Pat Kerin's McHenry County Schools

Schools

K-12

The quality of life depends largely on the quality of the schools the children of our community attend. McHenry County Schools have consistently scored higher than the state average on IGAP tests, and are run economically, compared to their peers in Illinois.

There are seven elementary schools in Crystal Lake's District 47 and 3 middle schools (6-8 grade).

In elementary level scores at Husmann School, for example, one quarter of the students exceeded the reading goal (only one fifth of students state-wide did the same). Similar results occurred in math and writing, while in science and social science, half or better exceeded goals (compared to about a third of students state-wide).

There are three high schools in District 155 to serve the city: Crystal Lake Central, Crystal Lake South High School, and Prairie Ridge which was completed in September 1997.

High tech and computer education are priorities in District 155. Academic quality here wins numerous awards every year, and between 1/3 and 1/2 the students tested exceeded IGAP goals on the tenth grade level. ACT composites were 2.5 points higher than state averages. There are full scale sports program for male and female students.

Higher Education

Crystal Lake is the home of McHenry County College well-known nationwide for its excellent quality of education for beginning college students and returning adult students. MCC is noted for innovations in remote access education and is linked to community colleges all over Illinois to provide students with courses not actually offered on campus.

Columbia College offers courses within the MCC campus, making it possible to obtain a four year degree.

Major universities like Northern Illinois University, University of Illinois Chicago Circle, and Roosevelt University are an easy commute from Crystal Lake.

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