William Jones College Preparatory High School (commonly known as Jones College Prep) is a public four year selective enrollment high school located in the Printer's Row neighborhood located in downtown Chicago, Illinois, United States. Jones is operated by the Chicago Public Schools district. Jones was named one of “America’s Best High Schools†for 2010 by Newsweek magazine. The school was formerly known as Jones Metropolitan High School of Business and Commerce, Jones Commercial High School, and Jones Academic Magnet. It adopted its current name and focus on college preparatory education in 1998.
Academics
The school is a selective enrollment high school based on test scores that offers 20 advanced placement courses in addition to a rigorous curriculum focused on the school's mission statement for the 'Grad at Grad.'
Athletics
Jones competes in the Chicago Public League (CPL) and is a member of the Illinois High School Association (IHSA). For gym and field athletics, Jones used the former Near North High School building located at 1450 N. Larrabee Avenue from its closing in 2001 until Jones new building opened in 2014. In 2012, Jones' boys cross country team won the IHSA 2A state title.
Awards and recognition
In 2007, Jones College Prep was awarded a Gold Medal from U.S. News & World Report in their issue of the top 100 high schools in the nation based on college readiness, and in 2006 received the Blue Ribbon award from the Department of Education. Jones was recognized as one of “America’s Best High Schools†by U.S. News & World Report and was ranked in the top 100 high schools in 2010. Jones ranked in the “Top 10†among Illinois public high schools on the PSAE state assessment (2008 and 2009).
Student life
Student body and clubs
The student body at JCP is a diverse selection of students from throughout the City of Chicago. Jones College Prep offers more than sixty different extra-curricular clubs and activities such as: African American Club, ALAS (Assoc. of Latin American Students), Dance Team, Spirit Squad, Asian American Club, The Alpha Gents/Gems (Youth Leadership Organization), Slam Team (Poetry Club), Debate, Gay/Straight Alliance, Gospel Choir, International Thespian Society, Math Team, WEJam Vocal Jazz Choir, Student Government Association, National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, Model UN, Jewish Club, Chess Club, Robotics, Aquarium club, and many others.
Student publications
Jones College Prep has one student newspaper, the Blueprint. The Blueprint began publishing only online in 2014, and began print editions in December 2015.
Notable alumni
- Chance the Rapper (Chancelor Bennett) â€" 2011, hip-hop artist, Grammy Winner.
References
External links
- William Jones College Preparatory website