Larson discusses Glenbard District 87’s core identity

As the summer comes to a close, we are excited to welcome back our high school students in Glenbard District 87. A new academic year brings a sense of renewal. We continuously strive to provide the best educational experience for our students. Our core identity plays a large part in the pursuit of that goal.

Culture of Esteem and Belonging
Glenbard is committed to cultivating a culture of esteem and belonging for all. Each student and family have a unique life story, and the district aims to foster an environment geared around respect, encouragement and support.

The diversity in our communities is a strength. Glenbard is the fourth-largest high school district in Illinois, with more than 7,700 students attending our four comprehensive high schools. District 87 encompasses 45 square miles within DuPage County, serving all or parts of nine towns. Seventy-seven languages are spoken by our families. When we embrace diversity and make everyone feel valued, we all benefit in our ability to learn and teach at a high level.

Extracurriculars provide an important space where our students find belonging. We support 235 clubs/activities and 116 varsity sport teams. During the 2023-24 school year, 73 percent of our students were involved in athletics or activities. These extracurriculars help increase a sense of shared identity; improve academic achievement; and build life skills (both physical and social-emotional). Whether it be a theater production or a Friday night sports contest, our schools can serve as a bonding place for the community.

Several times a year, our schools host culminating events that showcase the diversity and talent within our district. Events like Multicultural Night and GBX Music Fest are unifying performances that involve students from all four high schools collaborating with one another.

Glenbard Profile of a Graduate
We emphasize our Profile of a Graduate in all our work on behalf of students. The Profile of a Graduate is our vision for the knowledge, skills and experiences our graduates will need to be successful in learning, work and life. Our graduates will: create, think critically, collaborate, communicate, embrace diversity and be self-empowered. The Profile of a Graduate competencies are embedded in our annual goals, as well as in unit design work, professional development and more.

Similarly, we have a Profile of an Educator that mirrors many of our Profile of a Graduate characteristics. Glenbard educators advocate, empathize, adapt and learn, embrace diversity, innovate and collaborate. These attributes allow faculty and staff to equip students for success in whatever future they choose to pursue. It’s about more than just grades; it’s about helping students develop as a well-rounded person.

Preparation and continuing education are key to our educational goals. We intentionally focus on professional development for our educators throughout the year. We host frequent workshops and seminars that share tools and strategies to help educators grow and thrive in their profession.

Points of Pride
Ultimately, all our work comes down to one main question: does it make a difference for students? Some of our 2023-24 academic year highlights include:

• The average SAT score at Glenbard is 53 points above the state average.
• A record 62 percent of Glenbard students are earning college credit before they graduate high school.
• 42 percent of Glenbard students graduate with Advanced Placement (AP) exam credit (score of 3 or higher). That far exceeds the state of Illinois percentage (27.5) and is nearly double the national average (21.7).
• Glenbard students outperform the state average in literacy, math, and science.
• Glenbard students who enroll in a four-year college have a 91 percent graduation rate, compared to 63 percent nationally.

Another important statistic is the 98 percent of Glenbard seniors who graduate with a postsecondary plan. Our school counselors work diligently with our students throughout their high school careers to plan for their futures. Whether students are heading to college or starting their work careers, these postsecondary plans give our graduates a framework to confidently navigate the next steps in their lives.

Our work is made possible thanks to the strong connection to our communities. Thank you for your support of our students, faculty and staff. We’re excited to see what this new school year has in store.