Harold L. Richards High School is a co-ed public high school in Oak Lawn, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, and is a member of Illinois School District 218. The school opened in 1965, named for District Superintendent Dr. Harold Leland Richards who served in that capacity for 33 years from 1935-1968.
Serving 1,702 students in grades 9-12, H L Richards High School(Campus) ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Illinois for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 15% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 17% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 60% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,702 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 60%
- Graduation Rate: 87% (Top 50% in IL)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 15% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 17% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 47% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: H L Richards High School serves the northern part of Oak Lawn, IL, covering an area of approximately 6.8 square miles. Most students can expect a typical drive of 5-10 minutes, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located about 6.5 miles from the school.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
School Overview
H L Richards High School(Campus)'s student population of 1,702 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 113 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
1,702 students
Total Classroom Teachers
113 teachers
Average Class Size
23 students
School Motto
There is Always More to Learn
School Rankings
H L Richards High School(Campus) ranks within the bottom 50% of all 3,542 schools in Illinois (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of H L Richards High School(Campus) is 0.69, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2407 out of 3542 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
15%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
17%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
47%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
13:1
Asian
2%
6%
Hispanic
33%
29%
Black
22%
16%
White
40%
45%
Two or more races
3%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
87%
87.6%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)28.4%
29.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
68%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
24%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Gold, Black, and White
School Mascot
Bulldog
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is H L Richards High School(Campus)'s ranking?
H L Richards High School(Campus) is ranked #2407 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Illinois.
What schools are H L Richards High School(Campus) often compared to?
H L Richards High School(Campus)is often viewed alongside schools like Oak Lawn Comm High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
15% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while 17% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
What is the graduation rate of H L Richards High School(Campus)?
The graduation rate of H L Richards High School(Campus) is 87%, which is lower than the Illinois state average of 87.6%.
How many students attend H L Richards High School(Campus)?
1,702 students attend H L Richards High School(Campus).
What is the racial composition of the student body?
40% of H L Richards High School(Campus) students are White, 33% of students are Hispanic, 22% of students are Black, 3% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of H L Richards High School(Campus)?
H L Richards High School(Campus) has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does H L Richards High School(Campus) offer ?
H L Richards High School(Campus) offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is H L Richards High School(Campus) part of?
H L Richards High School(Campus) is part of CHSD 218 School District.
School Calendar
View the H L Richards High School(Campus) yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
Last Day of Student Attendance for First Semester
December 18, 2026 (Friday)
Spring Break - No School
March 26, 2027 (Friday)
Spring Break - No School
March 29, 2027 (Monday)
Spring Break - No School
March 30, 2027 (Tuesday)
Spring Break - No School
March 31, 2027 (Wednesday)
School Reviews
Review H L Richards High School(Campus). Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
How Often Does Your Child's School Change Teachers Between Grade Levels?
Learn how teacher movement between grade levels affects continuity, experience, instruction, and school stability, plus the questions parents should ask about staffing patterns before choosing a public school today.
The School Pickup Test: What Arrival and Dismissal Reveal About a Public School
Discover what school arrival and dismissal reveal about safety, supervision, organization, communication, student behavior, transportation, and school climate before choosing the right public school for your child and family.
Should Siblings Attend the Same Public School?
Should siblings attend the same public school? Learn when academic needs, learning styles, programs, social fit, support services, and individual interests may make different schools better choices for children.
