Oregon School District #220

Oregon Community School District 220 is located in Ogle County with schools in the towns of Oregon and Mt. Morris in Northern Illinois. It’s a place where families feel safe and know their children are being educated in a nurturing learning environment. Their mission statement is simple but profound: “Educate students to be lifelong learners who are productive responsible citizens.” The district offers a comprehensive educational program to about 1,600 students in Pre-K through 12thgrade. There are three schools in the district: Oregon Elementary School (Jefferson Elementary wing -Pre-K thru 2nd grade and Etnyre Middle School wing – 3rd thru 6th Grade), DLR Jr. High School (7th & 8th Grade) located in Mt. Morris, and Oregon High School (9th thru 12th Grade).

In Oregon School District 220, instruction in the “basics” – reading and language arts, mathematics, science and social studies – is supplemented by visual arts, music, health and physical education. The district is proud of their teacher’s dedication to education. More then 70% of the teachers in the district have a master’s degree or above and as a collective average, they have 18.7 years of experience in teaching. District 220 believes high expectations for everyone creates a quality school district.

The below achievements and recognitions demonstrate OCUSD’s attempt to truly “live the mission”.

OCUSD 220 is one of the highest performing districts for academics in Illinois. Not only do our test scores exceed the state average, our graduation rate is 98% compared to the state’s 82%.
OCUSD 220 has vigorous music, arts and theater program. Last year, 14 of our choir students advanced to the district festival and one student was named to the All-State choir. In our band program, five students made it to district festival and one student named to All-Stand band. Our art program includes courses in digital media, painting and drawing. For the second year in a row, our Advanced Placement Art History students will be travelling to Europe to observe works that they will be writing about when they take the Advanced Placement Art History exam in May. Each year, OHS puts on a spring musical for those who have an interest in theatre. Last year, close to 70 students were involved in the production.
Oregon student-athletes benefit from outstanding facilities that enhance their chances for self-improvement and athletic achievement. Our new outdoor track facility is one of the finest in the state, and our four multipurpose indoor courts at our Blackhawk Center give our student-athletes the resources they need during the winter months. It all adds up to an environment that encourages success both on the athletic field and in the classroom.
The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) selected Pam Steele, a 5th grade teacher at Oregon Elementary School, as a Finalist for the Illinois Teacher of the Year award. Spanish teacher Kim Radostits was also a finalist.
Our High School offers dual credit courses that can be taken for both high school and college credit on campus. OHS also partners with Kishwaukee Community College for the Engineering-Math-Science Academy, which provides our students a unique opportunity to begin their college math and science course sequences while still in high school.
Currently enrolled Oregon students completed over 18,000 of service to their community. We also encourage every high school student to participate in at least ten hours of community service in order to understand the importance of community service. OCUSD 220 takes the lessons of community service to our grade school students as well. The Eagle Hours program helps younger students to take part in community service, and those who actively participate are recognized during their promotion ceremony.
Oregon High School named one of the best schools in the nation by US News and World Reports.