Naperville Central High School

No big problems except for a handful of teachers who shouldn't be teaching here (or anywhere else for that matter) yet are still on staff. Your kids will find out who these "rotten eggs" are as it is common knowledge among the students. However, there are some great teachers here and in general the student body and parents are above average. The school has been remodeled and is now updated and modern. Activities are numerous and your kids should be able to find the right mix of academics and socializing. I have sent three kids here and am satisfied with results.
—Submitted by a parent

as good as any school around including parental involvement and community support. Unlike some other highly ranked schools Naperville Central does not have a seelctive entrance policy (for example like private Catholic schools or magnet schools) yet it gets test results that are comparable. We have expreinced tha full range of needs from gifted to special needs children attend NCHS and have always had a great experience
—Submitted by a parent

I have to disagree with a lot of these posts... I just graduated from NCHS last year and easily got into every college I applied to. But, that happens at a lot of high schools. However, Central prepared me for college and I can tell that I am more prepared than a lot of my peers here at college. It is a great school with great teachers. Also, the school community is very close and gives everyone the opportunity to "fit in". I could not have had a better high school experience.
—Submitted by a student

I have to disagree with those who have written that Naperville Central only cares about high achieving students. The administration of this school works very hard to help kids who might otherwise not graduate by finding just the right place for them either at NCHS itself or in a number of other programs in place around the district . Most of the kids helped in this way graduate from Central and go on to college. The amount of effort that goes into making sure kids do not fall through the cracks is something that is not seen in other school districts around the country. We have moved around a lot and have had our kids in a number of schools so what I say here is not arbitrary or baseless. I am extremely happy with the education our oldest child received the 4 years she spent at Naperville
—Submitted by a parent

First off, people need to separate the qualities of a school from the qualities of a community. NCHS is located in Naperville whose residents are predominantly college-educated professionals, engineers, and executives. The children of such people would do well just about anywhere because the parents are involved and motivated to see their children succeed. Naperville Central (as well as other 203/204 schools) is staffed by teachers and administrators who delight in patting themselves on the back for the achievements of students for whom they did little. I have personally had to teach my child basic subjects from the 2nd grade on up or watch Naperville schools fail them. NCHS has good teachers and bad like anywhere else, but far too often, the staff get away with mediocrity because the kids are generally smart and supported at home. In short, don't believe the hype or test scores.
—Submitted by a parent

Their ability to reinvent education to encompass every student's ability.
—Submitted by a parent

I just graduated for nchs and as far as these one star ratings i highly disagree. Honestly, I'm insulted. Yes, the school's appearance may not be high quality but as far as what school is supposed to be- a place of learning and growth- naperville central is 100% all of that. Let's look at how many national merits we had in my graduating class of 2009 alone. Most high schools are lucky to have one! Naperville Central makes it easy to get involved and provides a path for every student. Whatever a teen might want to do the school provides it. Theatre, newspaper, dance, sports, art, anime, video game clubs, student councils, deca, and so much more! as a freshman you are required to learn about all the extracurriculars we have. Naperville moms just like to complain!
—Submitted by a student

The building of this school is falling apart. What a shame. Parents would rather shell out $500 for prom than see an increase in their annual tax bill to support academics. Teachers don't want to complain too much because it might effect their next raise. I've had two children graduate from NCHS. I feel their overall experience was just okay; nothing great. C'mon Naperville: We can do better than this!
—Submitted by a parent

I found this school to be highly congested and rather old. In fact many of the teachers are older and unmotivating. Not all but quite a few. Kids who don't excel fall through the cracks. Self-esteem is an issue and there is a lack of appreciation for diversity. Academics are fair, but the school location makes it congested. Even with the building renovation, it is a school that was good 25 years ago, an old today. Most parents are moving to the Neuqua High area of Naperville which is further south. I appreciated Central but it has seen better days.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had three children at NCHS; two have graduated, and the third will be a senior this fall. Both my graduates went to top-tier, internationally-known universities. The students in this district learn more and learn it faster, starting in kindergarten. So if you are moving into this district from one that is not comparable academically, your student may have trouble. About NCHS: Yes, sports rule. But Naperville is a big youth sports town, starting kids in football, soccer, and baseball at least by age 5. Strong sports in high school are expected. Yes, the facilities are dated. Rebuilding and modernization begin next year. Still, NCHS students continue to excel in all areas: music, technology, drama, science, math, journalism, etc. If I were looking for a school district now, like I was 25 years ago, I would still choose NCHS and District 203.
—Submitted by a parent

Let's address a few things about NCHS. Naturally, if you are not succeeding, no one recognizes you. Why would anyone want to broadcast the failures of their own student body? Resources are available everywhere for students to succeed, it is your job as a student and parent to utilize the facilities that are available. My only complaint is the gilding of a football program that continually fails on a larger stage. If your son/daughter feels out of place, they've chosen that path. The cliques in NCHS are large enough that no one is left out except those who choose to be. The truth of the matter is segregation occurs in every school, but everyone recognizes themselves as Redhawks, which is accounted for past the high school years when every student becomes a mature adult instead of a angst ridden teenager.
—Submitted by a student

Naperville Central has an excellent teaching staff, compassionate, approachable administrators, and top-notch curriculum - solid college-prep and many arts and exploratory courses. There are many opportunities for the students to participate in extra-curriculars unlike at other larger high schools in the area. The students are down-to-earth and have great school spirit and school pride. The school encourages parent involvement and there is a great sense of community within the school. Located in downtown Naperville, the campus has mature trees and is across from the beautiful Riverwalk and Millennium Carillon (which can be heard at times during the day.) The students can walk into downtown for lunch on half-days. Whether its sports, music, or academics, Naperville Central does it all well! I'd highly recommend this school to anyone moving into Naperville. The building will be renovated in a few years which will make it even better!
—Submitted by a parent

The academic programs here are unrivaled by any high schools. The teachers in the honors programs are excellent and challenge their students. I found my children were well prepared for the Tier 1 universities they attended. The facilities are a dated, but the extremely wide variety of extracurricular, athletic, and social activities NCHS offers is unparalleled.
—Submitted by a parent

I had three children at NCHS last year; a senior who is globally gifted and excelled easily, a sophomore who is a solid 'B' student and does not take any advanced placement classes and a freshman who falls somewhere in the middle. NCHS has done a wonderful job with meeting the needs of all 3 children! The primary responsibility in a child receiving a great education falls first on the child, second on the parents and third on the teachers/school district. If the child and parents have interest, the teachers and administration are there to help. As far as bullying, that will always be a part of human nature. The school does not condone nor tolerate it.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm a past graduate of NCHS. This school provides all the opportunities necessary to succeed in life. The student is responsible for taking advantage of the superior education and extracurricular activities.
—Submitted by a former student

very good score in all departments. Focused to get good graduation rate and score.
—Submitted by a parent

I am currently a senior and about to graduate. NCHS has been a great experience for me, and I think anyone else who thinks otherwise needs to reevaluate. If your child is underachieving and/or not getting straight A's, maybe you, the parent, should be doing something instead of putting the burden on the teachers who cannot favor one child. This school provides everything you would need to succeed, a great selection of electives to choose from, a variety of art and music classes, plus an enormous amount of activities and clubs. If you think the school is neglecting your child in these areas, please consider that they must take the first steps to join these extracurricular activities. Most of the teachers are very knowledgable, although I question some ways of teaching, and for those who want to eliminate bullying, you might as well try to dig a tunnel to china.
—Submitted by a student

This is a fantastic school. Anyone who disagrees is very shallow minded. I do not mean to offend anyone, but if you/your kid doesn't feel welcome here you are not trying hard enough. Aside from athletics and academics, there are still countless ways for students to have fun. The school is very safe, unless you're overly paranoid. The staff is nice, and the kids are cool. Parents are encouraged to get and stay involved and the staff helps with this. combining a welcoming atomesphere with a friendly staff is the key to sucess in all areas of education, and Central acheives this flawlessly.
—Submitted by Ben Wiersum, a student

The superintendent in this district has been pushing that more students take advanced placement classes, and apparently feels that the only worthwhile student in this district is the one that excels. Kids who are not outstanding academically or athletically get lost in this school-ignored or belittled by teachers and made to feel that they do not belong. Many students do not feel safe in this school, and bullying is a big problem. They have known of these problems for years and still have done nothing. I just hope my children get out of this high school without being harmed.
—Submitted by a parent

We chose Naperville because of its school scores, and our son has recently graduated and is not in a great college. He has always been an under-achiever but a bright kid. We feel that he was able to get into a good engineering school because he had a well-rounded education that prepared him for college. I'm not sure we could have gotten this anywhere else!
—Submitted by a parent