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 1,647 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 15:1 is higher than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 88% 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: 1,647 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 88%
- 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%)
- Attendance Zone: Kennedy High School serves the southwest part of Chicago, IL, encompassing an attendance area of approximately 5.2 square miles. Families within this zone can typically expect a drive of 5 to 10 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge being about 3.1 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
School Overview
Kennedy High School's student population of 1,647 students has grown by 5% 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
1,647 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
109 teachers
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1963
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%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
8%
27%
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
14%
30%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
29%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
13:1
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
1%
6%
Showing 2014–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
82%
29%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Black
5%
16%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
12%
45%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
76%
87.6%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)67.8%
29.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
73%
43%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
14%
3%
Showing 2004–2014. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Gold and Blue
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
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 schools are Kennedy High School often compared to?
Kennedy High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Kelvyn Park High School by visitors of our site.
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 87.6%.
How many students attend Kennedy High School?
1,647 students attend Kennedy High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
82% of Kennedy High School students are Hispanic, 12% of students are White, 5% 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 15:1, 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.
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
End of Fourth Quarter / Last Day for Students
June 11, 2027 (Friday)
School Reviews
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