Chicago Christian High School
General Information
Overview
Chicago Christian High School is a private, faith-based Christian secondary school located in Palos Heights, Illinois. As part of the Chicago Christian Schools system, it serves grades 9 through 12 and emphasizes a rigorous college-preparatory education combined with spiritual formation rooted in a Reformed Christian tradition. The school’s mission is to shape students not just intellectually, but also spiritually, preparing them to serve God and society with integrity, critical thinking, and a heart for service. In this environment, learning is framed through a biblical worldview: every subject—from science to literature—is taught as part of a unified truth that reflects God’s order in creation.
On its suburban 17-acre campus, Chicago Christian High School offers a well-rounded experience. The academic program includes Advanced Placement (AP) and dual enrollment opportunities, giving students a head start on college-level studies. Beyond academics, students can engage in athletics, fine arts, robotics, and various clubs, with the school fostering character development, leadership, and community engagement. The faculty seek to mentor students personally, supporting both academic growth and spiritual maturity. With a student body that comes from a broad range of Chicagoland communities and a deep commitment to Christian discipleship, the school offers a distinctive educational experience.
Contact Information
Address: 12001 South Oak Park Avenue, Palos Heights, Illinois 60463
Phone: (708) 388‑7650
Email: admissions@chicagochristian.org
School Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1918 |
| Grades Served | 9–12 |
| Enrollment | Approx. 314–490 students |
| Student‑Teacher Ratio | About 11:1 |
| Religious Affiliation | Reformed Christian tradition, Christ-centered education |
| Accreditation / Association | Part of Chicago Christian Schools association |
Chicago Christian High School Rankings
| Ranking Scope | Rank / Status |
|---|---|
| State (Illinois) | Ranked #37 of 59 among Christian high schools in Illinois |
| National / Global | Not broadly ranked nationally; primarily a regional Christian school |
Chicago Christian High School Academics
Chicago Christian High School Faculties / Departments
- Biblical / Theology Studies
- English / Language Arts
- Mathematics
- Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
- History / Social Studies
- Business & Technology
- Fine Arts (Music, Visual Arts)
- Physical Education / Wellness
- STEM / Engineering (Project Lead The Way)
- Academic Support / Learning Assistance
Chicago Christian High School Courses and Programs
The high school provides a robust college-prep curriculum that includes:
- Bible and theology integrated across the academic program
- Advanced Placement (AP) courses and dual enrollment college credit options
- Project Lead The Way (PLTW) STEM program, engaging students in engineering and technology
- Core academic subjects (mathematics, English, science, social studies)
- Foreign language (Spanish)
- Fine arts (choir, band, visual arts)
- Athletics (multiple sports teams)
- Student leadership, service, and extracurricular clubs such as robotics, DECA, and mock trial
Online Learning
Chicago Christian High School offers some additional online options in its curriculum, particularly for academic support. However, the school primarily operates in person, emphasizing live instruction, mentoring, and community engagement.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Average / Reported Data |
|---|---|
| SAT | Approximately 1230 |
| ACT | Average score around 27 |
Retention and Graduation Rates
Chicago Christian High School reports a 100% graduation rate, indicating that virtually all students who enroll complete their studies. The school’s structure and mission foster strong student retention, leveraging its Christian community, college-prep focus, and individualized attention.
Chicago Christian High School Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
The school does not publicly specify a minimum GPA for entrance, nor does it mandate SAT or ACT scores for admission. Instead, it evaluates applicants holistically based on readiness, character, and alignment with the school’s Christian mission.
Chicago Christian High School Acceptance Rate
| Metric | Value / Note |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Reported to be about 91%, indicating a relatively open admission policy among applicants |
Chicago Christian High School Application Requirements
Prospective students and families are required to submit an application, provide prior academic records (if applicable), and participate in a conversation or meeting with the admissions team. Because of the school’s Christian foundation, families are asked to demonstrate commitment to Christian education and the school’s mission. This ensures that students and parents are aligned with the values and spiritual goals of the community.
Application Process
- Inquire about the school via phone or email.
- Schedule a tour or have the student shadow for a day.
- Submit the application, pay any fee, and upload required documents.
- Attend a family conversation or interview with school leadership to discuss placement and values.
- After acceptance, complete the enrollment contract and submit final forms to the high school office.
Chicago Christian High School Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Item | Timing / Note |
|---|---|
| Application Period | Rolling admissions — no strict cut‑off date reported |
| Enrollment / Re‑Enrollment | Families complete enrollment paperwork and tuition agreements ahead of the new school year as announced by the school |
Essay Prompt
Chicago Christian High School does not publicly list a required essay prompt for admission. The application process emphasizes a holistic interview and family discussion focused on mission alignment, character, and student readiness.
Chicago Christian High School Scholarships
The school offers a tuition assistance program. Through its “Pass It On” thrift store partnership, many families receive recurring tuition discounts. There is also a needs-based Tuition Assistance program available for students in grades 9–12.
Chicago Christian High School Tuition Fee (Costs)
| Program / Grade | Estimated Tuition |
|---|---|
| Grades 9–12 (Regular Rate) | ~$14,990 per year |
| With Thrift Store Discount (“Pass It On”) | ~$13,575 per year for high school students |
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics (Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity)
Chicago Christian High School enrolls around 314 students in grades 9–12. The gender distribution is co-educational. In terms of race and ethnicity, approximately 66.2% of students are White, 20.7% are Black or African American, 6.1% are Hispanic, 1.9% are Asian, and 5.1% are multiracial.
Low‑Income Students / Students with Disabilities
Publicly available data does not clearly indicate the proportion of low-income students. The school’s financial aid program suggests a commitment to making education accessible to families with different economic backgrounds. Information on students with disabilities is limited in public datasets; the school’s academic support structures may accommodate varied learning needs.
Student Body
| Category | Number / Estimate |
|---|---|
| Total Students | ~314 |
| Classroom Teachers (FTE) | ~28 |
| Student‑Teacher Ratio | ~11:1 |
School Diversity
Chicago Christian High School has a relatively diverse student body for a private Christian school. While the majority of students are White, there is notable representation of Black, Hispanic, Asian, and multiracial students. This diversity is strengthened by the broader school network, which draws families from multiple communities and church congregations. The school consciously fosters unity through its Christian faith foundation: students from varied backgrounds gather in chapel, Bible study, and clubs, learning to engage respectfully with differences. The Christian worldview encourages students to recognize each person’s inherent value, promoting empathy, collaboration, and a shared commitment to service.
Average Earnings
As a high school, Chicago Christian High School does not publicly report alumni average earnings in the way universities do. Success is measured by college matriculation, scholarship awards, and long-term impact. Many alumni go on to four-year colleges. The value of a Chicago Christian education often lies in its blend of rigorous academics and spiritual formation, which influences professional trajectory, community involvement, and long-term earning potential in meaningful ways.
Chicago Christian High School Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Chicago Christian High School employs around 28 full-time classroom teachers, supporting its student-teacher ratio of approximately 11:1. The staff includes subject-matter experts, theology educators, coaches, and academic support professionals. The close-knit campus community encourages deep relationships between faculty and students, facilitating mentorship, spiritual growth, and academic guidance.
Faculty Profiles (Expertise, Achievements)
Faculty at Chicago Christian High School are committed to both academic excellence and Christian discipleship. Many faculty members are well versed in their disciplines—mathematics, science, business technology, humanities—and integrate a biblical worldview into their teaching. Their qualifications include teaching credentials and experience in Christian ministry, leadership, and mentoring. Long-term teacher retention fosters continuity in relationships, which is central to the school’s mission of forming mature, faith-centered graduates.
Chicago Christian High School Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Chicago Christian High School is a day school; it does not provide on-campus housing. Students attend classes at the Palos Heights campus, which includes classrooms, science and engineering labs, a library/media center, performance spaces, and athletics facilities such as gyms and outdoor sports fields. The school offers a vibrant student life, including weekly chapels, Bible study groups, student service initiatives, and extracurricular programming. Student leadership, community service, athletics, and fine arts play central roles in campus culture, helping students live out their faith and build lasting friendships.
Transportation
Many students commute via parent drop-off, carpool, or private transport given its suburban setting. The campus is accessible and designed to ensure safe arrival and departure for students.