York Comm High School

My son is having a great experience at York. He is involved in sports and leadership programs. Recently he particpated in Challenge Day at York which he said was a life changing experience. I am impressed that York teahers and staff are actively involved in trying to alleviate bullying and helping students who may feel disenfranchised, especially in a school of its size. The teahers are great and responsive and the curriculm is challenging and tiered to meet most students needs. We are lucky to have a school in our area that provides our children with great experiences and academic excellence.
--Submitted by a parent

I attended YCHS from 1964 to 1966 (the middle of my junior year). The education provided by York and the other schools I attended in Elmhurst; Emerson Grade school and Carl Sandburg Jr. High; are unparalleled. Now 62, no matter where I go in, people think I'm college educated. I am not. This school was and I am sure remains to this day an icon in the world of education.

This school is the best because i go there and everybody is friendly. i love this school so much. The teachers are great and i am only freshman in this school. i love this school so much. GO DUKES!!!
--Submitted by a student

My son loved it, especially the music program. He had an extremely positive High School experience and was well prepared for college.
--Submitted by a parent

As parents who have relocated a number of times and have experience with a variety of schools, we can honestly say that this is the best high school we've seen. The teachers are exceptional, and we attribute the overall quality of education to the great teamwork between the teachers and the administration. Diana Smith is an innovative, compassionate, and tough principal who strives to provide a quality education to all students, regardless of their individual strengths. Although some disgruntled parents grouse when their own kids screw up and are then faced with the consequences of their actions, we have found Principal Smith to be the leading advocate for our community's young adults. Her principled stands have occasionally run counter to the superintendent's office, but she has never flinched in her commitment to standing up for her students.
--Submitted by a parent

York offers many opportunities for students at different academic levels. The vast majority of teachers my two sons have had are outstanding. The music department is fantastic--they challenge and inspire the kids.
--Submitted by a parent

Some of the teachers are very good, others are not. The biggest detriment to the school is the administration. It may be due to the ratio of students to admin staff, but there is a great deal that seems to slip through the cracks. If your child has any type of learning disability or learning challenge, you may need to consider outside help. The best part of the curriculum is the art department, which is incredible.
--Submitted by a parent

Although York does have a fairly strong athletic program (albeit steadily declining over the years) it could use a Principal who better understands what it takes to bring a school forward. Principal Smith insists on managing her administration rather than leading them. Micromanaging has no place in the Principal's office- where the focus should be maximizing what York can offer its students. Overall, a good school, but sadly, could be much better.

York definitely does not offer the higher classes that other schools do, but they definitely have some very good teachers there, there are a few that I don't care for, but otherwise they are great. Most of the Deans do a very good job, and they could probably use having one take the Principle's decision, Diana Smith is a nice person, but doesn't quite understand how to run a high school.
--Submitted by a student

York High School's test scores have been declining for years. There are few opportunities for highly achieving students. Most of the school district's focus is on Special Ed and struggling students. The focus isn't on excellence any more.
--Submitted by a parent