A History of Higher Education in Barrington, Illinois
Barrington, Illinois, a suburb northwest of Chicago, has a rich and evolving history of educational institutions. From its early beginnings in one-room schoolhouses to its current status as a nationally recognized school district, Barrington has consistently demonstrated a commitment to providing quality education to its residents. This article explores the history of education in Barrington, with a focus on higher education opportunities and the development of its school system.
Early Education in Barrington
The roots of education in Barrington can be traced back to the early 19th century. In 1840, just six years after the arrival of the first white settlers, there was a growing need for organized schooling. On November 23, 1840, a notice was posted by four settlers announcing an election to incorporate the township for school purposes, divide it into districts, and elect school trustees. The election took place on December 14, 1840, at the house of William Otis.
At a meeting on January 9th in the Miller Grove school house, the township was divided into five districts. District No. 1 encompassed the east half of the township, where the village is now located. The other districts were situated in the northwest, west-central, and southwest corners of the township. District No. 5 was formed later, and Part District No. 1 was established in 1845, eventually becoming Union District No. in 1868.
Before the village of Barrington was established, a log schoolhouse was built in 1846 or 1847 on West County Line Road (now West Main Street). The village was laid out in 1854, and the railroad arrived that same year, leading to the construction of a two-story frame schoolhouse on South Hough Street in 1855. For a time, the community had two schools: No. 9 on the Cuba side and "Part District No. 1" on the Barrington side.
The Evolution of Barrington Schools
In 1866, land was purchased on East Washington Street, and a new frame schoolhouse was built. After the consolidation of the two districts as Union District No. 10 in October, this new schoolhouse was occupied. As the village grew, the two-room schoolhouse on Hough Street became insufficient, and classes were held in the St. Paul's School (Lutheran) on East Main Street.
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In 1883, a contract was signed for the construction of an enlarged school building. When the three-wing schoolhouse on South Hough Street was completed, it accommodated the pupils from the Washington Street School and the overflow from the churches. The Washington Street building was then sold.
Again the school was overcrowded and classes were meeting across the street in the Zion Church building. Therefore, the frame school house was cut into four pieces, sold as residences which are still in use. A new brick building 120 feet by 65 feet was erected in 1905 on the same spot for $35,000.00. The third overflow went to the Salem Church basement, and caused the addition of the north wing and the gymnasium. It was built by an out of town contractor in 1924. That section was completed and occupied in September of 1925. Some years afterward a stream of water was discovered running from under the gym steps out across the sidewalk. In 1936 another crowded condition threatened to put classes in the attic, making it really a three story building, which was deemed by the Board of Education to be unwise. It was during the big depression and WPA labor was available. Negotiations were had with the government for labor and some material. In 1937 the three story fireproof south wing was finished. Percy R. Drover was on the Board at that time, as also was the late Carl Billings.
The Formation of Barrington 220 School District
The Barrington 220 School District is a nationally recognized preK-12 school district located in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. The school district is geographically located in four counties: Cook, Kane, Lake and McHenry. Barrington 220 has one high school, two middle school campuses for grades 6-8, eight elementary schools, one early childhood center, and a transition center for special education students who are 18-22 years old. The first Barrington school was a one-room schoolhouse, which opened in 1835. However, it wasn’t until 1973 that the Barrington 220 School District officially formed. During the 2023-24 school year, the district celebrated its 50th anniversary. All Barrington 220 elementary schools have received the Let's Move! We educate approximately 8,000 students in pre-kindergarten through age 22. Nearly 90% of our educators have a master's degree or higher. Forty educators have earned National Board Certification. This credential is considered to be one of the most respected nationwide among educators. We are a nationally recognized school district that is known for its rich history, sense of community and innovative curriculum.
Barrington High School
Barrington High School is a public four-year high school located in Barrington, Illinois, a northwest suburb of Chicago, Illinois, in the United States. Although the village of Barrington incorporated in 1865, the area did not have a dedicated permanent high school until 1949. Before that, Barrington had a K-12 school on Hough Street.
On February 8, 1947, the village held an election to choose a site for a new high school. Of approximately 1,414 ballots cast, 1,013 were cast in favor of selecting the current location on West Main Street. Voters also granted the village authority to purchase the 70-acre site, issue bonds for the high school's construction, and build the high school. The original purchase price for the site was $37,000.00. At the time, some residents complained that the tract bought had been too large; the opposition countered that unless the tract stretched far to the north, other residents and/or businesses might purchase that land, and the board would not be able to buy the land as cheaply later.
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The Consolidated High School Board of Education, now Community Unit School District 220, consulted authorities on location, educational needs and the most fitting type of building allowing for future planning. The board engaged the architectural firm of Perkins and Will to design the original structure.
The village issued $940,000.00 in bonds for the site and building; however, due to rising construction prices at the time, the high school as planned could not be completed for that amount. On June 12, 1948, an election increased the authorization for such bonds by an additional $328,000.00 by a decision of 388 to 71. Groundbreaking on the high school took place on July 10, 1948, and engineer George Gilfeather supervised the ensuing construction almost daily. Classes began in the new building on September 12, 1949 under Superintendent F.C.
In 2013, Barrington High School's Chamber Choir, formerly under the direction of Nancie Kozel-Tobison, was among 5 high school choral programs in the United States to perform in a choir festival in Carnegie Hall run by Choirs of America. BHS also is home to a bi-weekly school video production called BHS-TV, which has worked directly with CBS, WGN, FOX, Hollywood Chicago, Chicago Bears, Blackhawks, NFL Films, Gatorade, Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Bandits, Windy City Bulls, 365 Barrington and Quintessential Barrington. Students enrolled in BHS-TV have raised more than eight million dollars for charities and have earned more than 70 Student Excellence Awards from the National Television Academy. BHS-TV has also earned the award for Best News Program in the Midwest multiple times.
The school sponsors interscholastic athletic teams for young men and women in basketball, cross-country, cheerleading, golf, gymnastics, lacrosse, soccer, swimming, diving, tennis, track & field, volleyball, and water polo. Men may also compete in baseball, football, and wrestling.
Higher Education Options Near Barrington
While Barrington itself does not have a traditional four-year college or university within its immediate boundaries, the surrounding area offers a diverse range of higher education institutions. These institutions provide various degree programs and learning environments to cater to different academic and professional goals.
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Here's an overview of some of the colleges and universities near Barrington, Illinois:
Franklin University: Franklin University is a top choice for transfer students, online learners and adults who need to balance school with busy lives. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular. In 2023, 1,429 bachelor's degrees were completed. 88 associate degrees, 616 master's degrees, and 38 doctoral degrees were earned.
Wheaton College: Wheaton College is a four-year private college. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular. In 2023, 647 bachelor's degrees were completed. 0 associate degrees, 147 master's degrees, and 9 doctoral degrees were earned.
University of Saint Mary of the Lake: Master's degrees are the most popular. In 2023, 40 master's degrees were completed. 0 associate degrees, 0 bachelor's degrees, and 4 doctoral degrees were earned.
Elmhurst University: Bachelor's degrees are the most popular. In 2023, 884 bachelor's degrees were completed. 0 associate degrees, 272 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were earned.
Trinity International University-Illinois: Master's degrees are the most popular. In 2023, 160 master's degrees were completed. 0 associate degrees, 104 bachelor's degrees, and 31 doctoral degrees were earned.
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science: Doctoral degrees are the most popular. In 2023, 413 doctoral degrees were completed. 0 associate degrees, 0 bachelor's degrees, 165 master's degrees, were earned.
Argosy University-Schaumburg: Doctoral degrees are the most popular. In 2023, 27 doctoral degrees were completed. 0 associate degrees, 7 bachelor's degrees, 18 master's degrees, were earned.
Judson University: Bachelor's degrees are the most popular. In 2023, 178 bachelor's degrees were completed. 12 associate degrees, 82 master's degrees, and 11 doctoral degrees were earned.
Chamberlain University-Illinois: Bachelor's degrees are the most popular. In 2023, 5,665 bachelor's degrees were completed. 0 associate degrees, 3,123 master's degrees, and 482 doctoral degrees were earned.
Lake Forest College: Bachelor's degrees are the most popular. In 2023, 477 bachelor's degrees were completed. 0 associate degrees, 19 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were earned.
Lake Forest Graduate School of Management: Master's degrees are the most popular. In 2023, 88 master's degrees were completed. 0 associate degrees, 0 bachelor's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were earned.
Northwest Suburban College: Associate degrees are the most popular. In 2023, 2 associate degrees were completed. 2 bachelor's degrees, 0 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were earned.
The Illinois Institute of Art-Schaumburg: Bachelor's degrees are the most popular. In 2023, 124 bachelor's degrees were completed. 0 associate degrees, 0 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were earned.
The average cost of tuition at nonprofit schools near Barrington, Illinois, is $32,096.
Barrington College (Rhode Island)
While not located in Barrington, Illinois, it is worth mentioning Barrington College, a former four-year Christian liberal arts college located in Barrington, Rhode Island. Founded in 1900 as the Bethel Bible Training School in Spencer, Massachusetts, it underwent several relocations and name changes before finally becoming Barrington College in 1960. Although it closed in 1985, the Barrington Center for the Arts at Gordon College is named in honor of Barrington College, preserving its legacy in the field of arts education.
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