Minooka High School District Welcomes Students Back with Exciting Developments

On August 13, 2025, the Minooka Community High School District 111 (MCHS) welcomed back its 2,868 students for the start of the 2025-2026 school year. The atmosphere was filled with enthusiasm as staff and administration expressed their excitement about the students returning. This year marks not only a fresh start for all but also highlights significant advancements on two major construction projects aimed at enhancing the district’s educational facilities.

Campus Developments and Enhancements

At the South Campus, crews have made substantial progress on the new fieldhouse, having successfully installed the walls and commenced work on the roof. This facility is set to support a variety of athletic programs and community events, providing students with improved spaces for training, competition, and gatherings. Meanwhile, at the Central Campus, construction on the Career and Technical Education (CTE) addition is underway. The footings for the walls and underground utilities have been established, a sign of steady progress towards completion. This expansion aims to enhance MCHS’s capacity to offer hands-on, career-focused educational opportunities that prepare students for the workforce and higher education.

Both construction projects are anticipated to be completed by August 2026, aligning with the district’s commitment to improving educational spaces to meet the growing needs of its community.

Academic Opportunities Through Partnerships

In addition to physical improvements, MCHS continues to expand academic opportunities for its students through partnerships with local colleges. At the July Board of Education meeting, Dr. Namuo, President of Joliet Junior College (JJC), recognized MCHS for its active involvement in the JJC 12X12X12 Dual Credit Initiative. This program enables high school students to earn college credits while completing their secondary education, giving them a head start on their college careers.

Currently, MCHS offers 15 dual credit courses in collaboration with JJC, with around 700 students enrolled in these programs. The district also partners with the University of St. Francis and Loyola University, further broadening the range of college-level courses available to students. In the past year, MCHS students earned more than 2,500 college credits through these dual credit initiatives, translating to significant financial savings for families—potentially exceeding $1 million in college tuition costs.

The district’s dedication to providing dual credit opportunities reflects a broader goal of making higher education more accessible and affordable for the community.

As the new school year begins, the palpable excitement within the Minooka Community High School District 111 underscores a shared commitment to growth, learning, and achievement—both in the classroom and on the construction sites that signify the district’s ongoing pursuit of excellence.