THE SCHOOL

Rich Township High School District 227 was founded in 1949. The work of volunteer groups led to the construction of the district’s first school in Park Forest in 1953. Eight years later, in 1961, the district opened its Central Campus to accommodate the township’s growing student population. The district’s third high school, the South Campus, located in Richton Park opened its doors in 1972. Today, the districts 4,000 high school student population is balanced among the three campuses giving each high school campus a manageable enrollment, maximum opportunities for student participation in activities and close student/staff contact.

THE COMMUNITIES

District 227 serves all or portions of the south suburban Chicago communities of Chicago Heights, Country Club Hills, Matteson, Park Forest, Olympia Fields, Richton Park, and a small area of Tinley Park. The community matrix embodies a diversity of socio-economic levels and cultural activity. The communities lie within the district of Prairie State Community College and are minutes away from the resources of Governors State University.

THE CURRICULUM

The district’s curriculum offers a broad and diverse range of subjects in art, business education, home economics, industrial arts, music, language arts, mathematics, science, foreign language, and social studies. It provides full programs for the college bound as well as those who plan to pursue employment upon graduation. In addition to offering its own special education program, the district is a member of the Special Education Cooperative of Cook County (Speed).

THE STUDENTS

High percentage of students participates in one or more extracurricular activities while attending Rich Central in preparation for the Post High School experience. About 60 percent of Rich Central graduates enroll in four-year colleges or universities. Another 20 percent continue their education in two-year colleges. 7 percent enter trade or apprentice schools or the military, and 10 percent move directly into the job market. A small percent are still undecided as to their career choices at the completion of their high school education.

 MINIMUM STUDENT COMPETENCIES

The school district administers minimum competency tests in three areas reading, writing and mathematics. When a test is passed it is noted on the student’s transcripts. Students who have not passed one or more of the competency tests may exhibit mastery of the competencies by earning a passing academic grade in at least two math courses and at least four English courses.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

A minimum of 24 credits is required for graduation. Specific requirements are as follows: English – 4 Credits; Social Studies 3 credits; Mathematics – 3 credits; Science – 2 credits; Physical Education/health – 4 credits; Consumer Education or Business Concepts or Work-Study or Economics – .5 credits; Fine Arts, Foreign Language or Vocation Education – 2 credits