Hillcrest High School’s Academic Success in 2026-27

Hillcrest High School in Country Club Hills is experiencing academic progress as students embark on the 2026-27 school year. For the 2025-26 year, District 228 reported 99% OnTrack rates for freshmen and 99% course pass rates both semesters. Graduation rates climbed to 91%.

Over the last five years, school officials intensified efforts to boost student success by forming grade-level teams and fostering student-staff relationships. Initially focused on freshmen, the support now extends across all grades. Colin Milton, associate principal for student success, noted, “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.’”

Learning centers have been established for students in all grades. Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, seniors, and those needing extra credits have dedicated centers. Milton mentioned each center is managed by a coordinator, part-time tutors, and full-time professionals.

Ronald Towner, assistant superintendent for personnel in High School District 228

Power School, a cloud software program for K-12, provides grade data to staff in learning centers to optimize student support, shared Ronald Towner.

A team of 80 staff members collaborates to aid students, with monthly school improvement days to discuss students who may be struggling. Associate Principal Jim Curtin explained that the student success team evaluates data from Power School before weekly meetings, aiming to identify and support students who might otherwise be overlooked.

Hillcrest has reduced major disciplinary incidents by 77%, defined by Curtin as violations like drug use and fights. Understanding students’ home circumstances and setting high expectations have been instrumental. “As we raise the expectations for kids, they just keep on meeting those expectations or surpassing them,” Curtin said.

Milton highlighted that this comprehensive approach has boosted attendance by 26% over five years. The school officials recognize the interconnectedness of academics, attendance, and behavior in driving student success.

Principal Eric Washington

Principal Eric Washington 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,” Washington said.