History

Welcome to Morton East's History!

J. Sterling Morton High School District 201 has a proud history dating back to 1892, when the town of Cicero began working to unify local school districts—including Morton Park, Hawthorne, Clyde, and LaVergne—into a single “High School Department.” This vision led to the official founding of Cicero–Stickney Township High School in 1898, which later became J. Sterling Morton High School. Over the years, the district expanded to serve a growing community, adapting to the needs of its students and families. Despite facing challenges in the 1930s and 1960s, the district demonstrated resilience and a strong commitment to progress. The consolidation of Morton East and West in the 1980s marked a new era of unity, and since the 2000s, District 201 has launched innovative academic programs, integrated cutting-edge technology, improved facilities, and more—all in support of student success and community excellence.