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William Fremd High School

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William Fremd High School
Address
Map
1000 S. Quentin Road

Palatine
,
Illinois
60067

United States
Coordinates42°05′39″N 88°03′58″W / 42.0943°N 88.0661°W / 42.0943; -88.0661
Information
School typepublic secondary
Opened1961[10]
School districtTownship H.S. 211
SuperintendentLisa A. Small[1][2]
PrincipalMark Langer[3]
Teaching staff161.06 (on an FTE basis)[4]
Grades9–12
Gendercoed
Enrollment2,698 (2021–22)[4]
Average class size22.0[5]
Student to teacher ratio16.75[4]
Campussuburban
Colour(s)  Forest Green
  Gold[6]
Fight song"Viking Fight Song"
Athletics conferenceMid-Suburban League
MascotViking
PublicationThe Conspiracy[8]
NewspaperThe Viking Logue[9]
YearbookValhallan[7]
Average ACT25[11]
Average SAT1178.5[12]
Websiteadc.d211.org/Domain/9

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

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Fremd opened in 1961 as Palatine High School South.[10] 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.[5]

Academics

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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.[5]

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

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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

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

  • Badminton: 2006–2007, 2008–2009,[24] 2018-2019[25]
  • Cross Country (boys): 1969–1970[26]
  • Gymnastics (girls): 1984–1985, 1985–1986, 1986–1987, 1993–1994, 1994–1995, 1995–1996, 1996–1997, 1997–1998, 1998–1999, 2004–2005, 2006–2007, 2007–2008[27]
  • Hockey: 1990–1991, 1991–1992, 1992–1993. They went 73-1-1 from 1989 to 1993.[citation needed]
  • Soccer (boys): 1984–1985, 1997–1998[28]
  • Swimming & Diving (boys): 1993–1994, 1994–1995[29]
  • Basketball (girls) : 2019-2020

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

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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

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[edit]
Fremd High School
  • Stadium: home bleachers
    Stadium: home bleachers
  • Stadium: visitor bleachers
    Stadium: visitor bleachers

References

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  1. ^ "Illinois Coronavirus Updates: New Closure Order in Chicago, County Reports First Case". NBC Chicago. Retrieved 2020-07-13.
  2. ^ "Administration / Superintendent & Cabinet". Township High School District 211. Retrieved 2020-07-13.
  3. ^ "New principal named at Fremd High School". Daily Herald. 2021-02-22. Retrieved 2021-09-24.
  4. ^ a b c "Wm Fremd High School". National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved January 22, 2024.
  5. ^ a b c "2018 Illinois School Report Card - William Fremd High School" (PDF). Illinois State Board of Education. Retrieved 8 June 2019.
  6. ^ "School info for Fremd HS". www.ihsa.org. Retrieved 16 June 2009.
  7. ^ "Yearbook Distribution (2018-05-10)". Archived from the original on 2007-03-01.
  8. ^ "The Conspiracy homepage". Archived from the original on 2009-09-13. Retrieved 16 June 2009.
  9. ^ "The Viking Logue homepage". Archived from the original on 2009-05-26. Retrieved 16 June 2009.
  10. ^ a b "Twp. District 211 History". Archived from the original on 12 June 2010. Retrieved 16 June 2009.
  11. ^ "Illinois Report Card". www.illinoisreportcard.com. Retrieved 2019-06-08.
  12. ^ a b "Illinois Report Card". www.illinoisreportcard.com. Retrieved 2019-06-08.
  13. ^ a b "A Current Profile" (PDF). District 211 Website. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2008-02-16. Retrieved 2008-02-02.
  14. ^ "Illinois Report Card". www.illinoisreportcard.com. Retrieved 2019-06-08.
  15. ^ "Palatine High School". US News.
  16. ^ "History of Township High School District 211". District 211 Website. Archived from the original on 2006-02-19.
  17. ^ "Fremd High School Music Addition" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2007-01-08. Retrieved 2006-12-18.
  18. ^ Smith, Mitch; Davey, Monica (2 November 2015). "Illinois District Violated Transgender Student's Rights, U.S. Says". The New York Times.
  19. ^ "Students Perfect on ACT". Township High School District 211. April 2021. Retrieved 2023-12-29.
  20. ^ Cates, Daniel. E (12 March 2020). "RE: RECOGNITION — HIGHEST POSSIBLE COMPOSITE SAT SCORE" (PDF). District 211. Retrieved 13 June 2020.
  21. ^ "Newsweek's Top 1,000 High Schools".[dead link]
  22. ^ "Search for Public Schools - School Detail for Wm Fremd High School". nces.ed.gov. Retrieved 2024-06-20.
  23. ^ "Athletic teams at Fremd HS". Archived from the original on 2009-08-13. Retrieved 16 June 2009.
  24. ^ "Records & History". www.ihsa.org. Retrieved 2019-06-08.
  25. ^ "State Series Information & Results". www.ihsa.org. Retrieved 2019-06-08.
  26. ^ "Records & History". www.ihsa.org. Retrieved 2019-06-08.
  27. ^ "Records & History". www.ihsa.org. Retrieved 2019-06-08.
  28. ^ "Records & History". www.ihsa.org. Retrieved 2019-06-08.
  29. ^ "Records & History". www.ihsa.org. Retrieved 2019-06-08.
  30. ^ "Girls Gymnastics Multiple State Champions". www.ihsa.org. Archived from the original on 2010-06-26.
  31. ^ "Table of Titles for girls gymnastics". www.ihsa.org. Archived from the original on 2010-06-26.
  32. ^ "Activities Listing / Activities at FHS". adc.d211.org. Retrieved 2019-06-08.
  33. ^ "Records and History: Debate Champions". Retrieved 7 June 2019.
  34. ^ a b "Records and History: Drama and Group Interpretation Champions and Runners-Up". Retrieved 7 June 2019.
  35. ^ "Records and History: Journalism Champions and Runners-Up". Retrieved 7 June 2019.
  36. ^ "Records and History: Drama and Group Interpretation Champions and Runners-Up". Retrieved 7 June 2019.
  37. ^ "Writers Week @ William Fremd High School". Archived from the original on 2010-01-15.
  38. ^ "Born of Osiris | Biography & History | AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved 2018-06-05.
  39. ^ "Cameron Losch". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 2018-06-05.
  40. ^ "Born of Osiris". Billboard. Archived from the original on 2018-10-04. Retrieved 2018-06-05.
  41. ^ "brandUn DeShay Is Putting In His Two Weeks Notice". 28 September 2010. Archived from the original on 2013-11-03. Retrieved 2019-01-30.
  42. ^ "BrandUn DeShay is Putting in His Two Weeks Notice | A3C Hip Hop Festival". Archived from the original on 2010-12-04. Retrieved 2010-11-10.
  43. ^ "Curren$y And Don Cannon Present Smokee Robinson Vol.1". 8 February 2010. Archived from the original on 2013-11-04. Retrieved 2019-01-30.
  44. ^ Andrew_Martin. ""Yonkers" (Single Version) - Prefixmag.com". Archived from the original on 2012-03-19. Retrieved 2011-11-13.
  45. ^ "The Break Presents: brandUn DeShay - XXL". XXL Mag.
  46. ^ a b c d e f Meyer-Abbott, Ben (27 October 2009). "Fremd". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on 29 October 2009. Retrieved 30 October 2009.
  47. ^ Kuc, Chris. "Ryan Hartman living a dream with Blackhawks, if only for a while". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved 2018-06-05.
  48. ^ "Todd Hundley Baseball Statistics [1987-2003]". www.thebaseballcube.com.
  49. ^ "Elinor Levin". Ballotpedia. Retrieved June 10, 2024.
  50. ^ Daday, Wileen O (1 March 2005). "Rolling Meadows native scores at Oscars Fremd grad assistant director on 'Million Dollar Baby'". Daily Herald. Retrieved 16 June 2009.
  51. ^ Yumpu.com. "2008 Distinguished Graduates Senior Pictures Welcome to the ..." yumpu.com. Retrieved 2021-06-28.
  52. ^ "Home". Storyboard.
  53. ^ Bonaguro, Alison (15 June 2009). "Kenny Chesney scores on talent at Soldier Field". Chicago Tribune.
  54. ^ "Jim Schwantz stats and bio". databasefootball.com. Archived from the original on 5 February 2010. Retrieved 16 June 2009.
  55. ^ Jekielek, Mary (27 May 2009). "Ex-Chicago Bear, now mayor, Jim Schwantz looks to call the right plays for Palatine". ChicagoTribune.com. Retrieved 16 June 2009.
  56. ^ "Ex-Fremd star Tolzien a proven winner at Wisconsin". Daily Herald. 2010-11-25. Retrieved 2022-04-19.
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