Prairie-Hills Junior High School

I live in Markham, but have no children in the school system here. The better the school district - the more valuable my property. How can I help the Jr. High meet or exceed the state averages? I see the good reviews of students, teachers and parents and I'm wondering if a more challenging curriculum for all students would improve test scores? Can community members volunteer to tutor or monitor classroom instruction/behavior?

I am a special education teacher at PHJH. I have felt nothing but support from all the staff and especially the principal, assistant principal and the special education administration. The school enforces PBIS that is not only effective but is also motivating to the students.
--Submitted by a teacher

My son is on his way to finishing up 8th grade at PHJH. He is in the gifted class and they are really challenged in unique ways. The school is preparing him for high school by allowing students to take high school classes at Hillcrest during their 8th grade year and earn credit. PHJH also offers an Illinois Math and Science Academy after school program that could lead to acceptance into that highly coveted school.
--Submitted by a parent

The staff at Prairie Hills Junior High work extremely hard. They are a caring group of individuals and a joy to work with. The School administration--Principal, Assistant, Deans, and the secretaries as well as the custodial staff are very helpful. We have many students who need that extra interest and the staff is willing to take the time to see that the students succeed. The District Staff and the Board, on the other hand, need to give more support to the Junior High.
--Submitted by a teacher

My son is finishing up his 7th grade year here and is doing well. When I asked to see one of his teachers, all of them took time to schedule one big meeting to address my concerns. I had no other problems after that. The teachers regularly update me on his behavior and academics. The rewards for behavior really motivate the age group that the school serves.
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers at this school not only help you with no hesations but they treat you as if you are they our child this school has great test scores and a great priciple
--Submitted by a student

The school does not adhere to their discpline planned that is established in the beginning of the year. Most students are not discplined properly and it results in repeating of poor behavior. Students are very disrespectful towards teachers and get away with it because the administration does not back the teacher up. School has a lot to work on in terms of discpline. Another issue with the discpline is the class size. The classes always range 30-40 kids per class. Most classes are completely full and the school continually adds students throughout the year, even if a class is at capacity. Lastly, they have the PAC integrated into the jr high. Pre-k thru 3rd is and it takes up too much space. The district has 6 other k-6 buildings. Only 1 junior high. PAC should be in a separate building so the 1 building.
--Submitted by a teacher