Rich East was originally held in the Faith United Protestant Church until Park Forest gave them the open land to build the school.

[dubious – discuss][citation needed] Many old students remember that for many years, cement had to be pumped underneath the school's main gym so that it would not sink.The Media Center, in the front of the building was also built on unstable ground and after several days of rain, water would rise up into the carpet, making it difficult to breathe.

[8][9]Another notable fact about Rich East was that it had a working, student-run radio station in the 1970s, very progressive for high schools at the time.

Board members cited declining enrollment numbers and aging facilities in need of millions in repairs as reasons for the move.

[10] The activities included at Rich East are band, computer arts, chorus, dance, photography, ceramics/sculpture, drawing/painting, theater/drama, yearbook, debate, science and technology and student council/government.