MORGAN PARK — Carolyn Epps wants Morgan Park High School to be part of the conversation when seventh- and eighth-grade students look to the future.
The principal at the neighborhood high school at 1744 W. Pryor Ave. in Morgan Park hosted a breakfast for about a dozen 19th Ward elementary school principals Tuesday morning.
The purpose was to showcase the high school that faces stiff competition for students in Beverly, Morgan Park and Mount Greenwood. Selective enrollment and magnet schools attract many incoming freshmen as do the bevy of Catholic high schools nearby.
"I would really love it if you sent all of your eighth-graders here," said Epps, who was hired in February 2013.
Epps boasted of Morgan Park High School's four-year graduation rate of 92 percent. Roughly 85 percent of the school's grads go on to college and about 10 percent of students enter the military upon graduation, Epps said.
"Our students are going to dream schools, and they are often going for free or at low cost," said Morgan Mudron, an instructor in the International Baccalaureate program.
Epps, Mudron and others showcased the "wall-to-wall" IB program that debuted last fall. The writing-intensive curriculum often serves as a better college preparatory track than what's offered at the city's selective-enrollment schools, Epps said.
"The IB program is an amazing program. I would recommend any student take advantage of it," said Qrashanay Clay, a junior at Morgan Park.
Morgan Park teachers and staff also boasted of the school's partnership with Saint Xavier University in Mount Greenwood. The program that debuted last summer allows Morgan Park students to earn college credit through "dual enrollment" at both schools.
The high school also has partnerships with Chicago State University and the City Colleges of Chicago.
Several administrators, teachers and students provided further testimony in support of the school ahead of tours that highlighted classroom activities including a technology, math, chemistry and English courses.
After the breakfast and tour, Epps said many neighborhood residents are unaware of the opportunities available at the high school. For some, their only interaction with the school is passing by the campus during the often hectic dismissal period.
She believes the best way to promote the school is through campus tours, sporting events or other first-hand experiences.
"We are just going to keep inviting people in as much as we can," Epps said.
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