Harlem High School

9229 N Alpine Rd
Machesney Park, IL 61115
(School attendance zone shown in map)
: 
4/
10
Bottom 50%
Serving 1,884 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 15% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 27%). 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 35% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic).

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 1,884 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 35%
  • : 80% (Btm 50% in IL)
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 15% (Btm 50%)
  • : 21% (Btm 50%)
  • : 60% (Top 50%)
  • : Harlem High School's attendance zone covers the entire district in Machesney Park, IL, encompassing approximately 21.8 square miles. The typical drive to the school takes about 5-10 minutes, with an average distance of 3.1 miles to the edge of the zone and the furthest edge located 4.7 miles away.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education

School Overview

Harlem High School's student population of 1,884 students has declined by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 133 teachers has grown by 17% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
1,884 students

Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data

Total Classroom Teachers
133 teachers

Showing 2015–2025. View full 39-year historical data

Year Founded
1910

School Rankings

Harlem High School 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 Harlem High School is 0.54, 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)
#2343 out of 3542 schools
(Bottom 50%)

Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data

15%
27%

Showing 2012–2023. View full 14-year historical data

21%
30%

Showing 2012–2022. View full 13-year historical data

60%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
13:1

Showing 2015–2025. View full 39-year historical data

Asian
1%
6%

Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data

Hispanic
17%
29%

Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data

Black
8%
16%

Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data

White
65%
45%

Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data

Two or more races
9%
4%

Showing 2016–2025. View full 15-year historical data

All Ethnic Groups
35%
0.54

Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data

80%
87.6%
(22-23)
49.5%
29.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
45%
43%

Showing 2015–2025. View full 24-year historical data

Eligible for Reduced Lunch
14%
4%

Showing 2009–2025. View full 24-year historical data

School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Harlem High School's ranking?
Harlem High School is ranked #2343 out of 3,542 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?
15% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% 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 80%, which is lower than the Illinois state average of 87.6%.
How many students attend Harlem High School?
1,884 students attend Harlem High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
65% of Harlem High School students are White, 17% of students are Hispanic, 9% of students are Two or more races, 8% of students are Black, and 1% 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

1   10/10/2025
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
5   10/10/2025
Harlem is one of the best schools in our area.
- Posted by Parent - Michael
2   10/10/2025
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

Review Harlem High School. 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
Rate this school:

Recent Articles

Can Public Schools Charge for Required Graduation Courses?
Can Public Schools Charge for Required Graduation Courses?
Can a public school charge for a course your child needs to graduate? Learn how state rules, course alternatives, summer programs, and fee waivers affect the answer, plus what parents should request before paying, accepting a substitute, or challenging a charge that threatens graduation plans.
Save Your Child's Work Before a School Account Closes
Save Your Child's Work Before a School Account Closes
School accounts may close after graduation or a transfer, leaving important projects inaccessible. Learn what families should save, which deadlines to confirm, how to check exported files, and why shared links alone may not preserve your child's work for future applications, learning, or personal memories.
School Commute Time: When Distance Affects School Fit
School Commute Time: When Distance Affects School Fit
Is your child's school commute becoming too demanding? Learn how to weigh educational benefits against daily strain, recognize warning signs, explore practical adjustments, and decide when a closer school fits.

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 1,884 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 35%
  • : 80% (Btm 50%)
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 15% (Btm 50%)
  • : 21% (Btm 50%)
  • : 60% (Top 50%)
  • : Harlem High School's attendance zone covers the entire district in Machesney Park, IL, encompassing approximately 21.8 square miles. The typical drive to the school takes about 5-10 minutes, with an average distance of 3.1 miles to the edge of the zone and the furthest edge located 4.7 miles away.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education

Quick Links