Harlem High School

I graduated from this High School in 1999...It is a great school & the teachers are wonderful. I now have friends who work there & they say it is just as wonderful working there as it was attending.
--Submitted by a parent

Great music department that truly could use some support, good teachers and students that come out ahead of the rest!
--Submitted by a parent

I am a student here. The other students in the school are somewhat kind although there is occasionally a few bad ones. Fights break out a little too frequently in my opinion. There are some teachers there who do not do their jobs well at all. From the news I've heard, they will be making lots of changes that I disagree with for next year.
--Submitted by a student

Sometimes it takes leaving and then coming back to appreciate a school like Harlem. While the school has its flaws, one thing that it is not lacking is dedicated teachers. The majority of the teachers at Harlem are dedicated to their students' learning as well as their own learning. The flaws lie in those poor teachers who slipped through the cracks as well as a couple of poor choices in administration. It is the majority that should speak for the school, in which case the number of great teachers who are doing great things in their classrooms far exceeds those who are not.

I am a student currently attending Harlem High school. I take the honor classes they offer (the advanced), and i must say they are rediculous. Many of the teachers are ignorant of their students. The curriculum is poor. The classes are not any better then taking a normal class. The principals are very poor at there job. Fights are constantly happening. The hall aides are rude to almost every single person there. When you ask almost any adult for help on information, directions, or facts; they are very rude and vague.
--Submitted by a student

As was mentioned before, Harlem puts too much emphasis on athletics and trivial school dances than the curriculum. I graduated in 2003. My nephew is attending his first year there. I can say I didn't learn much there that I didn't already know. The faculty staff has an attitude with anyone and everyone including parents. There are few teachers that acctually take time off their 'busy schedule' to interact with their student(s) one on one instead of discourging questions or original thought. Shell out the extra expense for a private education and you'll thank yourself later. -Nicole
--Submitted by a former student

The Quality of academic programs is great, there are opportunies for gifted children as well as special needs. Availability of extracurricular activites is extensive, although expensive. Parental involvement is limited, and the school does not encourage it.
--Submitted by a parent

In February, Harlem began a seminar period two days per week. This is an all-school tutoring program designed by the Harlem faculty. It allows for 1 on 1 teacher-student interaction during the school day and gives each student an adult who is 'in their corner.' So far it is working well. The hope is the school board will continue the program after the trial period. Like all Illinois schools, Harlem faces serious financial issues with increasing enrollment and decreasing funding, not to mention the costs of NCLB. Referendums have not been successful. Staff members have taken pay freezes yet continue to offer students the best education in the area. The faculty and administration of the school truly have the students' best interests as their number one priority. With a school board election and referendum approaching, the community and parents must cast their votes to show they care about the students too.
--Submitted by a teacher

Harlem is and excellent place for extracurricular activities. There isn't everything available but it is definetly a great place to earn your first letter or just to find a great friend in your favorite sport. The music and drama department doesn't get alot of support but has the best musicals and plays for a highschool that I've ever seen in my life! Harlem is a 7A football team and 2A for every other sport. Michelle
--Submitted by Michelle, a student

It is a very good school. I should know cuz I go there. The teachers are fantastic and the education I'm getting is great. It is at my level and the teachers are always willing to help.
--Submitted by a student