Jones College Prep High School

a nice high school with a multicultural environment.this building is state of the art.to sub and teach at jones is very hard because the kindness of the kids teachers never take off.very smart and advanced students at this school.

I certainly hope the new building changes things. While going through the CPS process of getting into one of the top high schools during 8th grade, the whole family picked Jones as their first choice. However, I am a disappointed parent. Whether it is the lack of clubs and sports teams, or the urban setting, Jones is missing is the rah-rah attitude for the school. kids don't hang out. They go to class and leave. My son is a sophmore and there has been minimal "College Days", so I am not seeing my son getting prepared for college. The homework load seems to be very light. He has always been an honor roll student throughout grammar school but is getting B's, C's and now D's, and it is not due to the material being too difficult. It is lack of interest and no action by the school. I have engaged the counseling department at Jones but no plan has been put in place to help my son. He has a twin brother who attends a different college prep, who has school loyalty and many, many friends. The number of friends does not determine the quality of the school, but he seems to be having a normal high school experience compared to his brother at Jones. I am disappointed, to say the least.
—Submitted by a parent

parent of a junior at Jones - this school has been the perfect fit for us. The classes are challenging and the teachers go out of their way to help kids. The teachers, led by an excellent principal inspire excellence and genuinely care about all students. We are very hopeful about the next step, our college opportunities, and feel well prepared. Location - fabulous, downtown commute and proximity to lake, parks, library, museums and water tower all play into the student lifestyle. We were very fortunate to have this opportunity.
—Submitted by a parent

Jones College Prep however does not really make students prepare to College. To me, it is like high school without any college prep method. Many students on other schools got accepted to top college and recieve scholarship when they take IB courses. For example, I heard that students @ (Curie Metro High School) has a high graduation percentage and got accepted to TOP universities when they take IB courses. So jones is not the only one that got accepted to good college however.

This comment is in response to the student review of May 24, 2011. I am also a freshman at Jones and it is an incredible place which offers a wonderful high school experience. Based on my grades in elementary school and scores on the ISATS I could have definitely gotten into at least Whitney Young but choose Jones as #1 since I had shadowed here and looked at all aspects of their academics. It is difficult to hate its "easy academics" when they have the same math program as Northside Prep, so if you are really that bored of school then you should be in math3 which is plenty of a push/challenge for me. Teachers at Jones don't have any problem controlling their classes BECAUSE they are lenient and earn the respect of students. By the way, that's the first time I've seen someone complain about not being punished. However, you were correct in saying that teachers cater to confused students which is one of the best aspects of this school! No matter what your problem is the teachers will make themselves available at virtually any time to help you prepare. They never leave anyone behind because we don't have a six floor building to accompany the 10 people getting straight A's.
—Submitted by a student

I am a freshmen at Jones and I am in love with the school. The teachers and students are friendly, yet competetitive a bit. The Prinicipal is very encouraging and hands on. I am greatful to be part of this prestigious high school.
—Submitted by a student

Take this as true advice from a current student. Jones should be an absolute fallback school. I turned down opportunities to attend extremely prestigious school for Jones. Coming to Jones was a complete mistake. I should have done more research on the school. The school environment is not ideal, and I feel completely out of place. The academics are a joke. The teachers are extremely lenient and do not push/challenge students whatsoever. Staff caters to the underachieving, and cannot discipline their classes. We are supposed to be one of the best high schools in the state, yet everyone attends mediocre colleges. Please considers all other options before Jones.
—Submitted by a student

It has the best teachers, students, & greatest staff that any parent could ask for. WHY NOT BRAG ABOUT JONES COLLEGE PREP. I love this school and everything it has to offer.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a graduate of JCP and the atmosphere that Jones provides is a breeding ground of individuality. The student body and faculty are very diverse, which provides an array of culture to the small educational institution. This school is not for everyone, but if you are looking for a place that supports and encourages a well rounded individual, this is your haven.
—Submitted by a student

My child is just about to finish freshman yr at JCP. The school is not as rigorous as other selective enrollment schools and the students are not pushed to excel. There is a 'good enough' attitude that does not well serve all students. My child rejected other selective enrollment schools to attend JCP--not sure we made the right choice. Not many students are on the high honor roll.
—Submitted by a parent

When it comes down to choosing a selective enrollment high school, a few but an important number of students want the same thing: a small individualized learning environment where new faces are never seen as just another freshman/transfer student, but rather a inctellectual friend. Our school is not divided by race, class or sexual orientation; our school has no cliques, but rather we are all just a huge group of friends that care deaply about eachother. Our counselors and teachers give students the selective and specialized attention they deserve because of the small class number. At this point I am writing a plea. There has been talk that they are going to change jcp, so that it could be half selective enrollment and half neighborhood enrollment, and also making the classes much, much bigger. We must keep up the quality education @ jones; let's keep what's working and change what's not.
—Submitted by a student

I am a former student, class of 07. Because there is a text limit I will be prompt. I have many memories that span a course of four years at Jones College Prep and I am happy to say that most all of my memories are great ones. Looking back, I am thankful for every professor, coach, and faculty member that encouraged me to find my potential. I can honestly say that JCP prepared me for my next step in higher education. I can also say that JCP did not fail me as it allowed me to become a well rounded person. It also allowed me to view the world from a different perspective. Student body is diverse, the location is great, lots of clubs, the arts programs are amazing, and courses are just what you need to prepare for the next level in your education.
—Submitted by a student

I currently attend Jones. I was expecting the world when i accepted, and turned down many academically superior schools to attend this Jones. I feel incredibly uncomfortable and out of place here. The classes are lacking in rigor, and thought the teachers offer support, I am shocked students need it. The school should be thought of simply as a fall back and if you have other options you should consider them greatly.
—Submitted by a student

I currently attend this school as a junior and I must say it is a great school. The couselors, teachers, and staff care deeply for every one and each of the students here. They have now started a 7-7-6-6 plan throughout the year that will take action in the year 2008-2009 and even though it is too long to explain here, once parents or students hear it, they fall in love with it. This is an exceptional school and as a student I would definitely recommend it.
—Submitted by a student

Academic programs are top notch for a public school. The programs give an adequate education for kids to attend a regular four year college. The school has a strong music program, a great art program, and has plenty of extracurricular activities for the students. Parents are involved in their local school council.
—Submitted by a former student

This is my first year at Jones. It is very diverse and for the most part I like it. This is not the athletics types school, we do well but not at the championship levels. They have very tough work but greatly plans you for college.
—Submitted by a student

This is my sons first year at Jones College Prep and I must say the teachers are ready and willing to help students that are struggling.The falculty were so kind to my son and I as we went through a personal situation.The courses at Jones is not easy but,with the help of teachers,counslers,and other falculty members they will help your child acheive excellence.Jones has safety and disciplinary rules like any other school putting the needs of the students and falculty first.The teachers,counsler,psycologist,attendence,and all the falculty has shown me how caring they are for the students and helping them in any way the can to do well in school. I am very proud that my son attends Jones they have so many programs to offer the students.Any student that is accepted at Jones should consider it an honour and a privilige the love there is huge .
—Submitted by a parent

I've attended Jones for 4 years, with completion as of 05. This school is great as has a lot of oppurtunities. Great teachers, great principles, wonderful students, no fights, and most of all great education status.
—Submitted by Ms.Jones, a former student