Adlai E Stevenson High School

After going to Stevenson for four years, I had a few amazing teachers, but some of them in general aren't as helpful as everyone claims. Money is unwisely spent. For example, while more than half of the school's bathroom sinks and stalls are not functional, they chose to spend their money on a million dollar library instead a few years ago. The security guards do not treat students with respect and nearly everything as far as food and beverages go is completely overpriced, and definitely not worth the money. Students are not allowed to sit on benches outside when the weather is beautiful, even where there are security cameras and security guards who can monitor students. Their rules and regulations are out of whack, and their priorities are not directed towards the students. Yes, Stevenson has its perks, but a few wonderful teachers are the only perks that I can remember.

This is a school meant only for superachievers. If you are an average student or less, you will not thrive here. You will get lost in the crowd and quickly slip through the cracks. We have had 2 students go through Stevenson and a third attending now. Their experiences have been similar. All of our kids were in sports until high school when none of them made any teams because they were not "good enough". So much for the high school sporting experience. We also have a kid with ADHD who had an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) in place. They tried, but the accountability between student, school and parents was not adequate and accessibility to the teachers/deans was limited and solutions to problems untimely. At the end of the day, the school has a great reputation, but the experience is far less glamorous and incredibly intimidating for the kids. We are considering moving to smaller school district with a more personal touch and better athletic opportunities for our 2 younger kids currently at the elementary level. Yes, we would sell our home to move one town over just to change schools as Stevenson is just not all that it's reputation suggests.
—Submitted by a parent

I think that while all of the former reviews are true, there are key parts of the "Stevenson experience" which slipped their minds. First, this school is so impersonal, due to it's size, that you shouldn't expect your college counselor to even know your name, let alone you interests, preferences, or direction in life. Furthermore, the school has very poor report with ivy league schools, and admission rates, in relation to the quality of applicants, is downright embarrassing. If your child wants to go to a big 10 school, thats a whole different story. But for those interested in Art schools, you're on your own. Stevenson's plan is to push mediocre kids through so that they can get into a state school of an equal level of mediocrity. Good luck to any one who's plan differs; you're in for a ride.

Great academic opportunities. Small class sizes considering large size of school. Very high percentage of students go to college- many entering with large amounts of AP credit. Deserves to be rewarded for achieving such excellence.
—Submitted by a parent

It shows excellence in every way from excurricular activities to sports to academics! Stevenson is a beautiful modern school with exceptionally disciplined and talented kids.
—Submitted by a student

The staff and teachers here are not very helpful at times.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers are dedicated, and most of them have masters degrees in their subject. That, of course, means that there are so many different opportunities, no matter what you want to do with your education. This school is definitely one of the best.
—Submitted by a student

This is the best high school in the country. There is no doubt about that. It allows kids of all learning levels succeed. Everyone at Stevenson is involved in at least one thing at school, whether it be a club, a sport, or just helping kids out in GIVE or KEY club.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 3 sons at this school and all of them are very happy with the education they are recieving and we are very impressed with teh quality of teachers and the programs they have at this school. I would highly recommend any parent to sent thier kid to this school.
—Submitted by a parent

I graduated many years ago from Stevenson and now am a teacher myself. To sit in staff meetings and have principals refer to SHS as a model school, well.. it is amazing. Stevenson made college seem like a breeze, and as a teaher, I'm proud to say I came from such a well known school. Although the teachers and student population have changed, I have not met a highschool that prepares it's students as well for the real world as Stevenson. Thank You!
—Submitted by a student

Stevenson is amazing! Everybody always says that it's too big or that it's too hard and at first it may seem that way, but it really isn't. After spending several months at Stevenson, it seems quite small in size actually. At first, you feel a lot of pressure academically because it is so different from middle school. The teachers are very helpful with this and are usually more than happy to help you out. It is an amazing opportunity to be able to go to Stevenson and I think that in the end, it is going to give me so much more for my future than I could recieve any where else.
—Submitted by a student

Way to big lot of mean people. teachers do not connect at all with students. my son went there and was tormented. DO NOT SEND YOUR KIDS HERE
—Submitted by a parent

I couldn't have enjoyed my time at Stevenson more. I was never at the top of my class or the top of the social scale however, all of the opportunities provided at Stevenson gave me the opportunity to find my niche and found people to connect to. There are so many things to get involved in to make the world smaller and thus, the school becomes a more comfortable place. I was able to connect to at least one teacher a year and keep in touch with them and use them as resources. Going to Stevenson prepared me well for university life socially and academically. I can't imagine having gone to high school anywhere else. I consider myself so lucky everyday for the friends and memories I made during high school.
—Submitted by a student

Very strict and a ton of pressure is put on the students.
—Submitted by a teacher

Stevenson is a very fine school, although it is very large. It has won the Blue Ribbon Award of Excellence, as did Warren Township High School which is also very large.
—Submitted by a parent

Having graduated several years ago from SHS, I feel very privileged to have received such an excellent education in such an accommodating environment. The facilities are world-class in every aspect, the administration is efficient, and the teachers are simply outstanding. As an education major, I have come to appreciate how fortunate I was in receiving my high school education. The faculty push and expect students to excel, most often achieving their goals. The only drawback I experienced as a student was that due to the level of academic excellence at SHS, there was a rather competitive atmosphere among the students. Whereas I would have easily placed in the top 10% at any surrounding schools, my 3.5 GPA placed me somewhere more along the 30th percentile. However, many colleges (especially midwestern schools) recognize this paradox and often relax their admissions standards because of Stevenson's exceptional reputation.
—Submitted by a former student

This school is amazing. My Children find it a challenge, but enjoy the curricular! The teachers are amazing! I wish all schools were like this especially the midddle school.
—Submitted by a parent

Adlai E Stevenson High School is in a league of its own. The faculty is absolutely remarcable and the facilities are world class. Stevenson as Dan Larsen said is a 'concept.' Although some of the best teachers such as Carol Levin and Senor Martinez are leaving, there are great young teachers such as Zizzo, Conneen and Larsen. The social studies department at Stevenson is amazing! Additionally, math and science is excellent. There's no better school to go to in the North Shore. Also, the students are very respectful and are able to interact in open environments without much guidance from rules and security guards.
—Submitted by Vadim Sagalchik, a student

Stevenson is the only high school in Illinois to receive four Blue Ribbon Awards for Excellence in Education from the U.S. Department of Education. SHS won the award in 1987, 1991, 1998, and 2002. Stevenson also received the U.S. Department of Education's New American High Schools Award in 1998. Newsweek and U.S. News and World Report have ranked Stevenson among the top 100 high schools in America, with Newsweek selecting SHS for the fourth time in 2005. Stevenson is included annually in the School Watch and School Match listings of schools that offer features most sought by parents. Stevenson offers more than 200 courses in communication arts, mathematics, science, social science, foreign languages, fine arts, applied arts and physical welfare. Classes are taught by a talented and experienced corps of teachers, three-fourths of them with a master's degree or more.
—Submitted by a parent

good school. large. has clubs for everyone
—Submitted by a parent