In the spring of 1962, voters in Consolidated High School district 230 approved a US$2.1 million bond issue to construct the district's second high school, which was projected to have an initial student population of 1,200.[18]
The school district chose to name the school for former University of Chicago football coach Amos Alonzo Stagg. Stagg was chosen "in recognition of his century of devotion to young men to help them understand the powers they possess".[19] The original building contained 16 classrooms, a gymnasium capable of seating 1,600, a band and choir room, a cafeteria and small theater, 7 laboratories, and 3 industrial arts rooms.[19]
The general design saw the school built as three separate buildings, connected by glass corridors.[20]
Like its sister school, Carl Sandburg, Stagg High School was designed specifically to be expanded in future years.[20][21] The fall 1966 enrollment saw the school reach its capacity, a few months after the first expansion plans were revealed, calling for a swimming pool and more room for art and industrial education, among other additions.[20]
The school sponsors over 70 clubs and activities for students, ranging from athletic and fine arts to leadership and special interest.[23] Among the student groups which are local chapters of national organizations are: Key Club, National Honor Society, Relay for Life, and Operation Snowball.[23]
The Individual events team finished second in the IHSA state championship tournament in 1986.[24]
The Amos Alonzo Stagg Marching Chargers, Stagg's largest competitive extracurricular activity.[citation needed] Following a two-week band camp program, the marching band enters a fall season of contests and often tri-weekly rehearsals for the duration of the season. They participate in roughly 4–6 marching competitions each year across the state of Illinois, including an exhibition performance at their home competition, the Stagg Marching Band Jamboree (annual since 1979). The Marching Chargers generally end their yearly seasons by participating in the Illinois State University Invitational Marching Band Championships or the University of Illinois Illini Marching Festival.
Athletics
Stagg competes in the Southwest Suburban Conference (SWSC) and is a member of the Illinois High School Association (IHSA), which governs most interscholastic high school sports and competitive activities in the state of Illinois. Teams are stylized as the Chargers.
^"Voters Accept Bond Issue to Build New High School". Chicago Daily Tribune. 3 June 1962. pp. sw8. Voters ... have approved a $2,100,000 bond issue to build a new school in Palos Township ... (plans are being drawn up) for the new building to be constructed at 111th street and Roberts road. Its initial capacity will be 1,200 students.
^ ab"2 Million Unit Will Open in 1964". Chicago Daily Tribune. 3 January 1963. pp. s3. "We dedicate this school to Mr. Stagg in recognition of his century of devotion to young men to help them understand the powers they possess," said William O. Fisher, superintendent of district 230.
^ abc"Stagg High School Built with Expansion in Mind". Chicago Tribune. 22 May 1966. pp. e1.
^"BREAK GROUND TODAY FOR NEW SANDBAG HIGH: Structure Will Cost $930,000". Chicago Daily Tribune. 17 May 1953. pp. sw1.