About Lincoln School

The History of Lincoln School

     In 1886, at a cost of $2,450, the first school located at the intersection of Lincoln and Glencoe Avenues was built.  This two-room school was used until 1909 and was called “The Little Red School,” though the official name given was Fairview School. 

     In the first years, Fairview School had one teacher, Mr. William C. McKenzie. After a few years, colleagues Mrs. Abbie B. Bastin and Mrs. Lulu Gaggin joined Mr. McKenzie as the staff at Fairview.  

     Fairview School served students until February 12, 1909.  It was on this date that a new school was dedicated.  The new school, Lincoln, was dedicated and opened on the 100th birthday of President Abraham Lincoln.  It is in his honor that the school is named.  The new eight room, two-story school faced west, overlooking Greenbay Avenue.  Mr. McKenzie, Mrs. Bastin, Mrs. Magaret L. Freeman and Mrs. Lulu Gaggin were the original staff members at Lincoln. 

     Lincoln School stood unchanged until 1924.  It was in this year that the Board of Education, then called District #108, approved the addition of an Auditorium.  The auditorium was followed by additions in 1928 (southeast corner), 1938 (first floor classrooms), 1956 (more classrooms), 1959 (complete renovation), and in 1999 (cafeteria and southeast classrooms).

     One of the most unique architectural elements at Lincoln was added in 1929.  Architect John Van Bergen designed “The Flight of Time.”  The clock was originally dedicated to Mrs. Nell Martin Seyfarth, a member of the District 108 Board of Education. 

     In July 1993, District 108 and neighboring Districts 111 and 107 consolidated.  Since July 1993, the official name of the district has been North Shore School District 112.  District 112 services students from Highland Park, Highwood and Fort Sheridan.

     Currently, 277 students in kindergarten through fifth grade attend Lincoln School.  The original staff of four has grown.  Lincoln School now has 14 classroom teachers and 26 additional staff members.

     Lincoln School has a long tradition of academic excellence.  In 1988, Lincoln received the Blue Ribbon Award as an exemplary school from the United States Department of Education.  Recently, Lincoln has been recognized with certificates of Academic Excellence from the Illinois State Board of Education.  This recognition is given to schools demonstrating continued success on the ISAT (Illinois Standards Achievement Test).    To qualify, elementary schools must maintain 90% or better of students’ meeting/exceeding state standards as assessed on the ISAT.  Lincoln has earned this recognition twice, most recently in July 2006. 

     Special programs at Lincoln include music, art, physical education, technology, library, Spanish, band, and orchestra.  Today Lincoln provides social work, speech/language, special education resource, gifted and Reading RecoveryÒ services for students, too. 

     The Lincoln School community is dedicated to student growth.  Staff members at Lincoln are constantly seeking professional growth opportunities.  Many are involved in graduate level course work and four have received National Board Certification as Master teachers.  This commitment to professional growth has helped to ensure continued success for our students.

     Lincoln is especially fortunate to have an active and supportive parent community.  The most active parent organization is the Lincoln PTA.  The PTA annually holds community gatherings like the Pancake Breakfast, Fall Family Frolic, and Spring Fling.  Additionally, the PTA is involved in fundraising activities.  Funds raised help to support community activities, as well as, Jr. Great Books, LEAP (after school activities), Memory Book, Artist-in-Residence, Lincoln Lookout (school newspaper), Spanish Club, Diversity Awareness and much more. 

     Each year the PTA enrichment committee, which includes parents and staff, work together to approve grants for Lincoln.  In recent years, PTA enrichment money has helped renovate the library, bring in authors for student presentations, support staff development, bring drumming to the music program, purchase books for the library, and allow teachers to implement innovative programming at all levels. 

     The combination of a long tradition of excellence, a supportive parent community, dedicated professionals and wonderful children makes Lincoln School an excellent place to learn and grow.