Opened in September 1977, Robeson was a part of the Chicago Public Schools district.

The new school building was constructed on the former Normal Avenue Park site,[7] named for Robeson, opened on September 6, 1977.

[9] Due to low enrollment and poor academic performance, Chicago Public Schools decided to close Robeson along with three other neighborhood high schools: Harper, Hope College Prep and Team Englewood.

[citation needed] Robeson competed in the Chicago Public League (CPL) and was a member of the Illinois High School Association (IHSA).

[10] Since 1974, when the IHSA began sponsoring a state championship tournament in football, Robeson was the only CPL team to play in a state championship football game, finishing second in 5A in 1982–1983, until Phillips won the 4A title in 2015–2016.