The History of Chicago Cooley High School
Chicago (population: 2.8 million) is located along the shores of Lake Michigan in far northeastern
Illinois. From its early days as a Potawatomie settlement, then as the site of Fort Dearborn in 1803, which led up to the
formation of the city and its incorporation in 1833 and 1837, respectively, the "City of Big Shoulders" became a major location
in the US for various reasons. Railroads and water transportation were two reasons why Chicago was one of the fastest growing
cities in the country during the 19th Century.
The web site located at http://www.rapdict.org/Cabrini-Green gives a nice history of the Cabrini-Green housing project. The area is located on Chicago's near
north side bordered by the streets of Evergreen Avenue, Sedgwick Street, Chicago Avenue, and Larrabee Street. The official
address was 1225 N. Sedgwick Street. The Cabrini-Green housing area was built in the late 1950s through the early 1960s. The
area is one of the more famous small neighborhoods in Chicago. It was given national attention in 1982 when
then Chicago Mayor Jane Byrne lived in one of the apartments there to "prove" it was safe to do so.
In the beginning, Cabrini-Green's population reached about 15,000 residents. In order to provide educational
opportunities for the students there Cooley High School was developed. We believe that Cooley High School was started
in the early 1960s. Several difficulties in the area led to Cooley High being shut down. The school was replaced
by Near North High School in the late 1970s, possibly occurring in 1979.
Cooley High School was the subject of a popular film from 1975 appropriately titled "Cooley High".
We are searching for any further information, and a more accurate history, regarding Cooley High School. A photo
of the high school building is also welcome.
Chicago Cooley High School Quick Facts
Year opened:
early 1960s?
Year closed:
late 1970s (1979?)
Consolidated to:
Chicago Near North High School
Cooley HS team nickname: the "Comets"
Cooley HS uniform colors: Orange & Black
School Fight Song:
unavailable
