In 1962, a referendum for a second high school was passed, and Hinsdale South opened its doors in the fall of 1965 to 418 freshmen and sophomores. A new wing of school, solely designated for the Science department, was opened to students at the beginning of the 2003-2004 school year. The wing includes eight new classrooms, preparatory rooms, a new science department office, and a greenhouse. The school's library contains four computer areas/laboratories.
Academics
Hinsdales South's class of 2008 had an average composite ACT score of 22.4, 1.9 points above the state average. 98.8% of the senior class graduated. Hinsdale South made Adequate Yearly Progress on the Prairie State Achievements Examination, which with the ACT comprises the state assessments used to fulfill the federal No Child Left Behind Act. The school is currently listed as requiring "corrective action" under the federal mandate, and on the first year of academic watch by the state. According to Newsweek's 2010 "Complete List of 1,600 Top High Schools", Hinsdale South ranked #495, making it the 10th best high school in Illinois. This was the sixth year in a row South had made the list, previously being ranked #1506, #543, #591, #711, and #627. The deaf/hard of hearing program provides students in the DuPage West Cook Regional Program educational/support services. Included in these services are: interpreters, social work services, tutorial, program assistants, speech and language services, behavior supports, a vocational support team, self-supporting classes taught by teachers in the deaf and hard of hearing program, and guidance counselors who specialize in this program.
Technology in the classroom
The school currently provides all teachers with Tablet PCs, and the school is fully equipped with wireless internet technologies. Tablet PC carts and stations are also available to students. Also, students at Hinsdale South are allowed the option of bringing a computer laptop or personal digital assistant for note taking and word processing. Carts with 20+ laptops each are available for check-out to teachers to provide to their students for use during class time. As of 2004, the school has four large computer labs located in its library. As of the 2018-19 school year, the school supplies every student with a Chromebook for educational purposes both inside and out of the classroom.
Hinsdale South engages in two rivalries in football. The annual game against district rival Hinsdale Central is for the Doings Cup. The winner of the annual game with Downers Grove South High School is awarded the Rebel Cannon trophy. There are seven gyms, including a multipurpose gym used for Physical Education, assemblies, and volleyball and basketball games. There is also a pool, wrestling gym, gymnastics gym, field house, a fitness center/gym, and a general use gym. Outdoor facilities include a new track, a stadium, 4 baseball/softball diamonds, soccer fields and nine tennis courts.
Notable alumni
Barbara Alyn Woods is an actress best known for her work on television playing the character Deb Scott on the series One Tree Hill.
