John C. Chiddix Junior High School is located in Normal, Illinois, approximately midway between Chicago and St. Louis, Missouri, on Interstate 55. There are three junior high schools in the Unit 5 school system. CJHS has a current enrollment of approximately 900 students in grades six, seven and eight. The student population is racially and economically diverse.

Chiddix has adopted a middle school concept, which teams all students. The teams consist of two to five core teachers.  The core teachers are responsible for language arts, reading, mathematics, science, and social studies. Since each team shares its core teachers and scheduled class periods, it is possible for the teams to integrate curriculum, plan special events, and manipulate the schedule to suit the needs of the team. The middle school concept addresses the needs of adolescents by bridging the gap between single teacher classrooms in elementary school and the varied group of independent teachers in high school.

National Middle School Association Mission Statement and Goals

 Chiddix Junior High will:

• provide for the development of competence in the basic skills of reading, writing, calculating, speaking, listening, problem solving, and information acquisition

• encourage and model respect for self and others

• encourage and model respect for property and the environment

• provide the knowledge and understanding necessary to think critically and creatively, both independently and cooperatively

• provide challenging yet reasonable expectations for all while accepting each person as an individual

• provide for the development of the student in the areas of physical health, creative expression, and appreciation of the arts

• encourage and interest in worthwhile leisure activities

• provide awareness of community service