Bloomington High School: 5 Essential Facts to Know
Discover everything about Bloomington High School — grades, programs, academics, enrollment, and more.
What Makes Bloomington High School Worth Knowing About
If you are searching for detailed and reliable information about Bloomington High School, you have come to exactly the right place. This school has served the Bloomington community in Illinois for generations and remains the only high school in the entire Bloomington School District 87.
Bloomington High School is a proud public institution with deep roots in its community, a rich history, and a genuine commitment to preparing every student for life after graduation. Whether you are a new family moving into the area or a long-time resident planning, knowing the full picture of this school helps you make the best decisions for your child.
In this complete guide, we cover everything you need to know about Bloomington High School — from its location, grades, and programs to academic performance, enrollment details, and the 2026–2027 school calendar. Let's get into it.
A Complete Overview of Bloomington High School
Bloomington High School is a public secondary school located at 1202 E. Locust Street, Bloomington, Illinois 61701. It is part of Bloomington School District 87 — one of the oldest school districts in the entire state of Illinois, established on February 16, 1857.
The school serves students in Grades 9 through 12 and currently enrolls 1,395 students as of the 2023–2024 school year. It is the only high school in District 87, making it the central academic hub for all high school-age students across the entire district.
Principal Timothy Moore leads the school with support from Superintendent David Mouser. The school day runs for 6.5 hours, and the campus is conveniently located near Bloomington Junior High School — the primary feeder school that sends students to Bloomington High School each year.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 1202 E. Locust Street, Bloomington, IL 61701 |
| Official Website | district87.org/o/bhs |
| Grades Served | 9–12 |
| Total Enrollment | 1,395 students (2023–2024) |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | 14:1 |
| Average Class Size | 13.5 students |
| School Day | 6.5 hours |
| Principal | Timothy Moore |
| Superintendent | David Mouser |
| District | Bloomington School District 87 |
| Mascot | Purple Raiders |
| Athletics Conference | Big Twelve Conference (IHSA) |
| School Newspaper | The Aegis |
| Notable Alumni | Clinton Davisson (Nobel Laureate) |
About Bloomington School District 87
Understanding the district behind Bloomington High School gives parents a fuller and more accurate picture of the educational ecosystem their child will be part of. District 87 is one of the most established school districts in all of Illinois, with a history dating back over 165 years.
The district serves students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 across 9 schools with a total enrollment of 4,733 students. It includes 6 elementary schools, 1 junior high school, 1 early education center, 1 vocational school, and a single high school campus.
District 87 spends $16,769 per student annually and has an annual revenue of $97,624,000. In the Spring of 2025, McLean County approved a 1% sales tax dedicated specifically to improving school facilities, hiring school resource officers, and supporting mental health professionals — a significant investment in the future of every school in the district, including Bloomington High School.
District 87 Schools Overview
| School Type | Schools Included |
|---|---|
| Early Education | Sarah E. Raymond School of Early Education |
| Elementary Schools | Bent, Irving, Oakland, Sheridan, Stevenson, Washington |
| Junior High | Bloomington Junior High School |
| High School | Bloomington High School |
| Vocational School | Bloomington Area Career Center (BACC) |
Academic Programs at Bloomington High School
Core Curriculum
Bloomington High School offers a full and rigorous standard core high school curriculum across all four grade levels. Students take courses in Math, English Language Arts, Science, Social Science, Physical Education, and World Languages — all aligned with Illinois state academic standards and graduation requirements.
The school also offers strong programs in Visual Arts, Music, Family and Consumer Science (BAT), Special Education, and Library Media — giving every student access to a well-rounded and meaningful education regardless of their individual interests or learning style.
Advanced Placement Program
One of the strongest academic offerings at this High School is its Advanced Placement (AP) program. The AP participation rate at the school stands at 23%, meaning nearly one in four students takes at least one college-level AP course during their high school career.
AP courses allow motivated students to earn real college credit while still in high school — reducing both the time and the cost of a college degree significantly. Students can access full AP information directly through the school's official website at district87.org/o/bhs/page/advanced-placement-information.
Dual Credit Program
Bloomington High School also offers Dual Credit courses through Heartland Community College (HCC), giving students another powerful pathway to earn college credit before graduation. The full list of available dual credit offerings is published in the BHS Course Guide at the school's official website and updated each school year.
Dual enrollment programs have been growing rapidly across Illinois, and this High School actively encourages eligible students to take full advantage of these opportunities. Getting ahead on college coursework while still in a supportive high school environment is one of the smartest moves any student can make.
Career and Technical Education
The Bloomington Area Career Center (BACC), located directly next to the campus, works in close partnership with Bloomington High School to provide students with real-world career and technical education. Students can explore pathways in technology, health sciences, business, and skilled trades — all fields with strong job market demand both in Illinois and nationally.
Clubs, Activities, and Student Life
Student life at Bloomington High School is rich, diverse, and genuinely engaging. The school offers a wide range of clubs and activities that allow students to explore interests, build friendships, and develop leadership skills that go well beyond the standard classroom experience.
- The Aegis, the school's official student-run newspaper, is giving students real journalism experience.
- Clubs and Activities — a full list available at district87.org/o/bhs/page/clubs-activities
- Booster Club — supporting athletics and school spirit throughout the entire school year
- Scholarships and Award Opportunities — actively promoted through the school counseling department
- Seal of Biliteracy — recognizing students who achieve proficiency in two or more languages
- Work Permits and Employment Opportunities — helping students balance school and real-world work experience
The school also runs a Shadow-A-Raider program through the BHS Shadow-A-Raider Form, allowing prospective students to visit campus and experience a typical school day before committing to enrollment.
Athletics at Bloomington High School
Bloomington High School competes under the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) in the Big Twelve Conference — one of the most competitive athletic conferences in central Illinois. Student athletes represent the school with pride as the Purple Raiders, competing across a wide range of fall, winter, and spring sports throughout the school year.
The school's Booster Club plays an active and important role in supporting athletic programs, funding equipment, and building a strong sense of school spirit across the entire campus community. Parents and alumni are encouraged to get involved through the Booster Club at district87.org/o/bhs/page/booster-club.
School apparel and gear for Purple Raiders fans is also available through the BHS Apparel Store at sideline.bsnsports.com, making it easy for families to show their school pride at every game and school event throughout the year.
Academic Performance at Bloomington High School
Presenting academic performance data honestly and in context gives parents the most useful and trustworthy picture of any school. Here is the verified performance data for Bloomington High School sourced directly from the National Center for Education Statistics and the Illinois Department of Education.
- 12% of students scored at or above proficient in math, below the Illinois state average of 27%
- 21% of students scored at or above proficient in reading, below the Illinois state average of 30%
- Ranked #233 in Illinois and #6,936 nationally out of 17,901 ranked schools by US News
- AP participation rate of 23% — showing strong college-level academic engagement
- 53% minority enrollment — majority Black students, reflecting a genuinely diverse student community
Bloomington High School vs State Averages
| Metric | Bloomington High School | Illinois State Average |
|---|---|---|
| Math Proficiency | 12% | 27% |
| Reading Proficiency | 21% | 30% |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | 14:1 | 13:1 |
| Minority Enrollment | 53% | 55% |
| AP Participation Rate | 23% | State Avg |
| Per-Student Spending | $16,769 | State Avg |
It is important to view these numbers alongside the school's growing programs, its dedicated teaching staff of 102.71 full-time equivalent teachers, and the district's recent investment in improved facilities and mental health support through the newly approved county sales tax.
Enrollment and Counseling at Bloomington High School
Enrolling at Bloomington High School is a straightforward process managed through the school's dedicated Counseling Department. New students and transfer students can find full enrollment guidance at district87.org/o/bhs/page/new-enrollment-transfer-students.
The counseling department at this High School is one of the most comprehensive in the district, offering support across academics, social-emotional wellness, college planning, and career readiness. Students and families can access a full range of counseling resources, including printable forms, scholarship listings, and social-emotional support materials directly from the school website.
Key Counseling and Enrollment Resources
- New Enrollment and Transfer Students: district87.org/o/bhs/page/new-enrollment-transfer-students
- Available Scholarships: district87.org/o/bhs/page/available-scholarships
- Social and Emotional Resources: district87.org/o/bhs/page/social-emotional-resources
- Work Permits and Employment: district87.org/o/bhs/page/work-permits-employment-opportunities
- ACT and SAT Information: district87.org/o/bhs/page/statetesting
- Walk-Through Visits: Available for prospective students — form available at the school website
Bloomington High School Academic Calendar 2026–2027
Staying organized around key school dates makes the entire school year smoother for every family. Below is the expected academic calendar for Bloomington High School and Bloomington School District 87 for the 2026–2027 school year.
All dates are based on District 87's established calendar patterns. Always verify confirmed dates at district87.org before making any travel or family plans for the year.
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| First Day of School | August 2026 |
| Labor Day Holiday | September 7, 2026 |
| Fall Break | October 2026 |
| Thanksgiving Break | November 25–27, 2026 |
| Winter Break | December 22, 2026 – January 5, 2027 |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | January 19, 2027 |
| Spring Break | March/April 2027 |
| Last Day of School | May/June 2027 |
Always download the official board-approved calendar PDF directly from district87.org for the most accurate and confirmed dates throughout the entire school year.
Is Your Child the Right Age for Bloomington High School?
Bloomington High School serves students in Grades 9 through 12, meaning most students are between 14 and 18 years old at enrollment. In Illinois, children must turn 5 years old by September 1st to enroll in Kindergarten for that school year, which sets the grade progression all the way through to high school.
Getting your child's grade level right from the very first year of school matters more than most parents realize. A miscalculation at Kindergarten entry can affect every grade that follows — all the way through to high school enrollment and graduation timelines.
The free LearnerStep School Age Calculator at learnerstep.com makes this completely effortless. Simply enter your child's date of birth, select Illinois, and get the correct grade level instantly based on the verified September 1st state cutoff date. Use it before completing any enrollment at this High School, and remove all the guesswork entirely from the process.
How to Stay Connected with Bloomington High School
Staying actively involved in your child's high school life makes a measurable difference in their overall success, happiness, and confidence throughout all four years at Bloomington High School. The school makes it easy for families to stay informed and connected at all times through multiple channels.
- Official Website: district87.org/o/bhs
- District Website: district87.org
- Faculty and Staff Directory: district87.org/o/bhs/staff
- Bell Schedule: district87.org/o/bhs/page/bell-schedule
- Breakfast and Lunch Menus: district87.nutrislice.com
- Bus Routes: district87il.sites.thrillshare.com/page/bus-routes
- Peachjar Flyers: district87.org/o/bhs/page/peachjar-flyers
- Health and Wellness Information: district87.org/page/health-requirements-forms
The school publishes a full Student Handbook — available in both English and Spanish — giving families a comprehensive reference for all school policies, expectations, and procedures throughout the year.
Conclusion
Bloomington High School is a deeply rooted, community-driven public school with a proud history stretching back over a century in Bloomington, Illinois. From its AP and dual credit programs and IHSA athletics to its comprehensive counseling department and career center partnership, this High School gives every student the tools, support, and opportunities they need to grow and succeed.
As District 87 continues to invest in improved facilities, stronger mental health resources, and expanded academic programs, the future of this High School is genuinely bright. The Purple Raiders community takes care of its own — and every student who walks through those doors becomes part of something bigger than themselves.
Before you complete any enrollment at this High School, verify your child's correct grade level using the free School Age Calculator at LearnerStep.com. It uses Illinois's verified September 1st state cutoff date to give you instant and accurate results in seconds. Start your child's high school journey at Bloomington High School fully prepared, completely organized, and confident in every single step.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is Bloomington High School located?
Bloomington High School is located at 1202 E. Locust Street, Bloomington, Illinois 61701. It is part of Bloomington School District 87 and is the only high school in the entire district. The official school website is district87.org/o/bhs, where you can find all current information.
2. What grades does Bloomington High School serve?
Bloomington High School serves students in Grades 9 through 12 with a current enrollment of 1,395 students. The student-teacher ratio is 14:1, and the average class size is 13.5 students, giving students meaningful access to their teachers every day.
3. Does Bloomington High School offer AP and dual credit courses?
Yes — Bloomington High School offers both Advanced Placement (AP) courses with a 23% participation rate and Dual Credit courses through Heartland Community College (HCC). Both programs allow students to earn real college credit before graduation, saving both time and tuition costs significantly.
4. What is the mascot and athletic conference for Bloomington High School?
The mascot of Bloomington High School is the Purple Raiders, and the school competes in the Big Twelve Conference under the Illinois High School Association (IHSA). The school offers a full range of sports and is actively supported by a dedicated Booster Club throughout the year.
5. How do I know if my child is the right age for Bloomington High School?
In Illinois, the Kindergarten age cutoff is September 1st, which determines your child's grade progression all the way through high school. Use the free LearnerStep School Age Calculator at learnerstep.com to instantly verify your child's correct grade based on this verified Illinois state cutoff date — it takes under 30 seconds and removes all confusion completely.