Emil G. Hirsch Metropolitan High School is a public four-year high school located in the Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois, United States. Opened in 1926, Hirsch is operated by the Chicago Public Schools district. Hirsch is named for Reform Movement Rabbi Emil Gustav Hirsch.
Serving 173 students in grades 9-12, Hirsch Metropolitan High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Illinois for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is ≤10% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is ≤10% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student:teacher ratio of 9:1 is lower than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 173 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 9:1
- Graduation Rate: 40-49% (Btm 50% in IL)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: ≤10% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: ≤10% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 11-19% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Hirsch Metropolitan High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Community Size
Student Attention
School Overview
Hirsch Metropolitan High School's student population of 173 students has grown by 76% over five school years.
The teacher population of 19 teachers has grown by 90% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
173 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
19 teachers
Year Founded
1926
Colors
White, Maroon
School Calendar
School Motto
Change the Narrative to Shift the Culture
School Rankings
Hirsch Metropolitan High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 3,542 schools in Illinois (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Hirsch Metropolitan High School is 0.12, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2966 out of 3542 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤10%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤10%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
11-19%
50%
Student : Teacher Ratio
9:1
13:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
n/a
6%
Hispanic
4%
28%
Black
94%
16%
White
n/a
45%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
40-49%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
82%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (11-12)
45%
27%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hirsch Metropolitan High School's ranking?
Hirsch Metropolitan High School is ranked #2966 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Illinois.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≤10% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while ≤10% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
What is the graduation rate of Hirsch Metropolitan High School?
The graduation rate of Hirsch Metropolitan High School is 40-49%, which is lower than the Illinois state average of 87%.
How many students attend Hirsch Metropolitan High School?
173 students attend Hirsch Metropolitan High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
94% of Hirsch Metropolitan High School students are Black, 4% of students are Hispanic, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Hirsch Metropolitan High School?
Hirsch Metropolitan High School has a student ration of 9:1, which is lower than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Hirsch Metropolitan High School offer ?
Hirsch Metropolitan High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Hirsch Metropolitan High School part of?
Hirsch Metropolitan High School is part of Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 School District.
In what neighborhood is Hirsch Metropolitan High School located?
Hirsch Metropolitan High School is located in the Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood of Chicago, IL. There are 10 other public schools located in Greater Grand Crossing.
School Reviews
Review Hirsch Metropolitan High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles

Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children鈥檚 wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.

Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.

What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we鈥檒l take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.