William Fremd High School Explained

William Fremd High School
Streetaddress:1000 S. Quentin Road
Zipcode:60067
Country:USA
Coordinates:42.0943°N -88.0661°W
Superintendent:Lisa A. Small[1] [2]
Principal:Mark Langer[3]
Ratio:16.75
Teaching Staff:161.06
Avg Class Size:22.0[4]
Gender:coed
Schooltype:public secondary
Grades:9–12
Campus:suburban
Fightsong:"Viking Fight Song"
Mascot:Viking
School Colours: Forest Green
Gold[5]
Yearbook:Valhallan[6]
Publication:The Conspiracy[7]
Newspaper:The Viking Logue[8]
Opened:1961[9]
Enrollment:2,698 (2021–22)[10]
Free Label:Average ACT
Free Text:25[11]
Free Label1:Average SAT
Free Text1:1178.5[12]

William Fremd High School, or Fremd (initially Palatine High School South), is a public four-year high school located in Palatine, Illinois, a northwest suburb of Chicago, Illinois, in the United States. It is part of Township High School District 211, which also includes James B. Conant High School, Hoffman Estates High School, Palatine High School, and Schaumburg High School. Academically, Fremd High School has also been recognized by Newsweek as one of "America's Best High Schools" and by U.S. News & World Report as one of 99 outstanding high schools in the United States[13] with the average AP test taker in the class of 2018 taking 5.4 exams.[14] Fremd serves the portion of Palatine that is southwest of the UP NW Line railroad tracks as well as north Hoffman Estates, west Rolling Meadows, north Schaumburg, east South Barrington and southeast Inverness.[15] Feeder schools include Plum Grove Junior High, Carl Sandburg Junior High, Walter Sundling Junior High and Margaret Mead Junior High. Feeder elementary schools are Pleasant Hill, Paddock, Hunting Ridge, Central Road, Willow Bend, Thomas Jefferson, Marion Jordan, Fairview, and Frank C. Whiteley.

History

Fremd opened in 1961 as Palatine High School South.[9] The school was later named after William Fremd who had been a member of the high school board of education for over 30 years and had served on school boards in the area for a consecutive period of more than 45 years. Fremd donated the land for the school. In the first yearbook the school was said to 'blend and stretch into the cornfields'. The school was the second high school to be built in Palatine, Illinois after Palatine High School. Palatine South and then Fremd originally served as the school for all Palatine freshman and sophomores while Palatine High School was the school for juniors and seniors. This plan was only in effect for three years before Fremd was expanded to serve as a 4 year high school. In the fall of 1966 the first junior class entered, and they became the first Fremd graduating class in 1968. Then Junior Cathy Klep designed the Viking logo, based on the Minnesota Vikings logo. Junior, Colleen McGrath designed the school crest, incorporating the Viking logo and modeled after her family crest. A school motto was adopted in 1995 after a contest for students. Sophomore Jessica Frank won the contest. In 2001, construction began to create a new science wing. The courtyard which stood in the center of the school was demolished. After two years of year-round construction, the new science wing was built along with a heating and ventilation facility on the roof of the building.[16]

In the early 2000s, Fremd underwent several construction projects, including the replacement of bleachers in the main gymnasium, renovated tiling, and additional classrooms. The music department added a rehearsal room, larger practice rooms with more advanced sound-proof walls, and increased storage space.[17] In the newest addition to the school, a synthetic turf football field was added. In 2016, a new pool facility was added to Fremd.

On November 2, 2015, The New York Times reported that the federal government determined that Fremd's administration violated anti-discrimination laws because "it did not allow a transgender student who identifies as a girl and participates on a girls’ sports team to change and shower in the girls’ locker room without restrictions." The New York Times added that the student in question "identifies as female but was born male."[18]

As of 2018, Fremd is one of the largest high schools in the region, with a student body of approximately 2600. The school is also noted for its high operating costs: in the 2016–2017 school year, Fremd's district spent $18,721 per pupil, with the average teacher being paid $99,474.[4]

Academics

In 2018, Fremd had an average SAT score of 1178.5[12] and a four-year graduation rate of 97.9%. The average class size is 24.7. On the mathematics portion of the SAT, 71.3% of students met or exceeded standards, while on the English/language arts portion, that figure was 68.5%. Additionally, 66.5% of students showed proficiency on the Illinois Science Assessment.[4]

From April 1998 to September 2019, 75 students from Fremd earned the highest possible composite score on the ACT, a 36.[19] In the same time frame, only six students earned the highest possible score on the SAT, a 1600.[20]

In 1987, Fremd was named among the top in the nation in the United States Department of Education's National Secondary School Recognition Program. Fremd High School has also been recognized by Newsweek as one of "America's Best High Schools" and by U.S. News & World Report as one of 99 outstanding high schools in the United States.[13] In 2006, Fremd was recognized as the 302nd best high school in the nation by Newsweek, with an average of 1.3 AP tests taken per graduating senior.[21]

Demographics

In the 2022-2023 school year, the school had 2,708 students. 47% of students identified as non-Hispanic white, 32% were Asian, 12% were Hispanic or Latino, 5% were black or African-American, and 4% were multiracial. The school has a student to teacher ratio of 16.7, and 21% of students are eligible for free or reduced price lunch.[22]

Athletics

Fremd competes in the Mid-Suburban League (west division), and is a member of the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) which governs most interscholastic sports and competitive activities in the state. Its mascot is the Viking.

Fremd sponsors interscholastic teams for young men and women in basketball, cross country, golf, gymnastics, soccer, swimming & diving, tennis, track and field, volleyball, chess, and water polo. Men may also compete in baseball, football, and wrestling, while women may compete in badminton, bowling, and softball. While not sponsored by the IHSA, the school also sponsors separate teams for young men and women in lacrosse. Hockey is also a club sport for men.[23]

The boys basketball team achieved success beginning in the late 1980s. The 1983 team led by BJ Jenkins and Joe Youman made the Sectional for the first time. In 1986, Fremd made it to the Super Sectional for the first time and lost to Kendall Gill led Rich Central, 77-47. The 1988 team was the best ever, led by Jason Joseph and George Poorman. It was upset in the super sectional game by East Aurora and finished with the best record ever, 28-2. The 1989 team led by Todd Leslie returned to the super sectional game and once again lost to East Aurora. The 1993 team was the most successful ever, with a 4th place state finish. They recently celebrated their successful run with a 30 year anniversary get together. Mo Tharp coached the Vikings from 1975–2002 and established Fremd as the premiere basketball program in the northwest suburbs. Tharp was elected into the Illinois Hall of Fame.

The following teams have won their respective IHSA state tournament or meet:

The twelve state titles in girls gymnastics is a state record.[30] The girls gymnastics team also holds state records for appearances at the state meet, top three team finishes, sectional titles, and regional titles.[31]

Activities

Fremd sponsors 60 clubs and activities ranging from cultural and artistic to academic and technological. Among the activities which are chapters or affiliates of more nationally notable groups are: BPA, Chess, Robotics, FCCLA, Model UN, Tri-M Music Honor Society, National Honor Society, Vikettes (Colorguard), and National Science Bowl.[32]

Five activities have won their respective IHSA sponsored state competition:

The Fremd Vikettes have won state titles in Team Dance Illinois, earning a First Place State Championship in 2010, 2011, and 2012, and Second Place State Titles in 2013 and 2014 for their flag/colorguard performances.

Each year, William Fremd High School hosts Writers Week, which has brought more than 200 writers to the Fremd campus since 1995 to share their work and philosophy on the writing process. Distinguished guest presenters have included Billy Collins, Gwendolyn Brooks, Nobel Laureate Leon Lederman; journalists Rick Bragg, Dana Kozlov, Burt Constable, and Eric Zorn; novelists Jane Hamilton, Raymond Benson, Rosellen Brown, Harry Mark Petrakis, and Frederik Pohl; poets Nikki Giovanni, Naomi Shihab Nye, and poetry slam creator Marc Smith; screenwriters Bill Kelly and Craig J. Nevius; and sportswriters Dan Roan and Mike Imrem. Presenters also include selected Fremd students and faculty.[37]

Notable alumni

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Illinois Coronavirus Updates: New Closure Order in Chicago, County Reports First Case. 2020-07-13. NBC Chicago. en-US.
  2. Web site: Administration / Superintendent & Cabinet. 2020-07-13. Township High School District 211. en.
  3. Web site: 2021-02-22. New principal named at Fremd High School. 2021-09-24. Daily Herald. en-US.
  4. Web site: 2018 Illinois School Report Card - William Fremd High School. Illinois State Board of Education. 8 June 2019.
  5. Web site: School info for Fremd HS. www.ihsa.org. 16 June 2009.
  6. Web site: Yearbook Distribution (2018-05-10). https://web.archive.org/web/20070301235733/http://www.ihsa.org/school/schools/1601.htm. 2007-03-01.
  7. Web site: The Conspiracy homepage. 16 June 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20090913043047/http://www.fhs.d211.org/departments/english/nlabeau/activities.htm. 2009-09-13. dead.
  8. Web site: The Viking Logue homepage. 16 June 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20090526222948/http://www.fhs.d211.org/vikinglogue/. 2009-05-26. dead.
  9. Web site: Twp. District 211 History. 16 June 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20100612213909/http://d211.org/history2.shtml . 12 June 2010 .
  10. Web site: Wm Fremd High School. National Center for Education Statistics. January 22, 2024.
  11. Web site: Illinois Report Card. www.illinoisreportcard.com. 2019-06-08.
  12. Web site: Illinois Report Card. www.illinoisreportcard.com. 2019-06-08.
  13. Web site: A Current Profile. District 211 Website. 2008-02-02. https://web.archive.org/web/20080216111654/http://www.d211.org/pdf/takealook_current_profile.pdf. 2008-02-16. dead.
  14. Web site: Illinois Report Card. www.illinoisreportcard.com. 2019-06-08.
  15. Web site: Palatine High School . US News.
  16. Web site: History of Township High School District 211. https://web.archive.org/web/20060219175201/http://d211.org/intro/history.html. 2006-02-19. District 211 Website.
  17. Web site: Fremd High School Music Addition. 2006-12-18. https://web.archive.org/web/20070108070113/http://www.fhs.d211.org/departments/music/Documents/misc/Fremd%20High%20School%20Music%20Addition.pdf. 2007-01-08. dead.
  18. News: Illinois District Violated Transgender Student's Rights, U.S. Says. The New York Times. 2 November 2015. Smith. Mitch. Davey. Monica.
  19. Web site: April 2021 . Students Perfect on ACT . 2023-12-29 . Township High School District 211 . en.
  20. Web site: Cates. Daniel. E. 12 March 2020. RE: RECOGNITION — HIGHEST POSSIBLE COMPOSITE SAT SCORE. 13 June 2020. District 211.
  21. Web site: Newsweek's Top 1,000 High Schools.
  22. Web site: Search for Public Schools - School Detail for Wm Fremd High School . 2024-06-20 . nces.ed.gov . EN.
  23. Web site: Athletic teams at Fremd HS. 16 June 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20090813200105/http://www.fhs.d211.org/athletics/listing.aspx. 2009-08-13. dead.
  24. Web site: Records & History. www.ihsa.org. 2019-06-08.
  25. Web site: State Series Information & Results. www.ihsa.org. 2019-06-08.
  26. Web site: Records & History. www.ihsa.org. 2019-06-08.
  27. Web site: Records & History. www.ihsa.org. 2019-06-08.
  28. Web site: Records & History. www.ihsa.org. 2019-06-08.
  29. Web site: Records & History. www.ihsa.org. 2019-06-08.
  30. Web site: Girls Gymnastics Multiple State Champions. www.ihsa.org. https://web.archive.org/web/20100626074143/http://www.ihsa.org/activity/gyg/records/mult.htm. 2010-06-26.
  31. Web site: Table of Titles for girls gymnastics. www.ihsa.org. https://web.archive.org/web/20100626073727/http://www.ihsa.org/activity/gyg/records/sum.htm. 2010-06-26.
  32. Web site: Activities Listing / Activities at FHS. adc.d211.org. en. 2019-06-08.
  33. Web site: Records and History: Debate Champions. 7 June 2019.
  34. Web site: Records and History: Drama and Group Interpretation Champions and Runners-Up. 7 June 2019.
  35. Web site: Records and History: Journalism Champions and Runners-Up. 7 June 2019.
  36. Web site: Records and History: Drama and Group Interpretation Champions and Runners-Up. 7 June 2019.
  37. Web site: Writers Week @ William Fremd High School. https://web.archive.org/web/20100115163431/http://fremdwritersweek.ning.com/. 2010-01-15.
  38. Web site: Born of Osiris Biography & History AllMusic. AllMusic. 2018-06-05.
  39. Web site: Cameron Losch. www.facebook.com. en. 2018-06-05.
  40. Born of Osiris. Billboard. 2018-06-05. 2018-10-04. https://web.archive.org/web/20181004031236/https://www.billboard.com/music/born-of-osiris. dead.
  41. Web site: brandUn DeShay Is Putting In His Two Weeks Notice. 28 September 2010. 2019-01-30. https://web.archive.org/web/20131103104111/http://smokingsection.uproxx.com/TSS/2010/09/a3c-artist-spotlight-brandun-deshay. 2013-11-03. dead.
  42. Web site: BrandUn DeShay is Putting in His Two Weeks Notice | A3C Hip Hop Festival . 2010-11-10 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20101204051924/http://www.a3cfestival.com/a3c-artist-spotlight-brandun-deshay/ . 2010-12-04 .
  43. Web site: Curren$y And Don Cannon Present Smokee Robinson Vol.1. 8 February 2010. 2019-01-30. https://web.archive.org/web/20131104133846/http://smokingsection.uproxx.com/TSS/2010/02/download-currensy-smokee-robinson-mixtape. 2013-11-04. dead.
  44. Web site: "Yonkers" (Single Version) - Prefixmag.com. Andrew_Martin. 2011-11-13. https://web.archive.org/web/20120319001219/http://www.prefixmag.com/media/tyler-the-creator/yonkers-single-version/49494/. 2012-03-19. dead.
  45. Web site: The Break Presents: brandUn DeShay - XXL. XXL Mag.
  46. News: Meyer-Abbott. Ben. Fremd. Chicago Sun-Times. 27 October 2009. 30 October 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20091029011902/http://yourseason.suntimes.com/schooloftheweek/1849829,102709-school-of-the-week-fremd.article. 29 October 2009. dead. dmy-all.
  47. News: Ryan Hartman living a dream with Blackhawks, if only for a while. Kuc. Chris. chicagotribune.com. 2018-06-05. en-US.
  48. Web site: Todd Hundley Baseball Statistics [1987-2003]]. www.thebaseballcube.com.
  49. Web site: Elinor Levin . Ballotpedia . June 10, 2024 . en.
  50. Web site: Rolling Meadows native scores at Oscars Fremd grad assistant director on 'Million Dollar Baby'. Daday, Wileen O. 1 March 2005. Daily Herald. 16 June 2009.
  51. Web site: Yumpu.com. 2008 Distinguished Graduates Senior Pictures Welcome to the .... 2021-06-28. yumpu.com. en.
  52. Web site: Home. Storyboard.
  53. News: Kenny Chesney scores on talent at Soldier Field . Chicago Tribune . Alison . Bonaguro . 15 June 2009.
  54. Web site: Jim Schwantz stats and bio. databasefootball.com. 16 June 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20100205190040/http://databasefootball.com/players/playerpage.htm?ilkid=SchwaJim01 . 5 February 2010 .
  55. Web site: Ex-Chicago Bear, now mayor, Jim Schwantz looks to call the right plays for Palatine. Jekielek, Mary. 27 May 2009. ChicagoTribune.com. 16 June 2009.
  56. Web site: 2010-11-25 . Ex-Fremd star Tolzien a proven winner at Wisconsin . 2022-04-19 . Daily Herald . en-US.

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