An Overview of Amundsen High School

Nestled between Andersonville and Lincoln Square, Amundsen High School has been a part of the CPS district since 1929. It was named after the famed arctic explorer, Roald Engelbregt Gravning Amundsen, who is known for leading the first expedition to the South Pole in 1911, as well as being the first to sail through the Northwest Passage. The school’s student to teacher ratio is 15:1, and its student to counselor ratio is one of the best in the CPS district. Amundsen has a diverse student population as well (84% minority enrollment).

Amundsen is also an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, offering the IB Diploma Program since 1999, and the Middle Years Program since 2003. About 22% of students participate in IB programs and classes, and the school has had a 70% pass rate on the IB Exam for the last four years. Students that take part in these programs are guaranteed college credit in all Illinois public colleges and universities. Amundsen states “The IB Program offers students an opportunity to have a well-rounded and rigorous college preparatory curriculum in a neighborhood school. The IB Program provides students with the discipline and skills necessary to take on future endeavors. Besides an excellent academic education that prepares them for post-secondary study, the IB Program gives students an opportunity to build character and perseverance to become future leaders in the community.”

Beyond the IB programs, Amundsen also offers a Career and Technical Education Program (CTE). This intense training program allows students to make the leap from in-school learning to applicable industry problem-solving. It also has some truly unique concentrations, including Web Design, Game-Programming, and even an Apple-designed program to develop apps on their systems.

Over the years, Amundsen’s facilities have also undergone significant improvements and changes. The gymnasium, on-site pool, and computer and science labs have all benefited from the $20 million in renovation. Amundsen students also have immediate access to Winnemac Park’s softball, soccer, and baseball fields. The football stadium, Jorndt field, was also recently renovated, and seats over 1,000 people.

For more information on Amundsen High School, visit their website at https://www.amundsenhs.org/

Nate Hall, Tutoring Coordinator
nate@testprepchicago.com
(312) 848-1266