<p>All I was pointing out was that many of those kids who tested into APP or other programs such as Spectrum are the ones going to the top colleges. It is primarily because those kids attend, and have an active and vocal parent group that AP courses are offered. The high school a little south, without this APP group, has far fewer AP courses. While some parents chose other programs and schools for their kids, the APP program at least provides some hope of an accelerated curriculum. It is not, however, the quality of Chicago's regional gifted center programs, nor is Garfield the quality of Chicago's new public college preparatory academies. </p>
<p>My S, who attended this HS found the counseling and administration to be of little help, and on many occasions needing reminding to do the simple things, such as send in recommendation letters and mid year reports. Getting good follow-up on issues requiring some organizational work was nearly impossible, even with multiple parental meetings. The teachers were a hit and miss affair as in most schools. Some very good, others under-skilled and unable to teach to the level of the more advanced students.</p>
<p>What the school does have, as well as its primary feeder middle school, is a fantastic music program. But even this program is made up of predominately APP & Spectrum kids whose parents could afford private lessons early on. </p>
<p>At least the school provides a community of similar kids sharing similar aspirations and a core of advanced courses for them to take. This helps keep the kids focused and makes being academically successful something not to be shy about. But, move this kids as a group to any high school anywhere, provide them with the same number of AP courses, but taught by different AP teachers, put any principal in charge, and hire all new counselors, and I contend the college placement result will be the same, maybe even better.</p>