY has a very diverse atmosphere. Being a magnet school, you get people from all over. And everyone cares about academics in some form. I guess I could say it was a very comforting place to get an education. (Plus, there are so many classes in so many fields of interest...) The teachers cared about the students, like for real. And through whatever method they use to teach, they get their point through. The school has lots of programs - after school clubs and extracurricular's. Lots of sports. It's a place that gives you a lot of chances. And I have to say. There are just some things that WY has that other schools seem to lack. If you went there, you know what I mean.

As a parent i would really like that my doughter attend this school. my doughter goes to w. irving middle school, she wants to go to whitney young sence she was in the 5th grade i think she made a great choice i hope they accept her.
--Submitted by a parent

I love my school sooooo much.!! I've been wanting to go to Whitney Young since I was in the 4th grade and when I finally found out I had gotten in I was really happy. I'm in 10th grd. and even though I love the school this year is hard. But hey,, what can you expect when you go to a grade A+ school.!!!!
--Submitted by a student

The administration is highly organized, communication to parents is excellent. My son graduated in June and was able to pick from 6 top midwest colleges/univerisities. Learning atmosphere is serious but relaxed. Many excellent mentors for students on staff. My daughter is involved in the theater program which has become her second family. WYMHS has it all: academics, arts, sports, wonderful safe learning environment. Diversity in faculty and staff stimulates all employees and students to think outside the box. Principle should run for president of the US. She is a visionary who really understands students and families. Compassionate but does not suffer fools gladly. I would recommend this school for anyone who wants a great education in a top notch institution.
--Submitted by a parent

Spent the best four years of my life there. Loved the buildings, the teachers, the students, the clubs, the diversity of classes.
--Submitted by a student

Whitney Young has provided my two children the unique experience of attending a school which draws from all parts of the city, from families who are diverse in every sense of the word. It's a school where it's o.k. to be smart. The size is generally a plus, as it provides the opportunity for a very broad range of activities and classes. That said, I have been disappointed in the uneven quality of the teachers, particularly in math and science. Most WYHS teachers are excellent, but the exceptions are glaring. The principal seems very focused on achieving successes she can measure -- high standardized test scores, winning sports teams -- rather than seeking truly innovative ways for students to learn. I would still choose WYHS as a place for my children's education, but hope the administration will think creatively and not rest on their laurels as they plan for the future.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a graduate of Young and I am a better person because of my experiences there.
--Submitted by a parent

WhineY Young is a wonderful school. There are many activities after school, 100s of clubs, and diverse people...but the test to get in is very hard. Compared to my old school, WY is so much more mature and interesting (fun)!
--Submitted by a student