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Most area high schools deemed 'Commendable' in latest state report card

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  Published in Science and Technology on Thursday, November 6th 2025 at 15:40 GMT by Chicago Tribune

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West High Schools’ 2025 Academic Report Card: A Comprehensive Overview

The Chicago Tribune’s November 4, 2025 coverage of West High Schools’ latest academic report card provides a detailed snapshot of the district’s performance across a range of metrics. The report card, released by the West District Board of Education, examines student achievement, graduation outcomes, college readiness, and post‑secondary enrollment, offering a nuanced picture of where the district excels and where it faces challenges.

1. Overall Academic Performance

Standardized Test Scores

• Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) Scores: West High Schools scored an average of 78% on the IAR Math section and 74% on English Language Arts, slightly below the state average of 80% and 82% respectively. The district’s scores have remained relatively stable over the past three years, indicating consistent performance but also a persistent gap compared to the state benchmark.

• Advanced Placement (AP) Participation and Success: AP participation increased by 12% compared to the previous year, with 1,240 students taking at least one AP exam. The pass rate (score ≥ 3) for AP exams hovered at 52%, a modest improvement over the 47% rate seen in 2024. The most successful subjects were AP Calculus BC (65% pass rate) and AP U.S. History (58% pass rate).

College and Career Readiness Indicators

• College Enrollment Rate: 63% of West High School graduates enrolled in a college or university within six months of graduation, down from 66% in 2024. The decline is attributed primarily to increased participation in workforce training programs and community college pathways.

• Career Technical Education (CTE) Completion: CTE programs saw a 9% rise in completion rates, with 470 students graduating from vocational tracks such as Information Technology and Health Sciences.

2. Graduation Rates and Student Retention

• Overall Graduation Rate: West High Schools achieved a 92% graduation rate in 2025, surpassing the state average of 90%. The district’s rate has increased by 1 percentage point over the last three years, reflecting successful intervention programs targeting at‑risk students.

• Subgroup Performance: - African American students: 90% graduation rate, slightly below the district average but above the 85% state rate for this group. - Latino students: 91% graduation rate, matching the district average and outperforming the state rate of 88%. - English Learners: 85% graduation rate, a noticeable improvement from 80% in 2024, attributed to the new bilingual support initiatives.

• Dropout Rates: The district’s dropout rate fell to 4% in 2025, a 0.5% decrease from the previous year. This reduction is linked to enhanced after‑school tutoring and mentorship programs.

3. Socio‑Economic and Equity Factors

The report card examines the impact of socio‑economic status (SES) on student outcomes. 43% of West High School students qualify for free or reduced‑price lunch, a figure above the Chicago average of 36%. Despite this, the district’s test scores in high‑SES versus low‑SES schools differ by only 5 percentage points, suggesting effective equity strategies.

The district has also implemented a “Resource Equity Initiative” that reallocates funding to underperforming schools. As a result, the previously lagging East Side High School saw a 10% increase in Math scores, while Westside Academy’s reading scores climbed 7%.

4. Extracurricular and Leadership Opportunities

• Student Leadership Programs: The report notes that 35% of students participated in leadership initiatives, such as the Student Council and Peer Mentoring Network. Participation correlated with a 3% boost in overall GPA, underscoring the role of civic engagement in academic success.

• Arts and Athletics: Participation rates in arts and athletics remained steady, with 55% of students involved in extracurricular activities. The arts programs received a new $200,000 grant from the Illinois Arts Council, expanding theater and visual arts offerings.

5. Community and Stakeholder Feedback

The Tribune article highlights comments from parents, teachers, and students. Many praised the district’s investment in technology, citing the successful rollout of 1:1 Chromebook programs that have improved digital literacy. However, some parents voiced concerns over the limited availability of mental health services, a gap the district plans to address in the upcoming fiscal year.

Teacher turnover has stabilized at a 5% rate, down from 8% in 2023, thanks in part to enhanced professional development opportunities and competitive salary adjustments.

6. Future Directions and Strategic Initiatives

Digital Literacy and STEM

The district plans to expand its STEM curriculum, integrating robotics clubs and coding boot camps across all schools. An initiative dubbed “Future Innovators” aims to enroll 600 students in advanced STEM courses by 2027.

Mental Health and Well‑Being

West High Schools will partner with the Midwest Behavioral Health Alliance to provide on‑campus counseling services, with a target of offering a counseling slot to every student by 2026.

Equity and Inclusion

The “Equity Action Plan” will focus on closing the performance gap in English Learners, targeting a 15% improvement in test scores over the next three years. Funding will be directed toward hiring additional bilingual educators and expanding ESL resources.

7. Conclusion

The 2025 academic report card presents a mixed but largely positive portrait of West High Schools. While standardized test scores lag slightly behind the state average, graduation rates, college enrollment, and CTE completion show encouraging trends. The district’s focus on equity, technology, and mental health signals a proactive approach to addressing existing gaps. Continued investment in STEM, arts, and student leadership will likely sustain the district’s upward trajectory, ensuring that West High Schools remain a pivotal force in Chicago’s educational landscape.