High School District #227 is an integral part of South Cook County, providing educational services to the residents of Country Club Hills, Matteson, Olympia Fields, Park Forest, Richton Park, a small section of Chicago Heights, and adjoining rural areas. Established in 1949 from non-high school territory, the district embarked on a journey of educational excellence and infrastructure development that has spanned several decades.

In 1952, spurred by a $1.6 million bond issue, the construction of the East Campus of Rich Township High School commenced. By September 1953, this institution began its operations as a four-year high school. Simultaneously, during the 1952-53 academic year, a makeshift ninth-grade school was functional in the Faith United Protestant Church in Park Forest. This campus was strategically situated on a 55-acre plot generously donated by American Community Builders, Inc., with the initial infrastructure designed to accommodate approximately 750 students.

December 1953 marked a pivotal moment in the East Campus's history. It was then formally dedicated by Mrs. Oveta Club Hobby, the Secretary of Health, Education, and Safety. Remarkably, during its maiden year of operations, the campus garnered accreditation from both the North Central Association and the State of Illinois. In recognition of its standards and contributions, the East Campus helped the municipalities it served clinch the All-American City award in 1954 – a noteworthy achievement as it was the first time a school had received such an accolade.

The subsequent years witnessed further expansions. By 1955, a $450,000 bond facilitated the addition of 12 classrooms and a gymnasium to the East Campus, extending its capacity to around 1,100 students. Recognizing the growing need, 1957 saw another bond issue, this time amounting to $1,050,000, which was channeled to augment the East Campus to hold between 1,500 to 1,600 students. Parallelly, 50 acres of land were procured in Olympia Fields, signaling intentions for another educational establishment.

The late 1950s and early 1960s were characterized by the conceptualization and realization of the Central Campus in Olympia Fields. A $1,690,000 bond issue in 1959 laid the foundation for this new educational hub, with the initial phase equipped to serve around 700 students. Garnering attention for its avant-garde design, the Central Campus was spotlighted as one of the "significant schools of the future" in a publication by the Ford Foundation. The accolades didn’t stop there. In 1960, The Nation’s Schools magazine featured it prominently, portraying it as the emblem of future educational institutions. By September 1961, after an additional bond issue, this new school started serving approximately 425 ninth and tenth graders, with the East Campus continuing to host about 1,600 students.

1962 marked another milestone. Voters in the district sanctioned a $1,250,000 bond to further expand the Central Campus, raising its capacity to 1,500 students, with this extension ready by September 1963.

In 1966, the community's trust in the district's vision was reaffirmed. A whopping $2.7 million bond was green-lit, with the majority allocated for extensions at the Central and East Campuses. The results were palpable: the Central Campus could now host 2,100 students, and the East Campus had space for 1,800. A fraction of this bond, $200,000, was also earmarked for land acquisition for a prospective third high school.

The late 1960s witnessed another surge in development. 1969's $3.2 million bond was bifurcated: a portion for the East Campus and the larger chunk for the creation of Rich South High School. This new institution began its journey at the East Campus, catering to freshmen and sophomores. By January 1973, Rich South was ready to welcome students to its dedicated South Campus.

Fast-forwarding to the 2020-2021 academic year, the district showcased its adaptability and commitment to contemporary educational paradigms. High School District #227 consolidated its operations into a single high school spread over two campuses. This strategic shift emphasized an academy and pathway structure, reflecting a nuanced, specialized approach to learning tailored to modern student needs.

Through the years, High School District #227 has showcased a narrative of growth, community involvement, and educational innovation, remaining steadfast in its mission to focus on students and student success.