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Kenwood Academy High School

Public | 7-12 | 1845 students

 

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Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

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2013:
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2012:
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2011:
Based on 2 ratings
2010:
Based on 5 ratings

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27 reviews of this school


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Posted May 24, 2011

My daughter is currently a junior at Kenwood. She started as a sophmore there, and all I would like to say is thumbs up. This is such a wonderful school. Keep up the good work...To ALL the teachers, principle, parent volunteers (wish I could do more) GOOD JOB...PLEASE PLEASE Keep Up the Good work that you are doing with our children. THANK YOU!!! Sincerely
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 7, 2011

I am a Asian American student at Kenwood High School. I am now a junior and have been at the school since 7th grade. I can tell you that this a a great school. I am currently taking two college courses at University of Chicago for free! I have met so many different students from different racial backgrounds. The school is about 80% Black and 10% White and Asian. We all get along and there aren't any fights. I feel completely safe here and is looking forward to my senior year. Kenwood offer over 15 advanced placement courses, plenty of sports& clubs, awesome teachers, four different foreign languages, including, Madarin Chinese!!! I am planning on going to Harvard or continuing at Univ of Chicago.


Posted March 27, 2010

Kenwood is by far, one of the best high schools in the city of Chicago. I am a student there, and I would put it above many of the selective enrollment highschools throughout the city. It has a mixture of personalities and interests, although about 90% of the school is African American (not a bad thing). The school takes great kids and makes them extraordinary, while at the same time, it takes bad students and makes them good students also. Kenwood is more rigorous and helpful than many people perceive it to be. Kenwood's mission is COLLEGE, and it does pretty well getting most people there.
—Submitted by a student


Posted February 16, 2010

I think Kenwood is a very good school. Although, again I think the clubs that they have there should put more thought to academic achievement and require the students to have at least passing grades in order to participate in the clubs. Also, if a student shows early on that they should not be in honor classes they should be allowed a way to drop them and go into regular courses where they would do better. Also, I believe that parents should be called in for consultation with their children and teachers more often where needed. There was a time where this was mandatory. Unfortunately, some parents don't know how to be parents when it comes to motivating school interest for their children. I do echo the other parents regarding the excellence of the school for there college bond determination the students.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 16, 2010

Congratulations Kenwood Academy for being named the Silver Medalist High School. I think Kenwood Academy High School is one of the best schools in the nation. My daughter attended their and graduated and is now a very successful college student. I attribute much of her success to Kenwood Academy High School. The Principal is awesome in caring for the students and she has a great team of administrative staff, teachers, counselors, nurses, lunchroom attendants, security staff, maintenance staff, librarian and staff, volunteer parents, volunteer tutors, graduation staff, local school council and if I left out anyone else you are also included. This school is just great. Thanks Kenwood Academy (Silver Medalist)School.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 15, 2010

Kenwood is an excellent school. I have had family in attendace at Kenwood since the early 80's and I am also a Kenwood alumni. I now have children who attend Kenwood and it is truly a family enviroment. Understanding and caring staff are follwing the foot steps of the principal. I am proud to say that my family and now children are products of Kenwood academy. GO BRONCOS
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 6, 2009

Kenwood is a school that not only challenges the students, but this particular high school gears them up for the real competitive world that awaits them. So, Kenwood Academy is a fantastic school to enroll your child. Just to give heads up, Kenwood does not tolerate non-sense!!. Just a reminder
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 15, 2009

I am also a teacher at one of the best schools in the city of Chicago, Kenwood Academy. We not only boast the best teachers and students, but our principal is by far the best in the system. We are truly a family and I echoe the teacher in the previous post, 'wouldn't trade this job for a million bucks.' If you are in search of a high school that will nurture your child and challenge them in the process, then kenwood hands down is your choice. There aren't too many teachers today who can say that they still love this profession. However, as long as I am employed in a place where the principal listens and the staff is truly a family, I am here for the duration of my career - Go Broncos!
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted February 16, 2009

kenwood is the school of excellence! I am a parent of a freshmen at kenwood an I feel that we made the right decision to enroll here. My child got in at one of the top catholic high schools but did not have the AP programs and there is so much more to offer here. Principal Kirby is the best and the teachers care about the students . The curriculum is very rigorous for students and challenging. Kenwoods name may not be your top but they certainly are college ready. My child loves this school and Kenwood is the best and number one school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 15, 2009

Kenwood has an excellent staff and is academically challenging to any student. Kenwood creates an atmosphere of learning and responsibility for each and every student. It is the ONLY public high school in the city where every student knows that their 'Mission Is College'. Kenwood prepares each student for the challenge and collectively supports each student by rendering the skills necessary to become successful.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 7, 2008

Kenwood has a great staff, and it is ranked city-wide as one of the Best schools. I should know i go there
—Submitted by a student


Posted October 30, 2008

Kenwood is a very good school. There is so much of positive things to involve yourself with. (Kenwood bronco's we rock)
—Submitted by a student


Posted September 24, 2008

I'm an Asian student that attends kenwood. Al tho kenwood has mostly black people, I felt 100% safe. The community is great! The teachers are fun and cool also. The standard for regular classes are really low tho. But, any honors classes and AP(advanced placement) classes, they are unbelievably hard. The teachers walk you through everything. The principle Ms.Kirby really cares about the students.
—Submitted by a student


Posted September 9, 2008

Kenwood is the best of all. our principal Ms.Kirby rocks and all staff and adminisration are respectful and helpful. and thats comming from my heart. I'm proud to say iI'm a kenwood bronco!.
—Submitted by a student


Posted July 7, 2008

I am a teacher at Kenwood and would not trade my job for a million bucks. The principal, Ms. Kirby, is very approachable, intelligent and care a great deal about the staff and the student body. Although Kenwood has changed since the 80's and 90's, we still do a wonderful job at making all students feel welcome regardless of race, socioeconomics and/or academic ability. As I stated earlier, I love this institution and all that it has to offer. If I were a parent, I would not hesitate to enroll my child here as long as Ms. Kirby is at the helm continuing to motivate our staff and the nearly 1700 students who walk our halls daily.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 30, 2008

i am a freshman attending kenwood academy and i must this has been the best year of my life
—Submitted by a student


Posted December 24, 2007

I'm a sophmore and Kenwood is a great school. Our mission(which is said and written everywhere in the building) is college and, although we aren't exactly a college-prepatory school, we still have a wonderful cirriculum that pushes the students to excel. We don't only have good academics but also clubs that fit everyone's interests. I myself am a member of Sister to Sister a group that brings Kenwood girls together to discuss different things and make new friends. There is Brotherhood which unites the boys of Kenwood. There are a variety of sports clubs also and they require students to have teachers to fill out grading cards so that students' grades stay up in order to play. I highly recommend this school.
—Submitted by a student


Posted November 20, 2007

I love this school. My son is a freshman at Kenwood. So far I am very impressed with the way the school literally pursues its students! What do I mean by pursue? The staff love the students and it's evident in the way teachers keep in contact with parents, track the student's progress and serious push each student toward excellence. The school's motto is 'striving for college' and they are doing just that. They make sure the students succeed. In my opinion, if you want your child to excel and not be considered a number, then you want your child to attend Kenwood.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 16, 2007

My child graduated from Kenwood almost two years ago. Kenwood is a lovely and sound school which offers many club/extracurricular acitvities, great teachers and a dynamic principal to its students. I recommend Kenwood to anyone. I am seriously thinking of enrolling my 9 year old gifted child in the AP program at Kenwood. All in all, Kenwood is a wonderful school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 22, 2007

I am an example of the excellence Kenwood Academy produce. With Kenwood not being a magnet school they continue to compete well against any magnet school in academics, sports, or leadership. Ms. Kirby(principal) is leading the school in the right direction. There are no schools that are perfect, don't get me wrong Kenwood does have problems within the school. It is how the students can respond to peer preasure, because peer pressure and with Kenwood having all of the leadership clubs(F.O.C.U.S., Brotherhood, Sister To Sister, Ladies Lounge, Men of Distinction, annd Junior Mentor.,) it will show students not to do those things. I am a former student at Kenwood and it has a great environment. I highly recommend Kenwood Academy.
—Submitted by a former student


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
Math

The state average for Math was 85% in 2012.

547 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
100%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
100%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 78% in 2012.

547 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
100%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
100%
Science

The state average for Science was 80% in 2012.

460 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
99%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
100%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Illinois used the Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math, and in grades 4 and 7 in science. The ISAT is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Illinois. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Illinois' state standards

Source: Illinois State Board of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 85% in 2012.

547 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
100%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
100%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 86% in 2012.

547 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
100%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
100%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Illinois used the Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math, and in grades 4 and 7 in science. The ISAT is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Illinois. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Illinois' state standards

Source: Illinois State Board of Education

Math

All Students100%
Female100%
Male100%
Black100%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Whiten/a
Low income100%
Non-low income100%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
Students without disabilities100%
English language learnersn/a
Migrantn/a

Reading

All Students100%
Female100%
Male100%
Black100%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Whiten/a
Low income100%
Non-low income100%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
Students without disabilities100%
English language learnersn/a
Migrantn/a

Science

All Students99%
Female98%
Male100%
Black99%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Whiten/a
Low income98%
Non-low income100%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
Students without disabilities100%
English language learnersn/a
Migrantn/a
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Illinois used the Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math, and in grades 4 and 7 in science. The ISAT is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Illinois. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Illinois State Board of Education. If there are a small number of students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Illinois' state standards

Source: Illinois State Board of Education

Math

All Students100%
Female100%
Male100%
Black100%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Native Americann/a
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islandern/a
Whiten/a
Low income100%
Non-low income100%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
Students without disabilities100%
English language learnersn/a
Migrantn/a

Reading

All Students100%
Female100%
Male100%
Black100%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Native Americann/a
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islandern/a
Whiten/a
Low income100%
Non-low income100%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
Students without disabilities100%
English language learnersn/a
Migrantn/a
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Illinois used the Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math, and in grades 4 and 7 in science. The ISAT is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Illinois. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Illinois State Board of Education. If there are a small number of students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Illinois' state standards

Source: Illinois State Board of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 52% in 2012.

547 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
47%

2011

 
 
45%

2010

 
 
40%

2009

 
 
43%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 51% in 2012.

547 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
45%

2011

 
 
51%

2010

 
 
48%

2009

 
 
54%
Science

The state average for Science was 52% in 2012.

460 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
45%

2011

 
 
41%

2010

 
 
39%

2009

 
 
40%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Illinois used the Prairie State Achievement Examination (PSAE) to test students in grade 11 in reading, math and science. The PSAE is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Illinois. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Illinois' state standards

Source: Illinois State Board of Education

Math

All Students47%
Female50%
Male42%
Black43%
Asian96%
Hispanic38%
Multiracial46%
Native Americann/a
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islandern/a
Whiten/a
Low income46%
Non-low income52%
Students with disabilities (IEP)9%
Students without disabilities50%
English language learnersn/a
Migrantn/a

Reading

All Students45%
Female50%
Male37%
Black43%
Asian56%
Hispanic50%
Multiracial46%
Native Americann/a
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islandern/a
Whiten/a
Low income44%
Non-low income52%
Students with disabilities (IEP)6%
Students without disabilities49%
English language learnersn/a
Migrantn/a

Science

All Students45%
Female45%
Male44%
Black39%
Asian88%
Hispanic56%
Multiracial50%
Native Americann/a
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islandern/a
Whiten/a
Low income43%
Non-low income55%
Students with disabilities (IEP)6%
Students without disabilities48%
English language learnersn/a
Migrantn/a
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Illinois used the Prairie State Achievement Examination (PSAE) to test students in grade 11 in reading, math and science. The PSAE is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Illinois. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Illinois State Board of Education. If there are a small number of students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Illinois' state standards

Source: Illinois State Board of Education

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
Black 84% 18%
Two or more races 6% 3%
Hispanic 5% 23%
Asian 3% 4%
White 2% 51%
American Indian/Alaska Native 0% 0%
Hawaiian Native/Pacific Islander 0% 0%
Source: NCES, 2010-2011

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 17N/A17
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

School basics

School Leader's name
  • Mr. Arthur Slater

Resources

Extra learning resources offered
  • Title I Schoolwide program (SWP)
School leaders can update this information here.

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5015 S Blackstone Ave
Chicago, IL 60615
Website: Click here
Phone: (773) 535-1350

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