Harlem High School

9229 N Alpine Rd
Machesney Park, IL 61115
(School attendance zone shown in map)
5/
10
Bottom 50%
Harlem High School is a public secondary school and part of the Harlem School District 122 in Machesney Park, Illinois, USA. It has approximately 2,600 students. The freshman campus for 9th grade was closed in 2019; new freshmen are incorporated into the main high school. Its sport teams are named the Harlem Huskies.
Serving 1,947 students in grades 9-12, Harlem High School 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 18% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 28%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 21% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student:teacher ratio of 14:1 is higher than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 33% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic).

Quick Stats (2025)

  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 1,947 students
  • Student:Teacher Ratio: 14:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 33%
  • : 81% (Btm 50% in IL)
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 18% (Btm 50%)
  • : 21% (Btm 50%)
  • : 60% (Top 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education

School Overview

Harlem High School's student population of 1,947 students has grown by 26% over five school years.
The teacher population of 138 teachers has grown by 22% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
1,947 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
138 teachers
Year Founded
1910
Colors
Black, Orange

School Rankings

Harlem High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 3,426 schools in Illinois (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Harlem High School is 0.52, 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.
This School
State Level (IL)
#2043 out of 3426 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(20-21)
18%
28%
21%
30%
60%
50%
Student : Teacher Ratio
14:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
2%
6%
Hispanic
15%
28%
Black
8%
16%
White
67%
45%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
8%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
0.52
81%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
43%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
13%
4%
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education

School Notes

  • School Mascot: Husky
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Harlem High School's ranking?
Harlem High School is ranked #2043 out of 3,426 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Illinois.
What schools are Harlem High School often compared to?
Harlem High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Hononegah Chd High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
18% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 28% IL state average), while 21% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
What is the graduation rate of Harlem High School?
The graduation rate of Harlem High School is 81%, which is lower than the Illinois state average of 87%.
How many students attend Harlem High School?
1,947 students attend Harlem High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
67% of Harlem High School students are White, 15% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Black, 8% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Harlem High School?
Harlem High School has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Harlem High School offer ?
Harlem High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Harlem High School part of?
Harlem High School is part of Harlem Ud 122 School District.

School Reviews

2   8/25/2021
Attended Harlem from 1st grade to high school. Honors/AP classes prepared me well for college (went on to UIUC). Loved most of my teachers.
- Posted by Student/Alumni - Caitlyn
5   3/3/2020
Harlem is one of the best schools in our area.
- Posted by Parent - Michael
1   2/11/2020
I think that my kids should start school later and get out later, starting school so early and getting out early I think it's uncalled for .
- Posted by Parent - Kate

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Quick Stats (2025)

  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 1,947 students
  • Student:Teacher Ratio: 14:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 33%
  • : 81% (Btm 50%)
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 18% (Btm 50%)
  • : 21% (Btm 50%)
  • : 60% (Top 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education

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