Hillcrest High School, located in Country Club Hills, is marking significant academic progress as the 2026-27 school year begins. In the previous 2025-26 academic year, District 228 noted a 99% OnTrack rate for freshmen and a 99% course pass rate for both semesters, as highlighted in a news release. The school also achieved a 91% graduation rate, improving on last year’s numbers.
Over the past five years, the school has focused on enhancing student success by organizing grade-level teams, improving staff support, and fostering stronger relationships between students and staff. Five years ago, the administration evaluated its support systems for freshmen, leading to the decision to extend this support to all grade levels. Colin Milton, the associate principal for student success, stated, “We looked at all the success we started to see at the freshman level, and we were like, ‘Why shouldn’t we do this across all grades.’”
Hillcrest now offers learning centers for all grade levels, representing their ongoing commitment to supporting students of various ages. These centers include a freshmen learning center, a sophomore learning center, an academic learning center for juniors and seniors, and a digital learning center for students needing credit recovery.
The student success team, led by coordinators and supported by part-time tutors and full-time professionals, manages these centers. The use of Power School, a K-12 cloud software program, allows staff in these centers to access grades and assist students effectively, as explained by Ronald Towner, assistant superintendent for personnel.
The school employs approximately 80 staff members dedicated to student support. Once a month, on school improvement days, the staff meets to identify students who may need extra help. Data from Power School is reviewed weekly by the student success team to monitor student progress, making it possible to address the needs of students who might otherwise be overlooked.
Hillcrest has observed a substantial reduction in major disciplinary incidents by 77%, as defined by infractions such as drug use and physical altercations. Associate Principal Jim Curtin credits improved expectations and an understanding of students’ home situations for these behavioral improvements.
This holistic support strategy has increased attendance by 26% over five years. School officials emphasize that academic performance, attendance, and behavior are interrelated factors affecting overall student success.
Eric Washington, the principal, expressed pride in the staff’s efforts. “Everyone in this building has put in a lot of hard work over the past five years to achieve the success we’ve had. However, there is more to be done. We are happy, but we are not satisfied.”