The 5 Most Unusual Classes at Lyons Township High School

Students at Lyons Township High School don't have to wait for college to start getting a wide-reaching liberal arts education.

After all the years I worked in college admission, I must say that LTHS offers one of the most intriguing course catalogues I've seen.

So whether you've got a student enrolling this fall or are just curious what the kids are up to these days, here's a look at some of the unique opportunities at LTHS.

Introduction to Space Flight

This course promises both classroom simulation and research into the space program, from its history to the mechanics of shuttle operation. Juniors and seniors can take it either semester.

Theatre: Improvisation & Mime

Students who aren’t too afraid of mimes, clowns and all their variations have an opportunity to prove how bold they are in the theater department’s Improvisation & Mime class. The course is open to juniors and seniors during spring semester.

Sports Officiating

Future referees, this is your moment. LTHS offers juniors and seniors a chance at playing regulator on the field during either fall or spring semester as they learn the rules of soccer (fall), softball (spring), volleyball and basketball. They’ll learn the specifics of each sport as well as proper signaling, prepping them to work in community sport leagues (though additional certification may be required).

Food Chemistry

While cooking is an art, it’s also most definitely a science. This course for juniors and seniors teaches students about the chemical reactions that take place when you cook, as well as how food is preserved and processed.

Philosophy of Self-Knowledge

Find yourself frequently plagued by questions such as “Who am I?” and “What’s the meaning of life?” Me too, which means I should probably take this class for juniors and seniors interested in pondering gigantic existential questions.