Marshall Metropolitan High School


John Marshall Metropolitan High School is a public 4–year high school located in the East Garfield Park neighborhood on the west side of Chicago, Illinois, United States. Opened in 1895, Marshall is operated by the Chicago Public Schools district. Marshall is named in honor of John Marshall, the fourth Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. Marshall serves the students of the East Garfield Park, West Garfield Park, North Lawndale and Humboldt Park neighborhoods.

Background

The student body is approximately 98% African American. Marshall High school is a Title I high school as determined by U.S. Department of Education standards, meaning that 40% or more of the students come from families that qualify as low income under United States Census definitions. The school is perhaps best known for its association with the sport of basketball. Both its boys' and girls' teams have shown success at the state level. John Marshall has a history of excelling in other sports and academics as well: Baseball, football, fencing, track and field, Liberal Arts Major, Honors Math and Science courses.

Athletics

Marshall competes in the Chicago Public League and is a member of the Illinois High School Association. The school sport teams are stylized as the Commandos. The following teams finished in the top four of their respective IHSA sponsored state championship tournament: The boys' track and field placed in 3rd in 1960–61. Marshall has won eight state championships, has finished in the top four in state 18 times, and has made 24 appearances in the state final tournament; all of which are records for the state of Illinois.

Basketball

The boys' basketball team has won the state championship three times, has four times placed 3rd, and twice finished 4th. Courtney Hargrays, the head coach of the 07 championship team, is the only coach to win the Chicago city title and state title in his first year. The school's team figures prominently in the 1994 documentary film Hoop Dreams. The Marshall girls' basketball team has been state champions ten times and runners-up three times in addition to placing 3rd six times and 4th in 1983–84.

Notable alumni