HARPER HIGH SCHOOL

Harper High School is a Title I public high school that is part of the Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 school district, located in Chicago, IL with about 133 students offering grade levels from 9th Grade to 12th Grade. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 10 teachers, Harper High School has a student/teacher ratio of about 13:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

Harper High School, located in the West Englewood neighborhood of Chicago, is a public secondary school serving students in the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) district. Situated at 6520 S. Wood St., the school operates within a community that has historically faced significant socioeconomic challenges. Like many schools in the area, Harper is often recognized for its efforts to provide academic and social support to students navigating the complexities of an urban environment, with a strong focus on student safety, college readiness, and community engagement.

In recent years, Harper High School has gained national attention for its resilience in the face of community violence. It was the subject of a notable 2013 *This American Life* documentary series, which offered an intimate look at the daily lives of students and faculty as they contended with the impact of gang activity and trauma. Today, the school continues to work toward improving graduation rates and fostering a supportive environment, offering various programs aimed at helping students overcome systemic obstacles and prepare for life after high school.

For more information, contact Harper High School at (773) 535-9150 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.