Let’s just face it: some of the staircases at this school are out to get us. Imagine you are running late to your next class, rushing through the hallways with your destination just up the stairs when all of the sudden your heart drops as you see the staircase packed with an unmoving herd of students. If only you had known to take an alternate route! So after years of trying to squeeze my way up many crowded staircases, I have finally decided to take on the task no one asked for: ranking the staircases of Libertyville High School.
The staircases will be ranked on three criteria: efficiency, aesthetics and accessibility. In order to be the perfect staircase, it needs to be clear enough to go up the stairs without a crowd of people, look presentable, and of course close to key classes and areas. These staircases range from empty to clogged, bright to gloomy, and forgettable to tradition filled. But what exactly do these staircases have to offer?
- Language Cube Hallway #1
To be completely honest, no one really knows why this staircase exists. Hidden away in the corner of the language cube, this gloomy, uninviting, and largely forgotten staircase is often avoided by students in favor of the more accessible staircase located on the other side of the cube.
Efficiency: 4/5
On the bright side, due to most students avoiding it, this staircase is often pretty empty. There will likely never be a time when this staircase experiences a traffic jam, which makes it a good route to take if you’re in a rush and your class is right upstairs. Overall, despite its drawbacks, you can’t say it’s an overly busy staircase.
Aesthetics: 1/5
I cannot stress this enough: this staircase is gross, dark and gloomy beyond comparison. With absolutely no natural lighting and a years-long build up of dirt, these stairs aren’t the most appealing on this list. Finally, to add a cherry on top, there is absolutely no decoration at all, adding another layer of sadness to this otherwise unremarkable staircase.
Accessibility: 2/5
One of the reasons that this staircase is never crowded is its dismal location. Tucked in the corner, students either use a more efficient route or forget the stairs are even there altogether. This staircase is awkward in not only its looks but its location as well. I strongly advise taking a different route.
- Language/Math Cube Hallway #2
The second of the two stairwells in the language cube, this one far exceeds the previously mentioned stairway in all metrics. From lighting to atmosphere and even accessibility, this staircase is better than last, but still can only be described as average.
Efficiency: 3/5
While not the busiest stairway in the school, this one still can fill up from time to time, especially right after school ends. For this reason, the second language cube hallway gets a mid-range score for efficiency.
Aesthetics: 2/5
While miles better than the last entry, this stairwell is still a little bland and doesn’t feature a lot of natural light. Still, there isn’t anything aesthetically wrong with this staircase. It’s practical, functional and gets the job done, which is really all you need to get up the stairs.
Accessibility: 3/5
Again, there’s a lot of improvement from this entry compared to the last. The staircase is easily accessible and in close proximity to the main hallway on both floors and the math/language cube. As a whole, it is decently accessible and gains itself a three out of five ranking.
- Field House Staircase
This staircase is far from what would be found in the entryway of a Victorian mansion, but it sure makes up for its lack of charm in its functionality. Found in a bustling corner of the school, it gets the job done well and quickly, allowing students to travel between floors with ease.
Efficiency: 4/5
This staircase, while used a lot by students during passing periods, keeps the flow moving and keeps things from coming to a halt. Even during the hustle and bustle after 3:25 PM, the stairway remains unclogged, even if not always clear. For this reason, it earns itself a high score.
Aesthetics: 3/5
The visual qualities of this staircase certainly aren’t anything to write home about, but it’s far from the worst on this list. Featuring a large window that lets in natural light, this staircase is free from the gloom seen in the previous entries.
Accessibility: 3/5
While slightly tucked in the back corner of the school, this staircase is quite useful for students heading to or from their science or social studies classes due to their proximity. However, it is only useful for that specific area, meaning it may not be used as often by some students.
- Math/Science Staircase
The staircase I would describe as the underdog in this ranking is the Math/science staircase, tucked near the end of the school by the MASH and Q-Z LST. Personally, I’ve rarely used this staircase in my three years at LHS simply because I’ve never had the need to, but it has a lot of unique qualities that may be overlooked at first glance.
Efficiency: 4/5
This staircase isn’t the most widely used, and so has a pretty low amount of traffic throughout the school day. This makes it a good bet for the next time you’re running late for class and need a quick way up!
Aesthetics: 4/5
Especially compared to some of the other entries on this list, this stairway is quite sleek, clean and bright. Windows on both ends of the stairwell let lots of light in and artwork on the stairway adds a nice pop of color. If you’re looking for a pleasant stair-climbing experience, give this one a try!
Accessibility: 2/5
As amazing as this staircase is, sadly it isn’t in a prime location. Tucked in a corner with few common areas around it, the stairway largely remains unused. While not the worst on this list, the location is this staircase’s Achilles heel, earning it a solid number five on the list.
- Staircase Near the Pool
Yet another one tucked in a corner of the school, this stairway is fun and unique due to its design as well as serving a functional purpose to get people where they need to go.
Efficiency: 4/5
In contrast to the similarly built main staircase, these stairs won’t need you to shove your way through a horde of students. Instead, it is calm and easy-going. For being quick to go up and down despite its wide use, I am giving the stairway a four out of five in this category.
Aesthetics: 4/5
This stairwell is quite unique when it comes to decorations. It features a large display with the “LHS” letters as well as a unique mural of Darth Vader from Star Wars, making it quite unique. However, the one drawback is the lack of natural light, something that is made up for with the distinctiveness of the artwork and decorations.
Accessibility: 4/5
As yet another corner staircase, this one has the dilemma of being technically out of the way due to it being at the end of the hallway, but is still widely used due to its prime location near science, social studies, foods and language rooms. Due to all of these proximities, it makes this stairway its own little hub in the corner of the school.
- English Hallway Staircase
The staircase leading to and from the English hallway is one that I have grown into throughout my years at LHS. As I have used it more frequently due to my classes, I have grown to appreciate its proximity that I had never realized before. Efficient, accessible, and useful, this staircase has a lot going for it.
Efficiency: 4/5
Much like the Field House staircase, this one keeps the flow going. These stairs are much calmer than its more busy counterparts and won’t result in others invading your personal space as you’re waiting to get up the stairs.
Aesthetics: 3/5
While lacking in the artwork department, the stairwell features a translucent window that lets in warm light and nicely brightens up the area. The lack of artwork or design gives off a monochrome tone, but the lighting truly makes up for it. Overall, mid-tier but still nice!
Accessibility: 5/5
Finally, this stairway is surprisingly accessible and close to key areas. Being close to the cafeteria, it gives students the opportunity to get to and from the second floor to their lunch periods quickly. Due to the fact that I use this staircase multiple times every day, I am giving it a perfect score in this category.
- Main Staircase
The Main staircase, arguably the most popular staircase in the school, is unique in that it not only is the centerpoint of the building, but for its long standing traditions. Each Halloween, seniors dressed as grandmas flood the staircase to participate in the tradition that has been around for decades. But what specifics define its pros and cons?
Efficiency: 1/5
This staircase is constantly filled with students during passing periods, making it quite unreliable and unpredictable. Due to its central proximity in the building, it can be quite easy to find yourself shoulder to shoulder in a staircase traffic jam. For this reason, the main staircase is getting a 1 out of 5 for crowdedness.
Aesthetics: 5/5
Being the centerpoint of the school, this staircase can only be described as iconic. From its broad granite stairs to the natural light from the large windows, the staircase truly serves its purpose as the hub of the bustling campus.
Accessibility 5/5:
Due its position front and center in the school, the location can’t get any better for this staircase. Giving students easy access to most classes on the second floor, these stairs are in a prime spot for getting to class on time. Overall, it’s the perfect location.
- Auditorium Staircase
I’ll say it; this staircase is amazing. From its prime location to its great aesthetics, everything about it just feels right. Conventionally while also visually appealing, it strikes the perfect balance between beauty and functionality.
Efficiency: 5/5
These stairs are a hidden gem for avoiding hallway traffic. Never jammed or crowded, this staircase is a reliable one to use during passing period. You won’t have to worry about getting stuck or slowed down here!
Aesthetics: 5/5
The main attraction of this staircase is the large window, which lets in plenty of natural light and gives students a pretty view of the front of the school. Combined with the sleek design, this staircase easily earns the title of most aesthetically pleasing on this list.
Accessibility: 5/5
Just a short way to the right of the main entrance, the auditorium staircase is accessible from main areas downstairs and is only a short walk away from the lit hallway as well as math and science rooms on the second floor. Overall, easy to get to and close by!
