Lincoln Park High School

My son is currently in 8th grade and recently we accepted an offer from LP into the Vocal Music Program. I thought I did a lot of research on this school but after we accepted I decided to do some more and so far I don't like what I've been reading. I respect the students reviews and have taken that into consideration but as a parent the parent reviews is what I'm focusing more on and it seems to be mixed. What are some parents not seeing that other parents are? Some are saying this school is horrible, others are stating that it's great! Although we have accepted their offer, I'm we are looking into Von Steuben as well who called us yesterday with an offer. Although I've read some negative reviews as well for them, it's not as much as what I'm readin in regards to LP. I would like some more feedback on anything recent so I can make the best decision for my son. The most recent review I see is in Feb 2012 and it's a negative one. But it seems that the review is regarding a situation that has taken place before regarding the counselors. Thank you
--Submitted by a parent

My brother is a freshman here and I have watched him go from a happy teenager to a miserable one. Ive been to this school a few times and the staff is extremely rude. No one seems to care about the kids. Ive made calls to his counselor and she has never bothered to get in touch with me. My brother hates the atmosphere here and it seems like it's just not a very welcoming place. We are all very upset that we sent him to this school but fortunately, we are working on transferring him over before things get worse. I wouldn't recommend this school to anyone. Many other people that went to this school either transferred or just hated it. Don't the scores and reviews fool you. This school isn't worth anyone's time.

I have difficulty getting anyone to pick up the phone at any department in the school. My daughter's counselor does not answer her phone and returns messages days later. By the time she called me the issue had been resolved and she argued with me about why I emailed my daughters teachers telling me that was not necessary. I found the whole conversation bizzare and wonder how she even keeps a job there. I drove to LPHS immediately after that conversation to talk with Mr. Boras about it. Things got worse...he sat there and did not stand to greet me or attempt to shake my hand. I shook his hand and introduced myself. I went on to expalin a pretty serious situation happening with my daughter at the school while he stared out the door, which he did not have the manners to close. I finally stopped and asked if someone was standing outside the door and did he need to go talk to them. He said "No, I am just watching the people walk by." I wish I was kidding but that's what he said. Then, he continued to stare out the door and space out while I tried to have a conversation.
--Submitted by a parent

I'm a sophomore here at Lincoln park so I'll b graduating in 2014. I can say that I have learned alot. From booksmarts to street smarts. My grade school had a graduating class of 24 when I was in 8th grade so attending a big is school is really interesting because it's new to me. I've met soo many different people. I've seen soo much in and outside this school that I never thought I'd see. but every experience here so far has been a learning experience. I've learned what to say in certain situations, what to do, what not to do, and just how to make it in general. I've also learned a whole lot academically as well. When I was accepted into this school I was accepted into the ib program but I chose to do double honors instead because I didn't want to work to my full potential. But my teachers know my capability and they always try to get the best from me. I had an amazing set of teachers freshman year and I like alot of my teachers this year too. Along with that we have a wonderful principal. He isn't one of those principals that you never see instead Its crazy that I see him quite often in a school of 2200 kids. I have had a great experience here so far and I can't wait to.....
--Submitted by a student

Unlike most magnet schools, LPHS has multiple programs, (International Baccalaureate, Double Honors, Honors, and regular), so the educational experience can be tailored to suite the need of individual students. As an example, my son found the IB program too rigorous and transferred into Double Honors for his junior year. Further, there is a separate freshman building so students can transition into high school without a lot of the anxiety that goes along with being the 'low man on the totem pole'. The teachers are engaging and responsive, as is the new principal, which has led to more parent involvement and increased school spirit. You would do you child a disservice by overlooking LPHS in your high school search.
--Submitted by a parent

Some mere facts for the IB program, the implementation of the program in this school defeats its purpose. The students have to complete busy work in all courses that allows no time to think and develop. Many blogs and websites exist with answers to recirculated homework. 130 students are accepted in LP IB annually, less than 80 graduate, 30 of them drop from the program the first year (only those with ISATS > 90% percentile are can apply, out of more than 2000 applicants choose 130 are selected) 85% of the 80 who graduate complete their IB diploma. This is merely 68 out of 130 capable students and this is around 50% success. Each student is required to take the 6 IB and around 5 AP courses. The teachers are not up to PAR with the students, recently the program lost its best Math teacher, while the only option for a student to take Physics is to take double Science in sophomore year. The program doesn't provide IB Physics class. To the question if my daughter could take a drama class as elective the coordinator answered with pride that Students in our program are not interested in drama This is a 4 year bootcamp. The number of kids who annually go to IVY schools is not published
--Submitted by a parent

In hind site having two students in LPHS was wonderful. They chose this school for the theatre program and the reputation. After attending Cornell on scholarship as theatre majors they both realize what a great experience they had. After the independent training and rigorous expectations they were well prepared for college life. Our children have reached back to visit and continue relationships with teachers and peers thoughout college. They walk proud when they say they are a student from Lincoln Park high. The school is well regarded in acedemic circles. Our first graduated Cornell in '07' and our second is set for '10'. We are pleased with LPHS.. Well rounded grads are all you can ask for and we recieved this here. Were there bumps here and there? 'Yes', as in all schools, its rare that schools measure thier failures.We spoke up and were heard. Since '03' we remain happy.
--Submitted by Maggie Czerwionka, a parent

My daughter is in the double honors program. I am sorry I let her stay at LPHS. If you are ever in the halls, there is no respect, the kids sound like they are on the street, swearing and yelling in the halls. I spoke with the counselor and was told they have too many students and the student should seek them out if they need help. I am am very sorry I sent her to this school.
--Submitted by a parent

My son waas accepted into the IB program, and he's learned so much. It's performing arts and IB program rank top in State. It's IB program is best in state and top in the U.S.A. It's an amazing program and we couldn't turn it down. It's very diverse and it's located in one of the best neighborhoods in Chicago(Lincoln Park). The students are academically challenged. Students are pushed to do their best. They are accaepted into Ivy League schools. It was also listed inthe Top 100 high schools in the U.S. Only two schools from Illinois were listed their, Northside College Prep and Lincoln Park. It's IB program really caries the school. If it was only IB, it would be listed alot higher but the school gives opportunites to all the students.
--Submitted by a parent

Very pleased at first when my daughter was accepted to the double-honors/Fine Arts program at LPHS. Her freshman year, she was struck by the lack of community/caring; this past fall we pulled her from LPHS. Her grades were good, she had friends, but the school is not a nurturing academic environment for the vast majority of the 2400 students. I fell prey to the Newsweek Report that put LPHS in th top 100 high schools. While I cannot dispute the test scores, I have to wonder how much is extracted from and exacted on the kids to make those scores. With the exception of a very small percentage - not a lot of school spirit; not a lot of enthusiasm from the students not directly involved in a sport, production, or IB. If you/your child is looking for a good overall highschool experience and not just test scores, look elsewhere.
--Submitted by a parent