John F. Kennedy High School is a public four-year high school located in the Garfield Ridge neighborhood on the southwest side of Chicago, Illinois, United States. Operated by Chicago Public Schools, Kennedy opened in 1963. The school is named in honor of the 35th President of the United States, John F. Kennedy.
Serving 1,695 students in grades 9-12, Kennedy 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 8% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 14% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student:teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 87% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,695 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 87%
- Graduation Rate: 76% (Btm 50% in IL)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 8% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 14% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 29% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
School Overview
Kennedy High School's student population of 1,695 students has grown by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 109 teachers has grown by 9% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
1,695 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
109 teachers
Year Founded
1963
Colors
Royal blue, Yellow, Gold
First Day of School
Mon. Aug 18, 2025
Last Day of School
Fri. Jun 12, 2026
School Motto
Crusader P.R.I.D.E. - Positive, Respectful, Integrity, Determined, Excellence
School Rankings
Kennedy 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 Kennedy High School is 0.31, 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
#2834 out of 3542 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
8%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
14%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
29%
50%
Student : Teacher Ratio
16:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
1%
6%
Hispanic
82%
28%
Black
4%
16%
White
13%
45%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
76%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
71%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
14%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kennedy High School's ranking?
Kennedy High School is ranked #2834 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Illinois.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
8% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while 14% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
What is the graduation rate of Kennedy High School?
The graduation rate of Kennedy High School is 76%, which is lower than the Illinois state average of 87%.
How many students attend Kennedy High School?
1,695 students attend Kennedy High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
82% of Kennedy High School students are Hispanic, 13% of students are White, 4% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Kennedy High School?
Kennedy High School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Kennedy High School offer ?
Kennedy High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Kennedy High School part of?
Kennedy High School is part of Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 School District.
In what neighborhood is Kennedy High School located?
Kennedy High School is located in the Garfield Ridge neighborhood of Chicago, IL. There are 4 other public schools located in Garfield Ridge.
School Calendar
View the Kennedy High School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
First Day of School
August 18, 2025 (Monday)
Thanksgiving Break
November 24, 2025 (Monday)
Spring Break
March 23, 2026 (Monday)
Last Day of School
June 04, 2026 (Thursday)
School Reviews
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