To download the JHS Facts at a Glance as a PDF, please click here. 

Mission Statement

Jacobs High School is directly aligned to District 300’s central mission: to provide engaging and inclusive educational experiences that empower and equip all students to discover, innovate, and succeed now and in the future.

The School and the Community

Jacobs High School is located in Algonquin, Illinois, a northwest Chicago suburb in southern McHenry County. Our school is approximately 7 miles north of the Interstate 90 and Randall Road interchange. Algonquin has a population of 30,947, according to the United States Census.

Jacobs serves 2,079 students from the communities of Algonquin, Carpentersville, Lake in the Hills, and West Dundee. Our primary feeder pattern schools include Westfield Community School in Algonquin and Dundee Middle School in West Dundee. We celebrate our diverse student population: 

Total Enrollment: 2,079

• Caucasian: 56.04%
• African American: 4.14%
• Hispanic: 29.98%
• Asian: 7.98%
• American Indian: 0.29%
• Pacific Islander: 0.19%
• 2+ Races: 4.38%
• Low Income: 38.82%
• Disabilities: 12.46%
• English Learners: 11.11%
• Homeless: 1.30%

Jacobs is part of District 300, the 6th largest school district in Illinois based on student enrollment. District 300 serves over 23,000 students and covers 118 square miles in northern Illinois. The district includes 17 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, 3 high schools, 1 kindergarten through 8th grade school, 1 early childhood center, and 1 alternative school.

School Administration

Dr. Chris Testone, Principal

Deborah Stout, Associate Principal

Matthew Bennett, Associate Principal

Fast facts

• 1,428 students earned early college credit*
• 509 graduates*
• 97% graduation rate
• $8.1 million scholarship money earned*

*Class of 2024

Post-Secondary Education

76% of Jacobs graduates were enrolled in post-secondary education within 16 months of graduation.

Graduation Requirements

District 300 requires 26 credits for graduation.

• English: Eight Semesters (4.0 credits)
• Social Science: Six Semesters (3.0 credits)
• Math: Six Semesters (3.0 credits)
• Science: Four Semesters (2.0 credits)
• Health: One Semester (0.5 credits)
• Physical Education: Seven Semesters (3.5 credits)
• Drivers Ed-Classroom: One Semester (0.5 credits)
• Elective Classes: (9.5 credits)

Strand 1 - Art, Foreign Language, Music (1.0 credit)

Strand 2 - English, Math, Science, Social Science (1.0 credit)

Strand 3 - Business, Family and Consumer Science, Industrial Technology (1.0 credit)

Grading System

A student’s grade point average (GPA) is reported in two different ways on his/her transcript: weighted and non-weighted. The weighted GPA is calculated on a 6.5-point scale that is based on the level of each course. The non-weighted GPA is calculated on a 4-point scale and gives equal grade points to every course regardless of level.

All classes taken for a grade will count toward a student’s GPA. In a Pass/Fail course, a passing grade does not affect a student’s GPA; however, a failing grade will be figured into the student’s total GPA with a weight of zero.

Innovative Programs

Advanced Placement (AP):

Jacobs High School offers Advanced Placement courses in American Government, Biology, Calculus AB and BC, AP Capstone Research and Seminar, Chemistry, Computer Science A, Computer Science Principles, English Language and Literature, Environmental Science, Human Geography, Macroeconomics, Music Theory, Physics, Psychology 1 and C, Spanish Language, Statistics, Studio Art, U.S. Government and History, and World History.

Business Education, FCS, and Technology:

Jacobs High School Offers four-year programs in the areas of Technology, Business, and Family Consumer Science that includes introductory and advanced courses taught in the district’s high schools and  additional advanced courses taught at Elgin Community College. The programs enable students to meet both District 300 graduation requirements and the Illiniois Board of Higher Education entrance requirements, gain entry-level employment skills, and earn Elgin Community College credit.

District 300 Internship Program:

This program maintains partnerships with industrial, business, professional, and/or service occupations of the Fox Valley area. The purpose is to make connections between school and work and to develop solid foundations in a trade or identified occupation. The program allows students hands-on career exploration and the opportunity to gain employment skills.

Dual Credit Opportunities

Dual Credit classes provide students with the opportunity to simultaneously earn high school and tuition-free college credits. Dual Credit opportunities at Jacobs High School include:

Accelerate College/Full-Time Dual Credit:

Dual Credit Accelerated College Program provides qualified students the opportunity to attend Elgin Community College full-time during junior and senior year. To participate in this program, students must pass college placement tests and demonstrate a history of academic success. Students complete courses totaling 12-16 credit hours each semester that contribute to a Science, Applied Science in BNA Nursing, or Art Associates Degree.

Part-Time General Education Dual Credit:

Qualified juniors and seniors can enroll at ECC part-time to complete one to two college courses each semester, with classes meeting on different days and times of the week. Courses are selected from various academic subject areas (i.e., English, math, history, science, etc.). Students are encouraged to take 7 or less credit hours in addition to their high school courses. 

Part-Time Career & Technical Education (CTE):

Part-Time Career & Technical Education Dual Credit has a focus on career and technical programs that typically lead to professional certifications or certificates. Students are encouraged to take 7 or less credit hours in addition to their high school courses. 

Pathways to College and Career

The District 300 Pathways Program offers students unique pathways to college and career success. Completion of a pathway way will provide student with real world experience to thrive in college classrooms and compete for 21st century careers.

Jacobs High School offers the following pathways:

Computer Programming: 

Learn the fundamentals of Computer Programming and Design, be prepared to take the AP Computer Science exam as well as Linux Certification exam.  Prepare for a career as a Computer Science Specialist, Information Technology Specialist or Computer Operator and Programmer.

Early Childhood Education and Development:

Students learn techniques for working with newborn to nine-year old children as they prepare for a career as an early childhood teacher or daycare provider.

Electrical Technology:

Students prepare for a career field that includes electricians, electrical engineers, and field service technicians while learning the fundamentals of electricity. 

Elementary and Secondary Education:

Students develop teaching objectives, design lesson plans, and experience teaching in a controlled environment as they prepare for a career field that includes elementary, middle, and high school teachers, counselors, and administrators.

Entrepreneurship:

Students become acquainted with forms of business organization, small business ownership, human resources, marketing, and management while preparing for a career field that includes account executives, entrepreneurs, and small business owners.

Graphic Design:

Students create a body of work to present in a portfolio format while preparing for a career field that includes animators, graphic designers, and illustrators.

STEM and Engineering:

Students develop essential drafting techniques with computer-aided drafting (CAD) and image duplication while preparing for a career field that includes aerospace engineers, civil engineers, mechanical engineers, and robotics engineers.

Click here to learn more about District 300’s Pathway Programs.