Three top administrators in Hinsdale High School District 86 are focusing on the overall positive aspects of Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South high schools’ recent rankings among Illinois public high schools by U.S. News & World Report, rather than the differences in those rankings between the two schools.
Schools are ranked based on college readiness (30%), state assessment proficiency (20%), state assessment performance (20%), underserved student performance (10%), college curriculum breadth (10%), and graduation rate (10%), according to information from U.S. News & World Report.
In the most-recent rankings, Central was No. 9 in the state, and South was No. 66 among 724 public high schools.
While it’s not been uncommon for some district residents/parents to make comparisons between the two schools, Superintendent Chip Pettit, Central Principal Bill Walsh, and South Principal Kari Peronto all took a different approach and were pleased with the rankings of both schools.
Asked whether the difference in rankings of the schools was an issue or concern with parents or residents, Pettit said there are no concerns at the school or district level.
“We look forward to Central moving into the top 5 and South moving into the top 50 of future rankings,” he said. ““District 86 has two high schools that are elite within the state of Illinois. I think our students and parents are very proud of their respective schools.”
Both schools featured their ranking in separate social media posts, and despite not being ranked as high as Central, Pettit said South’s achievement is worth celebrating.
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“Per this metric, South is in the Top 10% of all high schools in Illinois,” he said. “We will always evaluate and compare student performance within the school, within schools in the district, against similar Illinois high schools, and against state and national averages. For those wanting to take a ‘glass half empty’ approach to comparing Central and South, I might ask, ‘Isn’t it OK to have two great high schools in the same district?’
“We are pleased that U.S. News & World Report rankings reflect what we already know about Central and South high schools. Both are excellent schools, and we are proud of the great work being done by our students, families, and teachers.”
Walsh started his comments by saying “it must start that D86 is not about Hinsdale Central vs. Hinsdale South.”
“Hinsdale Central is excited to be ranked No. 9 in Illinois,” Walsh said. Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South are their own schools, and there are unique characteristics of our schools that should prohibit us from comparing us to one another.
“Rather, Hinsdale Central and South should be comparing themselves to schools with similar enrollment and similar low-income data. When comparing Hinsdale Central to its league of comparable schools, 15 public high schools, only two schools rank higher than us on this metric.”
Central’s enrollment is about 2,450, and South’s is about 1,340. The percentage of low income students is about 30% at South and less than 10% at Central.
“Hinsdale Central educators and students are proud of the work they are doing to create a culture and climate that promotes positive professional relationships, inclusion and opportunity, while challenging us to continue the tradition of excellence,” Walsh said.
Peronto said rather than view District 86 through a lens of a “Central vs. South” narrative, the true story is about the collective success of the entire district.
“District 86 focuses on celebrating what each school continues to achieve, while also recognizing that Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South are distinct communities, and direct comparisons overlook the unique contexts of each school,” she said.
“When evaluated alongside true peer schools, with similar demographics, enrollment, and mobility rates, Hinsdale South consistently stands out, placing behind only six comparable schools.”
Peronto said South’s staff and students are deeply proud of the inclusive, high-achieving culture that has been built alongside and in partnership with a supportive community.
“That dedication and our momentum show in our results: As stated at a recent Board of Education meeting, this past year, 465 Hinsdale South students took 1,367 Advanced Placement exams, achieving an impressive 88% pass rate,” she said. “This is the largest number of students in our school’s history who have taken AP exams, the largest number of exams taken in our school’s history, and our pass rate increases each year, which is an amazing celebration and accomplishment.
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“I am extremely proud of our students, staff, and community, and we will continue to strive for excellence in everything we do.”
Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.