York Community High School

What a Fantastic School! I'm a sophmore, and I love the school. Great atmosphere, great staff, great spirit and tradition, great everything! Excellent honors courses with teachers that are willing and want to help you do the best! I also participated in the Challenge Day Program, and that is something that I reccomend for everyone, as it covers every emotion, from happiness to heartbreak, to excitment, to depressing, and it's messages are extremely powerful. It is a life-changing event. The growing bullying problem is not a problem here, as all the students are extremely welcoming. Ihas also been completely redone in the past 10 years, so most of the facilities are top-notch. The elective courses are great, with things from music, to fashion, to culinary arts, to business, and IT. The marching band is renowned across the country, as it was featured in the 2010 or 2011 Allstate Sugar Bowl (college football) Halftime show. Thanks, and DUKE PRIDE!!!!!
—Submitted by a student

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

I attended York High School. I can say that in all honesty they care greatly about their students. Upon firther investigation you will discover besides the sports programs that this college admits more people into high end colleges then any surrounding communities. they have also made an addition to the school and completely renovated it with many different state of the art materials that are not accessible to many surrounding High Schools. If you want a larger school where your son/daughter can come into contact with people from every background this is the perfect high School to introduce them to the 'real world'.
—Submitted by a former student

York High School focuses on VoTech, with several very good programs. York offers fewer AP classes than comparable High Schools in DuPage County. The number of York students participating in and succeeding in the College Board's AP Program is low compared to students in other DuPage County area High Schools. Wheaton, Naperville, or Hinsdale schools would offer a better College Prep education.
—Submitted by a parent

York has a legendary Cross Country program, having just won their 26th Illinois State Championship, and a very strong Football program - they're currently in post-season playoffs. Unfortunately, York is not a good choice for academically strong students. If you're looking for a strong Cross Country or Football program, York is an excellent choice. Academically, you can do better elsewhere. Despite York's strong extracurriculars, I gave York a low overall score because of academic weaknesses.
—Submitted by a former student

York Community High School is the best School in the district, the county,& the State. It has a wide variety of classes students can take. We are definetly known for our Cross Country Team. In this school you can do something with your life and not just let High School pass you by. It has great security. This school also encourages those who surpass the standards.. Honor Students. This school is the place to go to with all the High School memories you have ever wanted. - Graduating Class of 2007
—Submitted by a student

Overall, the school is better than most in the Chicagoland area. Leadership by the principal, Ms. Diana Smith, has a lot to be desired. All in all, a high percentage of the teachers give every ounce of energy they have to support the students to success. If we could only do better with upper administration and better district leadership,York could overtake the reputation of the nearby Naperville school district. The exceptional teachers are there. We can all hope for a better tomorrow...
—Submitted by a parent

This school is awesome, i would do anything to have my child in a school this big, more variety and different friends. not clicky, and top rated school, what more could you ask for in a school? and its big and has a school store so you can be spirited, now that is good quality.
—Submitted by Steph, a former student

Amazing sport facilities, amazing teachers, amazing school all around. For the most part, the teachers at this school love what they are doing, which helps the children become more active in their own education. Parent involvement is lower than the high schools I've seen, but it doesn't seem too necessary to have more involvement since the school handles everything fairly well.
—Submitted by a former student

YHS is a wonderful school. This entire school district is top notch. As a parent of 3 in elementary, middle & the high school- I have been very happy in my son's success at YHS. The high school years can be a difficult time. I have found great support from the counselors, teachers, department heads and the Principal at York. My child is one of the quiet ones & didn't always fit in. Internet access to grades & quick response from staff is a great help.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a current student at York. The honors teachers are extremely helpful--everything is there, it's up to the individual to overcome the obstacles set by the administration + parents.
—Submitted by Class 2006 Student, a student