Whitney M. Young Magnet High School is a public four-year magnet high school and middle school located in the Near West Side neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. Opened on September 3, 1975, as a public magnet high school, joining Lane Tech in that designation.
Serving 2,221 students in grades 7-12, Young Magnet High School ranks in the top 1% of all schools in Illinois for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 1%, and reading proficiency is top 1%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 92% (which is higher than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 89% (which is higher than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student-teacher ratio of 17:1 is higher than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 76% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Asian), which is higher than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2025)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 7-12
- Enrollment: 2,221 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 95% (Top 20% in IL)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 1%
- Math Proficiency: 92% (Top 1%)
- Reading Proficiency: 89% (Top 1%)
- Science Proficiency: 97% (Top 1%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Young Magnet High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Graduation Rate
Diversity
School Overview
Young Magnet High School's student population of 2,221 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 133 teachers has grown by 16% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 7-12
Total Students
2,221 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
133 teachers
Year Founded
1970
Colors
Navy Blue, Orange
School Calendar
School Motto
Where Academic Excellence is the Standard
School Rankings
Young Magnet High School ranks within the top 1% of all 3,542 schools in Illinois (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Young Magnet High School is 0.78, which is more 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
#4 out of 3542 schools
(Top 1%)
(Top 1%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
92%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
89%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
97%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
25%
6%
Hispanic
28%
28%
Black
18%
16%
White
24%
45%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
4%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
95%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
41%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
8%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Dolphin
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Young Magnet High School's ranking?
Young Magnet High School is ranked #4 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the top 1% of public schools in Illinois.
What schools are Young Magnet High School often compared to?
Young Magnet High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Jones College Prep High School, Payton College Preparatory High School, Lane Technical High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
92% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while 89% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
What is the graduation rate of Young Magnet High School?
The graduation rate of Young Magnet High School is 95%, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 87%.
How many students attend Young Magnet High School?
2,221 students attend Young Magnet High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
28% of Young Magnet High School students are Hispanic, 25% of students are Asian, 24% of students are White, 18% of students are Black, 4% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Young Magnet High School?
Young Magnet High School has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Young Magnet High School offer ?
Young Magnet High School offers enrollment in grades 7-12
What school district is Young Magnet High School part of?
Young Magnet High School is part of Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 School District.
In what neighborhood is Young Magnet High School located?
Young Magnet High School is located in the West Loop neighborhood of Chicago, IL. There are 1 other public schools located in West Loop.
School Reviews
5 4/7/2023
Whitney Young High School is an exceptional institution that I feel privileged to attend. As a ninth-grader, I have already experienced firsthand the dedication of our exceptional educators who prioritize our academic success. The diversity of courses and extracurricular activities offered is unparalleled, and it's evident that this school fosters a culture of growth and intellectual curiosity. The student body is comprised of kind and courteous individuals, which makes the school environment a joy to be a part of. While gaining admission to Whitney Young is no small feat, the rewards of being a part of this vibrant community are well worth it.
5 12/22/2009
Whitney Young is the the BEST!!! I've only been to their open house and i can see that they are a great school. I made sure this was my first choice school!
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