Gifford Street High School 46 S. Gifford Street Elgin,  IL   60120 Phone: 847/888-5000 ext. 5319 Fax: 847/888-5087 Website: http://schools.u-46.org/gshs

Attendance Number: 847/888-5000 ext. 5176

Principal: Morris Mallory

School Motto: Success For All Students
School Colors: Purple and Silver
Enrollment: 121
Number of Faculty: 13 More about the faculty

Mission
The mission of Gifford Street High School is to provide an education that nurtures and challenges all students to maximize their individual potential to become responsible, productive, contributing members of our school, community, and society. 

General Information
Gifford Street High School (GSHS) is a part of U-46 Alternative Programs. Principal Morris Mallory and his staff work hard to provide a supportive environment that encourages students to believe in themselves and succeed in school. The goal of the school is to give students a positive learning experience that will lead to high school graduation.

Students are referred to GSHS from the five comprehensive high schools in the district throughout the school year for a variety of social, emotional, and academic reasons that have made it difficult for them to learn in the traditional high school environment. The school follows the same Curriculum Roadmap as the rest of the district high schools, so students can return to their home schools or graduate from GSHS prepared to succeed.

GSHS provides a small school environment with smaller class sizes in a structured setting with a student-centered curriculum. Students learn in a secure environment that encourages trust and challenges them to reach their potential. Some classes are taught in a “learning center” environment allowing staff to individualize instruction to meet student needs, while other classes are taught in a traditional classroom style.  12–15 computers in each classroom along with hands-on activities provide opportunities for meaningful and challenging learning experiences.Students are recognized for their accomplishments through Honor Roll, Deans’ List and Perfect Attendance awards. Staff also nominates students for Student of the Week, recognition for being a good citizen and good person.

There are high expectations for success for all students at GSHS and a dedicated and caring staff to support them. This strong support from the staff helps students to assume the responsibility to make positive choices to improve their interpersonal skills and enhance their personal growth. The success of the high school resulted in the addition of a middle school program to the alternative program at Gifford Street High School. As Mr. Mallory tells parents, “All students can be successful and if you send your child to school every day, my teachers will do all they can to help them be successful.”

An example of this environment is found in Teena Bolton's unit on Japan. Hands-on activities, internet research, reading and writing skills come together in this unit. Click here to learn more and see students' work.

Organizations and Clubs
Student Council: Student Council is established to represent the student body and to promote activities and worthwhile school improvements for the school community. Student Government officers are elected by their peers. A story about the GSHS Student Council appeared in the Daily Herald on September 14, 2005.

Parent Council: Students help organize the quarterly Parent Council meetings, choose topics for discussion, and decide on activities or events to present. Students assist with gathering data for the quarterly newsletter.

Principal’s Student Advisory Committee: Open by invitation of the Principal. Activities include monthly meeting with the principal to discuss school issues and resolve conflicts.

Safe & Drug Free Schools: Students work towards presenting a drug-free image and help staff to provide prevention messages, activities and assemblies throughout the school year.

Evening School: A credit recovery program where students can advance in their studies or make up credits. The program is open to all high school students in the district.

Visit Our Web Site

Listing's Related Category(s):
  Programs & Services : Gifford Street High School Program