Robert Lindblom Math & Science Academy facts for kids

Robert E. Lindblom Math & Science Academy
Address
6130 South. Wolcott Avenue Chicago , Illinois 60636 United States
Coordinates	41°46′56″N 87°40′20″W / 41.7821°N 87.6721°W / 41.7821; -87.6721
Information
School type	Public Secondary Selective Enrollment Middle
Motto	Our History Guides our Future.
Established	1917
School district	Chicago Public Schools
CEEB code	141122
Principal	Everett L. Edwards II
Grades	7–12
Gender	Coed
Enrollment	1,382 (2022–2023)
Campus type	Urban
Color(s)	Maroon      Gold
Athletics conference	Chicago Public High School League
Team name	Eagles
Accreditation	North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Newspaper	The Talon
Yearbook	The Eagle

Robert E. Lindblom Math & Science Academy High School, also known as LMSA, is a public middle and high school in Chicago, Illinois. It is a selective enrollment school, which means students must meet certain requirements to be accepted. The school is located in the West Englewood neighborhood on Chicago's south side.

The school is named after Robert E. Lindblom, who was a trader in Chicago in the 1800s. When it first opened, it focused on teaching skills for industrial jobs. After World War II, it changed to prepare students for college.

In 2005, the school reopened with a new focus on math and science. It serves students from 7th to 12th grade. The beautiful school building is so important to the city's history that it was named a Chicago landmark in 2010.

History of the School

The school building, which was finished in 1919, was designed by architect Arthur Hussander. It was built in a fancy style called Beaux-Arts, with a grand entrance that features large Roman-style columns.

Inside, the building has a huge 2,000-seat auditorium, two gyms, a swimming pool, and even a greenhouse. On the third floor, there is a large study hall that can also be used as a ballroom. It has a high, curved ceiling and big skylights.

Changes Over the Years

An architect's drawing of Lindblom from around 1919.

When Lindblom first opened, it helped many students from European immigrant families get a good education. As the world changed and factory jobs became less common, the school started to focus more on getting students ready for college. In 1999, its name was changed to Lindblom College Prep High School.

In 2003, the school closed for a huge two-year renovation that cost $42 million. The goal was to update the building and turn it into a modern school for math and science. New computer and science labs were installed, and the building's systems were modernized.

The school reopened in the fall of 2005 as the Lindblom Math & Science Academy. It welcomed a new freshman class, while the last class from the old Lindblom College Prep graduated the next spring.

Becoming a Landmark

Because of its beautiful and historic design, the school was officially named a Chicago Landmark in 2010. The city council said it was a "distinctive and exceptional example" of its architectural style. This special status helps protect the building for the future.

What It's Like to Be a Student

School Schedule

Lindblom uses a block schedule. This means students have four classes each day. Three of these classes are 100 minutes long, and one is 50 minutes long. This lets students dive deeper into each subject.

The school also offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses. These are college-level classes that can earn students college credit if they pass an exam at the end of the year.

Academics and Programs

Lindblom is one of Chicago's ten selective enrollment high schools, so its classes are challenging. All courses are taught at an Honors or Advanced Placement level.

The school also has an Academic Center for 7th and 8th graders. Students in this program are sometimes called "Ackies." This allows younger students to get used to the high school environment early.

In 2008, Lindblom partnered with a company called Baxter International. Baxter helps support the school's science programs, especially in biotechnology. They also helped create a center where teachers from other Chicago schools can learn how to teach biotechnology.

Activities and Sports

Lindblom students can join many different sports teams and clubs. The school's teams, known as the Eagles, compete in the Chicago Public League (CPL).

Sports offered include football, basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, water polo, wrestling, volleyball, track and field, swimming, golf, tennis, and bowling.

Lindblom also has a successful debate team that competes in the Chicago Debates league. The school was one of the first in Chicago to have a debate program like this.

Notable Alumni

Many famous and successful people have graduated from Lindblom. Here are a few of them: