School History

In July of 1940, a successful referendum brought Cook County School District 220 into existence. However, manpower and materials were channeled from the needed school construction into the defense effort.

In 1945, the War Production Board authorized the construction of the utility building, which was practically completed when the Cook County Superior Court issued a restraining injunction halting further progress. It was at this time that a nationally known educator and professor from the University of Chicago entered the picture, resolved the problems, and allowed work to resume. The arbitrator was Dr. William Claude Reavis.

Plans were finally made for the high school. By the time construction of the building, to be known eventually as William Claude Reavis High School, began in 1949, Dr. Reavis had approved new and revised blueprints which took into account the long range, as well as immediate needs of the community's high school population.

On its opening day - September 11, 1950 - Reavis High School welcomed 330 freshmen, sophomores, and juniors. Since its first graduating class in 1952, thousands of young men and women have earned their high school diplomas from Reavis High School and have become productive, responsible members of American society.

William Claude Reavis

Dr. William Claude Reavis (1881-1955)

Reavis High School Today

Reavis High School offers a comprehensive academic program and is fully accredited by the Illinois State Board of Education. Faculty members are both experienced and highly educated. Reavis teachers have, on average, 13 years of experience. More than 87% of the professional personnel hold a master's degree. The campus features:

  • 132 classrooms and 12 science labs

  • a newly renovated library that boasts state of the art presentation equipment and an array of digital databases

  • more than 1000 student laptop and iPad mobile devices that can be utilized

    throughout the building

  • a recently renovated, spacious auditorium and smaller theatre with modern band and choral

    facilities

  • a competition swimming pool and tennis courts that can host regional competitions

  • 3 gyms; a lighted football field; several baseball, softball and soccer fields; and a modern all-weather track facility

  • a tech center which hosts a curriculum rich in computer-aided drafting,

  • woods, carpentry, electronics, and more extensive fine arts offerings including 3-D arts, graphic

    design, photography, drawing, painting, and more

  • a physical education curriculum that includes the use of heart rate monitors to promote target

    heart rate workouts

  • business education classes that focus on computer applications, web design, and

    accounting principles

  • a world languages department that offers programs in German, Spanish, and Spanish for Native

    Speakers

  • a complete automotive workshop and a preschool program that serves the local community

  • a foodservice management program affiliated with the nationally recognized Pro-Start program

  • a social studies curriculum that reinforces citizenship skills through attendance at local

    government meetings or the completion of community service

  • an English curriculum that focuses on the skills of reading, writing, listening, and communicating

    while culminating in senior electives that allow students to select specialized literature,

    writing, and communication topics

  • math course selections that introduce students to topics including algebra, geometry, and advanced

    algebra as well as statistics, trigonometry, and calculus

  • a science curriculum rich in topics from biology, chemistry, and physics to anatomy and physiology and forensic

    science all of which encourage laboratory experiences

More than 40% of our students are involved in the many extracurricular organizations and activities offered at the school. Individual and team accomplishments contributing to a successful athletic program include many conference and regional championships. State championships, state qualifiers, and "All State" selections have been numerous.