Homewood-Flossmoor High School’s state Report Card for 2024 shows slight improvements in English and math scores.
Overall, H-F received a commendable rating with an overall index score of 78.61. Commendable is the second highest rating given by the Illinois State Board of Education which released the numbers Oct. 30.
“We are committed to continuous progress. We acknowledge some areas require more focused attention and targeted improvement, but we also recognize that our students’ successes extend beyond test scores,” said Superintendent Scott Wakeley. “Our community values these important academic indicators, but our ultimate focus is ensuring students can demonstrate learning in meaningful ways that prepare them for future contributions in their chosen fields.”
Illinois administers the tests under the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) that requires states to assess their learning standards for English/Language Arts (ELA), Math and Science. Each state also may have a general assessment for the majority of its students, and an alternate assessment for the 1% of students with the most significant cognitive disabilities.
The report shows 96% of the H-F student body took the English/Language Arts and math tests, and 82% took the science assessment. Only the junior class takes the science test.
ELA scores for 2024 show H-F with a 26.1% grade. That’s below the state average of 39.4%. However, it does show progress from 2023 when H-F had an ELA score of 22%. It was 24.1% in 2022.
MATH scores for 2024 report H-F with a 17.8%. That’s below the state average of 27.9%. However, it is an improved score from the 15.9% recorded in 2023. H-F had a higher score of 25.4% in 2022.
H-F’s science assessment was 44% proficient and state was 52.7%. The Illinois science tests are designed to measure performance against rigorous science standards.
The School Report Card shows H-F students completing high school in four years graduated at a rate of 95.3% in 2024, at 96.5% in 2023, and at 93.6% in 2022.
Students in the Career & Technical Education program graduated at a 100% rate in years 2022, 2023 and 2024.
Wakeley points to the progress of many students, but recognizes “H-F’s ongoing challenge over the past decade has been ensuring that instruction meets the diverse needs of all learners. We recognize that overall proficiency must improve, which is why we are implementing targeted strategies outlined in our recently approved Charting a Course Strategic Plan” and the revamping of its curriculum.
The report shows a 34.4% chronic absenteeism rate for 2024. The state absenteeism rate for 2024 is 26.3%.Absenteeism is recorded for students who miss 10% percent or more of school days per year either with or without a valid excuse. In 2023, H-F’s absenteeism rate was 33.6% and in 2022 it was 32.6%. Before the pandemic, the 2019 absenteeism rate was 11.3%.
H-F has an enrollment of 2,751 students taught by 186 faculty members. H-F offers approximately 300 courses at five levels through nine departments: Applied Academics, English, Fine Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Science, PE/Health/Driver Ed, Special Education, and World Language.
