College for All:
The University of Chicago Charter School
The University of Chicago’s unique commitment to urban education is clearest in its role as an operator of four public charter schools serving 1,100 students and families in the South Side neighborhoods near the University. The schools operated by the Urban Education Institute are at the core of our work and place the university among a small group of higher education institutions in the nation responsible for preK-12 public school performance. Our students demonstrate significant academic growth and success.
Together the four campuses give students a chance to remain in our rigorous and caring family of schools from pre-kindergarten through high school graduation. Our schools are public and students are admitted by a random lottery without academic screening. We are demonstrating that it is possible to create a pathway to college success for all students if they are taught with skill and understanding and are provided with comprehensive academic and social supports. Our schools also serve as a training ground for a new generation of teacher leaders and as a locus for cutting-edge research to develop new tools and methods for urban education.
For more information, visit the University of Chicago Charter School website.
The Chicago Model
The Urban Education Institute is developing the Chicago Model for Urban Schooling, which represents a joint effort by practitioners and University faculty and researchers to clarify the evidence-based practices, tools, and supports we combine in our schools to make sure all children learn and engage in ambitious intellectual work no matter what their circumstances. By making plain our ideas and the research they are based on, we aim to promote debate and scrutiny, evaluative research, and replication in other urban settings.
University of Chicago Charter School Mission
- Prepare students for success in four-year colleges
- Contribute to community building through programming offered to children and families beyond the school day, week, and year and through student research, service, and leadership
- Serve as professional development schools where teachers, administrators, and staff convene to strengthen their capacity to educate all children well
A governing board oversees the University of Chicago Charter School.
Data drives our decisions and our curriculum is research-based, such as elementary and secondary mathematics curriculum developed and supported by The University of Chicago School Mathematics Project and the University's Center for Elementary Math and Science Education.
The University of Chicago Charter School Campuses
North Kenwood/Oakland Elementary
1119 East 46th Street
nko.usi-schools.org
Founded in 1998, NKO is our oldest school and currently serves students in grades pre-kindergarten through five. NKO students consistently outperform youngsters in comparable Chicago schools on state-required tests. In a city where more than half of the public high school students drop out, NKO graduates stay in school and graduate at significantly higher rates.
Carter G. Woodson Middle
4444 South Evans Avenue
nkoms.usi-schools.org
In fall 2008, North Kenwood/Oakland’s proven middle school program for students in early adolescence will move and expand to the Carter G. Woodson Middle Campus. Woodson, named for one of the University’s first African American graduates, will serve students in grades six through eight. Woodson’s goal is to prepare students to “lead themselves, lead the school, and lead the world.”
Donoghue Elementary
707 East 37th Street
don.usi-schools.org
Donoghue, which serves students in grades pre-kindergarten through five, opened its doors in fall 2005. It is a community school, where students and their families have extended opportunities to learn beyond the traditional school day and school year. Donoghue students are demonstrating outstanding academic growth. It was third among the top 10 new schools in Chicago with the highest annual gains on the state test in 2007. It recently received national recognition for its performance from New Leaders for New Schools. It was the only Illinois school and one of only 11 schools nationwide to receive the honor for exceptionally strong student gains made between 2006 and 2007.
Woodlawn Middle and High School
6420 South University Avenue
ucw.usi-schools.org
Woodlawn, which opened in fall 2006, will graduate its first high school class in 2010. In 2007-08, it educated students in grades six, seven, nine, and ten and it will serve all the grades in its design, six through twelve, by fall 2009. Woodlawn provides a strong foundation for college study beginning in sixth grade. Students who need either extra help or more challenges receive supports to make sure they excel at the college prep curriculum. All students participate in mandatory academic programs from 3 to 5 p.m.
The USI Network: Learning Together to Achieve Exemplary Education
The Urban School Improvement Network was launched in 2005 to provide a forum where new Chicago public schools share solutions and exemplary practices as school leaders and teachers learn together. Many of the schools were opened as part of the city’s Renaissance 2010 initiative. Schools that volunteer to participate share core educational values, goals, and best educational practices.
In addition to the University of Chicago Charter School’s four campuses, the current members of the Network are: ACE Technical Charter School, the Barbara Sizemore Campus of the Betty Shabazz International Charter School, the Choir Academy of Chicago, Noble Street-Golder College Prep Campus, Perspectives-Calumet High School, Perspectives-Calumet Middle School, Polaris Charter Academy, TEAM Englewood Community Academy, Urban Preparatory Charter Academy for Young Men, and Henry Ford Power House Charter High School (opening fall 2008).
The USI Network’s aim is to include 20 schools by 2010, eventually growing to serve 10,000 students while demonstrating high-quality education for students in some of Chicago’s poorest neighborhoods.
If you are a new school interested in learning more about the supports available through the Urban School Improvement Network, please .
Read more about how the Urban Education Institute’s Network of schools worked together to solve a challenge and offered a summer math camp for their students.
Contact , director of schools and community engagement, for more information on the University charter schools and the Urban School Improvement Network.
University of Chicago Charter School admissions questions: 773-834-2865
