Chesterton Senior High School
General Information – Chesterton Senior High School
Reviews – Chesterton Senior High School
Students and alumni of Chesterton Senior High School (CHS) generally describe it as a high-performing public high school that offers solid academic preparation and a supportive environment. Many reviewers praise the school for its extensive Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) course offerings, noting that these provide strong college-preparation opportunities and challenge academically motivated students. Others highlight the variety of elective classes, career-oriented programs, and extracurricular activities—clubs, sports, arts and technical pathways—that cater to different interests and help students explore varied future trajectories. Several comments emphasize the quality of many teachers, describing them as dedicated, approachable, and invested in student success. On the other hand, some reviews point to occasional issues typical of a large public school: overcrowding in some classes, inconsistency in teacher style or workload, and a strict policy on late or missing assignments. A few students mention concerns about social challenges—peer pressure, occasional disciplinary issues, or limited flexibility in schedule for those balancing school and outside commitments. Overall, though, the dominant sentiment describes Chesterton Senior High as a well-rounded, academically rigorous, and opportunity-rich environment that prepares students well for college or vocational paths.
Contact Information – Chesterton Senior High School
Address: 2125 S 11th St, Chesterton, IN 46304, USA
Phone Number: (219) 983-3730
School Facts – Chesterton Senior High School
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Public High School (Grades 9–12) |
| Part of District | Duneland School Corporation |
| Enrollment | ~1,985 students (grades 9–12) |
| Student–Teacher Ratio | ~17:1 |
| Academic Programs | Standard, AP, IB, Career/Technical Education, Dual Credit |
| Graduation Rate (Recent) | ~98% |
Chesterton Senior High School Rankings
| Ranking Type | Position / Note |
|---|---|
| State (Indiana) – Overall | Among top 30% public high schools (based on test scores and graduation rate) |
| State – Graduation Outcomes | Graduation rate in top 5% statewide |
| Subject Proficiency – Reading | Reading proficiency ~66%, above state average |
| Subject Proficiency – Math | Math proficiency ~42–43%, slightly above state average |
| STEM / College Prep / AP & IB Offerings | Recognized among strong high schools for STEM and college-prep readiness in Indiana |
Chesterton Senior High School Academics
Chesterton Senior High School Departments / Academic Areas
- English / Language Arts & Social Studies
- Mathematics (Algebra, Geometry, Calculus, Statistics)
- Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
- World Languages
- Arts and Performing Arts (Music, Visual Arts, Theatre)
- Career & Technical Education (CTE) / Vocational & Technical Pathways
- Advanced & College-Prep Programs (AP, IB, Dual Credit)
- Guidance & Counseling / College-Readiness Support
- Electives and Enrichment Courses
Chesterton Senior High School Courses Offered and Programs / Majors
- Standard high-school curriculum for grades 9–12 (English, Math, Science, Social Studies)
- Advanced Placement (AP) courses across multiple subjects
- International Baccalaureate (IB) program for academically advanced students
- Dual-credit courses in partnership with local colleges for early college credit
- Career-focused and technical courses (vocational, STEM-applied, trade skills)
- Fine arts and music courses (visual arts, band, choir, theatre, arts electives)
- Elective courses including languages, technology, technical electives, and social sciences
- College and career planning support integrated via guidance and counseling services
Online Courses / Online Learning
Chesterton Senior High School primarily emphasizes in-person instruction. While there is no widely publicized fully online curriculum, the school offers flexibility through dual credit, AP and IB options, and guidance services. For students requiring accommodations or schedule flexibility (e.g., dual credit, distance from home, working students), the district may support blended or hybrid learning arrangements when necessary, although these are not a core feature of the curriculum.
Degrees
As a high-school institution, Chesterton Senior High School provides a standard U.S. high school diploma upon successful completion of grade 12 and fulfillment of state/ district graduation requirements. For students in IB or dual-credit programs, there may be additional credentials (e.g., college credit, IB Certificate) that supplement the high school diploma and enhance college readiness.
Summer School
The school district offers summer or credit-recovery options for students needing to make up credits, improve in specific subjects, or accelerate progress. These programs help students stay on track for graduation, support remediation, or provide additional academic flexibility.
Average Test Scores – Chesterton Senior High School
| Test / Measure | Typical Outcome / Proficiency |
|---|---|
| Reading / Language Arts Proficiency | ~ 66% of students proficient (above state average) |
| Mathematics Proficiency | ~ 42–43% of students proficient (slightly above state average) |
| SAT (among participating students) | Average around 1200 (on 1600 scale) |
| ACT (among participating students) | Average around 28 (among respondents) |
| AP Exam Pass Rate | ~ 64% pass rate among test takers |
Retention and Graduation Rates
Chesterton Senior High School reports a four-year graduation rate of approximately 98%, placing it among the highest-performing high schools in Indiana. This high rate reflects strong academic support, stable student engagement, college- and career-prep programming, and effective counseling services that support students through completion.
Chesterton Senior High School Admissions
GPA / Test Score Range for Admission
As a public school serving a defined district, Chesterton Senior High School does not use GPA, SAT, or ACT scores as admission criteria. Enrollment is generally based on residency within the school district, not on competitive academic selection.
Chesterton Senior High School Acceptance Rate
| Admission Mode | Note |
|---|---|
| District Enrollment | Open to eligible residents — no formal “acceptance rate” as in selective institutions |
Chesterton Senior High School Application Requirements
Students seeking to attend Chesterton Senior High School typically need to reside within the school district and complete the district’s standard enrollment or transfer paperwork. For new students or transfers, previous school records or transcripts may be required. Admission to specialized tracks (AP, IB, dual credit, or CTE) may involve additional registration steps or academic planning, but there is no universal application essay, test, or selective process for general enrollment.
Enrollment Process
- Confirm residency within the Duneland School Corporation district
- Submit district enrollment/transfer forms
- Provide previous academic records if transferring from another school
- Select or apply for specialized tracks (AP, IB, CTE) if desired
- Confirm scheduling and course registration
Application Deadlines / Important Dates
As a public school, enrollment and registration follow the district’s calendar. New student enrollment is typically handled during standard district enrollment windows or at the start of the academic year. For specialized programs (such as AP, IB, or dual credit), registration deadlines align with course scheduling timelines. There is no universal application deadline for general enrollment beyond district guidelines.
Essay Prompt
Not applicable. Chesterton Senior High School does not require essay submissions for general admission. Specialized program placements (if any) may have internal criteria but do not publicly specify a standard essay requirement.
Scholarships
Because Chesterton Senior High School is a public high school, it does not charge tuition, so there are no “scholarships” per se. However, students may receive financial support through free or reduced-price lunch programs or other socio-economic aid policies available via the school district for eligible families.
Tuition Fees
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition | Free (public funding) |
| Additional Fees | Typically none; standard public school model. Some electives or extracurricular activities may have optional fees. |
Student Profile and Demographics – Chesterton Senior High School
Student Demographics
Chesterton Senior High School serves approximately 1,985 students in grades 9 through 12. The student–teacher ratio is approximately 17:1, providing a reasonable classroom environment compared to state averages. The student body includes a mix of genders, and the school serves a community that draws from the surrounding region’s residential population. Minority enrollment is about 21%, with the remainder comprising other racial/ethnic groups. The demographic composition reflects a moderately diverse school population relative to state averages, providing a degree of cultural and socioeconomic variety.
Low-Income Students / Students with Economic Need
A portion of the student population at CHS participates in the free or reduced-price lunch program, indicating that there are students from lower-income households. The school district’s support services, guidance programs, and access to dual-credit and AP courses aim to ensure that students from varying backgrounds have equitable opportunities for academic success and college readiness regardless of socioeconomic status.
Student Body Statistics
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Students | ~1,985 |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | ~17:1 |
| Minority Enrollment | ~21% |
| Graduation Rate (Most Recent) | ~98% |
School Diversity
Chesterton Senior High School maintains a demographic composition that includes students from various racial, socioeconomic, and academic backgrounds. While the majority of students may come from the surrounding suburban community, the presence of a significant minority population and a broad range of academic, vocational, and advanced-study options ensures that the school environment is inclusive and responsive to different student needs. The combination of standard curriculum, AP/IB, technical/vocational pathways, and extracurricular offerings allows students from diverse backgrounds and with varied aspirations to find their fit. This flexibility supports social mobility and prepares students for a wide range of post-secondary options, fostering a community where academic ambition, practical skill-building, and personal development coexist.
Average Earnings
As a high school, Chesterton Senior High School does not track post-graduation earnings. Its role is to provide foundational education, college-preparation, and guidance for further education or career entry. Graduates go on to varied paths: some enter colleges or universities, others opt for vocational training or direct workforce entry. The strength of CHS’s academic programs and graduation success suggests that many students are positioned to pursue higher education or career opportunities that offer stable income, but the school itself does not provide aggregate earnings data.
Graduation Rate
Chesterton Senior High School boasts a high graduation rate of approximately 98%, placing it among the top high schools in Indiana in terms of on-time graduation. This reflects consistent academic support, effective counseling, and an environment that encourages completion and college or career readiness.
Chesterton Senior High School Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Chesterton Senior High School employs over 110 full-time teachers (and additional part-time or support staff) to serve its ~1,985 students, yielding a student–teacher ratio around 17:1. Staff includes academic instructors across core and elective subjects, guidance counselors, college- and career-readiness advisors, especially in support of AP, IB, dual-credit, and vocational tracks. The school also has administrative personnel, support staff, and counseling services aimed at academic, social, and emotional well-being of students.
Faculty Profiles
Many of the school’s faculty members are trained to teach advanced coursework (AP, IB), college-prep classes, and Career & Technical Education (CTE) classes. Teachers often bring a combination of subject-matter expertise, pedagogical training, and real-world insights especially in vocational and technical disciplines. The counseling staff at CHS is recognized for offering comprehensive academic guidance, college planning, personal support, and career counseling, aligning with the school’s focus on preparing students for diverse post-graduation paths. The presence of specialized instructors in arts, STEM, technical, and humanities fields ensures that students have access to a broad and balanced educational offering.
Chesterton Senior High School Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
As a public day school, Chesterton Senior High School does not provide student housing. Students commute from their homes within the district or surrounding region. The campus serves as an academic and extracurricular hub: classrooms, labs, arts facilities, athletic fields, and common spaces support a wide range of student activities. Student life includes club participation, sports teams, arts and theatre productions, vocational training workshops, dual-credit and college-prep classes, and social or community events. Counselors and school leadership emphasize holistic development—academic, social, and personal—to foster well-rounded graduates ready for college or career.
Transportation
Students typically commute to CHS via family vehicles, carpool, school buses, or public transportation depending on their home location. As a public school serving a regional district, transportation services may be provided for eligible students living within the school’s catchment area. Daily mobility is supported by established district transit routes and any district-run bus programs, facilitating regular access to campus for students across the district.
Job Openings
Because Chesterton Senior High School is part of the broader school district, job openings arise periodically for teaching positions (in academic, arts, technical, or special education areas), support staff roles, counseling staff, administrative positions, and extracurricular or technical support roles (e.g., athletic coaching, labs, vocational training support). Applicants typically need to meet state certification requirements for teaching or relevant qualifications for support roles. The school values educators committed to student development, academic excellence, and community engagement.