Zion-Benton Township High School D126

What Zion-Benton Township High School D126 does

Zion-Benton Township High School District 126 is a public K-12 school district organized under the Illinois School Code, serving approximately 2,500 students in grades 9-12 across the communities of Zion, Beach Park, Winthrop Harbor, and portions of Wadsworth in Lake County, Illinois. The district operates two high schools—Zion-Benton Township High School (ZBTHS) and Zion-Benton East (ZBE), which houses the New Tech High alternative program—plus the Zion Alternative Program (ZAP) for students requiring self-contained behavior or emotional support, 23 athletic programs through North Suburban Conference membership, and the "721 Ready" post-secondary planning initiative. A 7-member elected Board of Education governs the district; Superintendent Dr. Jesse J. Rodriguez leads an executive team including a Chief School Business Official, Chief Human Resources Officer, Chief Academic Officer, and Executive Directors over Athletics, Safety and Security, Community Engagement, Student and Specialized Services, and Technology and Innovation.

The district's technology stack centers on a 1:1 Mobile Learning Program (Apple iPads for incoming freshmen, continuing devices for grades 10-12), the Canvas Learning Management System, Skyward Family Access as the student information and registration system, Securly web filtering with Aware wellness monitoring, AudioEye accessibility tooling, ACT-suite district-wide assessments delivered via Horizon Education, the Parchment transcript service, Calendly for counselor scheduling, Anonymous Alerts for safety reporting, and the Tech Crew student-led IT support program. Academic product offerings include dual credit articulation with the College of Lake County, the Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy, comprehensive CTE programs and fine arts, special education services delivered in partnership with SEDOL, and 24/7 Varsity Tutors tutoring at no cost to families. The "Innovate 2030" technology vision, launched in 2023, sets a phased AI integration roadmap, responsible-use guidelines, and digital transformation agenda. District-wide assessment outcomes and 91% graduation and 90% attendance rates (2025 Illinois School Report Card) anchor reported outcomes.

Funding derives from local property taxes, Illinois State Board of Education allocations, federal Title I-IV programs, and ARP ESSER III COVID-recovery grants, supplemented by minor transactional revenue from student fees, facility rentals, and bookstore services. No tuition is charged to district residents. As a government entity, the district has no parent company, no equity holders, no applicable venture or private-equity dynamics, and its operating geography is fixed by statute; modernization investments are funded through tax-based capital planning and bond proceeds rather than equity capital markets.

Name

Zion-Benton Township High School D126

Legal name

Zion-Benton Township High School District 126

Website

https://zb126.org

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Zion-Benton Township High School District 126 is an Illinois public school district operating two high schools that serve approximately 2,500 students in grades 9-12 across Zion, Beach Park, Winthrop Harbor, and Wadsworth. Revenue is funded by local property taxes, state education allocations, and federal grants.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Secondary Education

NAICS

Elementary and Secondary Schools (6111)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Public High Schools (EDAJAAAD)

akta.pro secondary industry

District Student Services Administration (Special Ed, Counseling, Health) (EDADABAJ)

Keywords

• Public secondary education
• Career technical education
• Dual credit programs
• Special education services
• Student support services

Headquarters

HQ city

Zion

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. State and Local Tax Revenue: Public school district funded primarily through local property taxes and state education funding allocations from the Illinois State Board of Education.
2. Federal Funding: Includes Title I, Title IIA, Title III, Title IV programs; ARP ESSER III funding for COVID-19 recovery; and other federal education grants.
3. Student Fees and Services: Revenue from student fee accounts for textbooks, workbooks, field trips, activities, and bookstore transactions. Free and reduced lunch program supported through federal nutrition programs.
4. Facility Rentals: Community building rentals and facility usage fees from external organizations using district facilities.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Zion-Benton Township High School District 126 is a public high school district serving approximately 2,500 students in grades 9-12 across two campuses (Zion-Benton Township High School and Zion-Benton East) in Lake County, Illinois. The district delivers free public secondary education including college preparatory academics, Career & Technical Education pathways, dual credit opportunities with College of Lake County, special education services, 23 interscholastic athletic programs, and the 721 Ready college and career readiness initiative. It also operates a 1:1 Mobile Learning device program providing Apple iPads to all students.

Product overview

Zion-Benton Township High School District 126 is a public high school district serving approximately 2,500 students in grades 9-12. The district operates two schools: Zion-Benton Township High School (ZBTHS) and Zion-Benton East (ZBE/New Tech High). The district's technology portfolio centers on its Mobile Learning Program providing 1:1 device access (Apple iPads for freshmen, continued devices for upperclassmen), supported by the Tech Crew student leadership program. Academic offerings include a District-Wide Assessment Program using ACT assessments, Dual Credit partnerships with College of Lake County, the Seal of Biliteracy program, and Career & Technical Education. The 721 Ready Initiative provides comprehensive college and career planning through student services, counseling, and transition programming. The district's Innovate 2030 technology vision guides AI integration, digital transformation, and educational technology initiatives across teaching, learning, and operations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• New Tech High @ Zion-Benton East: Alternative high school program at the ZB East campus
• Zion Alternative Program (ZAP)
• Learning Commons
• Tech Crew
• HiveNet

Products and services

• Mobile Learning Program (1:1 Device Program) District-wide program providing every student with a district-issued learning device (Apple iPad for incoming ninth-graders; continuation device for grades 10-12) for equitable access to educational resources at school and home.
• Career & Technical Education (CTE) Programs Career and technical education offering hands-on learning in classrooms, labs, and workshop areas aligned with college, career, and workforce pathways. Part of ongoing Facilities Master Plan CTE Expansion.
• Dual Credit Program Partnership with College of Lake County (CLC) providing students the opportunity to earn college credits while in high school. District serves as Dual Credit Liaison and co-chairs the Lake County Dual Credit Advisory Council.
• Special Education Services Comprehensive special education programs and services delivered in the least restrictive environment for students with disabilities, including alternative placements through SEDOL partnership and the Zion Alternative Program (ZAP).
• Athletics Programs (Zee-Bee Athletics) 23 interscholastic athletic programs spanning fall, winter, and spring seasons across both campuses, offered through membership in the North Suburban Conference.
• District-Wide Assessment Program Three annual district-wide assessment days (fall, winter, spring) using ACT's suite of assessments (PreACT 8/9, PreACT Secure, ACT) via Horizon Education to measure student progress in English, Math, Reading, and Science.
• Seal of Biliteracy Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy awarded to qualifying seniors demonstrating high proficiency in English and one or more additional languages. Recognized on diplomas and transcripts and accepted as equivalent to two years of foreign language coursework at Illinois public universities.
• 721 Ready Initiative Student & Specialized Services initiative ensuring every student graduates with a clear postsecondary plan (college, workforce, apprenticeship, military), with focus on Day 721 (one year past graduation) through counseling, college & career planning, and transition programming.
• e-Learning Plan District continuity plan allowing up to 5 e-Learning days per school year during emergency closures, with instructional delivery via Canvas LMS (45 minutes per class) and online attendance forms.
• Tech Crew Student Leadership Program Student leadership program sponsored by Technology & Innovation Department providing hands-on experience in device deployment, customer service, troubleshooting, and event technology support.
• New Tech High @ Zion-Benton East Alternative high school program at the ZB East campus utilizing innovative project-based learning approaches and specialized programming.
• Zion Alternative Program (ZAP) and Transitions Alternative education program for students requiring a self-contained environment for behavior or emotional concerns, plus transition programming for students moving between educational settings.

Quantifiable outcome

• 91% Graduation Rate
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration9 records

AI capability2 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Varsity TutorscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFree 24/7 tutoring partnership providing students access to chat tutoring in Spanish or English across all subjects, SAT prep, essay review, and celebrity-hosted on-demand courses at no cost to students or families.
• College of Lake County (CLC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDual credit partnership allowing students to earn college credits while in high school. Dr. Melissa DiGangi serves as District's Dual Credit Liaison and co-chairs the Lake County Dual Credit Advisory Council.
• Lake County Tech CampuscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCareer-focused programming partnership providing students with career exploration and planning opportunities, particularly through the Career Counselor Mrs. Peterson who provides Lake County Tech Campus advisement.
• Zion-Benton Public LibraryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFree online tutoring partnership from 2pm-11pm daily through the library's live tutor service. Students need a Zion-Benton Public Library card to access homework help and live tutoring support.
• Winthrop Harbor District 1minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTri-Community partnership for coordinated back-to-school events and student preparation initiatives. Joint Back-to-School Bash events serve families from all partner districts.
• Beach Park District 3minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTri-Community partnership for coordinated back-to-school events and student preparation initiatives. Joint Back-to-School Bash events serve families from all partner districts.
• Zion Elementary District 6minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTri-Community partnership for coordinated back-to-school events and student preparation initiatives. Joint Back-to-School Bash events serve families from all partner districts.
• Special Education District of Lake County (SEDOL)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for alternative placements when student needs cannot be fully met within district. SEDOL provides specialized services for students with specific disabilities through the IEP process.
• North Suburban ConferencecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAthletic conference membership including Lake Forest, Lake Zurich, Libertyville, Mundelein, Stevenson, Warren, and Waukegan high schools. District competes in 23 athletic programs through this conference.
• ApplecoreTechnology or IntegrationTechnology partner providing iPads for incoming freshmen and supporting district's pursuit of Apple Distinguished School status. Dr. Cheri Bridge is a Certified Apple Teacher and Apple Education Trainer leading the district's Apple learning environments.
• FinalsitecoreTechnology or IntegrationWebsite platform provider powering the district's main website (zb126.org). Provides the communication infrastructure for district digital presence.
• SecurlycoreTechnology or IntegrationWeb filtering and wellness monitoring provider protecting students and staff online through content filtering, keyword monitoring, and data encryption for student safety.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Regional players

• Kenosha Unified School District: Public school district serving Kenosha, WI — directly across the state border from D126; comparable public high school model serving a similar Great Lakes industrial-community demographic.
• Round Lake Area School District 116: Adjacent Lake County public school district serving a similar suburban demographic with K-12 structure including a comparable high school component, though not in the same athletic conference.

Direct peers

• Waukegan Community Unit School District 60: North Suburban Conference member serving Waukegan, IL; comparable public high school district with diverse student demographics and broader Lake County service area.
• Libertyville Community High School District 128: Adjacent Lake County high school district and conference peer with similar community-based public high school structure and comparable curricular offerings.
• Stevenson High School District 125: Lincolnshire, IL high school district and North Suburban Conference peer; comparable single-district public high school model serving affluent Lake County suburbs.
• Mundelein Consolidated High School District 120: Suburban Lake County high school district and North Suburban Conference peer with similar dual-campus community profile; directly comparable student demographics and athletic offerings.
• Lake Forest Community High School District 115: Lake County North Suburban Conference peer operating a single comprehensive public high school model with comparable academic and athletic programming.
• Warren Township High School District 121: Public high school district in Waukegan/Gurnee, IL that competes with D126 in the North Suburban Conference; similar size, suburban Lake County service area, and athletic footprint make it a directly comparable peer.
• Lake Zurich Community Unit School District 95: Lake County public school district and North Suburban Conference peer; serves a similar suburban demographic footprint with comparable high school athletics and CTE offerings.

Others

• New Tech Network: Education nonprofit whose New Tech High model underpins D126's Zion-Benton East campus; comparable as the networked partner enabling the alternative high school model that D126 operates.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/zbpride
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@zbthsd126
• Facebookfacebook.com/ZBPride
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/zb126
• Instagraminstagram.com/zbpride

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles16 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Zion-Benton Township High School D126