UCAN Academy – South Chicago
General Information
Reviews
UCAN Academy – South Chicago, Illinois is widely recognized for its mission-driven approach to education that integrates academics, behavioral health, and social-emotional learning for students who benefit from structured, supportive environments. Reviews from families and community partners frequently highlight the school’s small class sizes, individualized learning plans, and strong mentorship culture. Students often describe feeling understood and supported by staff who prioritize personal growth alongside academic progress. Parents appreciate the consistent communication, restorative discipline practices, and focus on life skills that prepare learners for postsecondary education or workforce pathways. Community feedback also emphasizes the academy’s success in re-engaging students who have experienced academic disruption, trauma, or barriers within traditional school settings. While the program is described as rigorous, reviewers note that expectations are clearly communicated and paired with meaningful support services, including counseling and academic coaching. Overall sentiment reflects a school environment centered on safety, accountability, and long-term success, with measurable improvements in attendance, credit recovery, and student confidence over time.
Contact Information
- Phone Number: (773) 785-9000
- Email Address: info@ucanchicago.org
- Main Address: 8730 South Commercial Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60617, United States
- Administrative Office: South Chicago Community Campus, Chicago, Illinois
- Counseling and Support Services Office: On-campus student services wing
School Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1990 |
| Educational Model | Therapeutic Alternative Education |
| Affiliation | UCAN Chicago |
| Motto | Empowering Youth Toward Independence |
| Campus Setting | Urban |
| School Type | Public Alternative Academy |
Rankings
| Category | Ranking |
|---|---|
| National Ranking | Not Ranked |
| State Ranking | Not Ranked |
| Global Ranking | Not Ranked |
UCAN Academy – South Chicago, Illinois Academics
Faculties / Departments
- Mathematics and Quantitative Studies
- English Language Arts and Literacy
- Science and Environmental Studies
- Social Studies and Civic Engagement
- Special Education Services
- Behavioral Health and Counseling
- Career and Technical Education
- Arts and Creative Expression
UCAN Academy – South Chicago, Illinois Courses Offered and Programs / Majors
- Core High School Diploma Program
- Credit Recovery Program
- Career Readiness Pathway
- Social-Emotional Learning Curriculum
- Life Skills and Independent Living
- Workforce Preparation Program
- Alternative Learning Pathways
- Individualized Education Plans Support
Online Learning
UCAN Academy – South Chicago, Illinois integrates online learning as a flexible supplement to its in-person instructional model, allowing students to progress at an individualized pace while maintaining strong accountability. Digital platforms are used for credit recovery, blended coursework, and personalized remediation in core subjects such as mathematics, science, and language arts. The online component is closely monitored by instructors who provide real-time feedback and scheduled check-ins to ensure comprehension and consistent engagement. This approach benefits students who require adaptive schedules due to personal, behavioral, or health-related needs. Online learning is not designed to replace face-to-face instruction but to reinforce classroom learning and support differentiated pathways toward graduation. By combining structured digital coursework with daily in-person mentoring and counseling, the academy ensures academic rigor while maintaining the relational focus central to its mission.
Degrees and Certifications
UCAN Academy – South Chicago, Illinois offers pathways leading to a state-recognized high school diploma and industry-aligned certificates designed to support workforce entry or continued education. Students may earn certifications in employability skills, workplace readiness, and foundational technical competencies that align with local labor market needs. These certifications emphasize punctuality, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, preparing learners for internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level employment. The academy collaborates with community organizations to align credentialing opportunities with real-world expectations. While the institution does not confer traditional college degrees, its credentials are structured to support smooth transitions into community colleges, vocational training programs, or direct employment. This focus ensures that graduates leave with tangible qualifications that demonstrate both academic achievement and practical readiness.
Summer School
The summer school program at UCAN Academy – South Chicago, Illinois provides targeted academic support, credit recovery, and enrichment opportunities in a structured yet supportive environment. Designed to prevent learning loss and accelerate progress toward graduation, the program combines focused instruction with counseling and life-skills development. Students benefit from smaller cohorts, individualized learning goals, and consistent mentorship throughout the summer term. Courses emphasize core academic subjects while integrating project-based learning that encourages critical thinking and collaboration. The program also supports students who need flexible pacing due to personal circumstances, ensuring continuity in their educational journey. Summer school serves as both an intervention and an opportunity for growth, reinforcing positive routines and preparing students for the upcoming academic year.
Average Test Scores
| Assessment | Average Score |
|---|---|
| SAT Evidence-Based Reading | 430 |
| SAT Mathematics | 420 |
| ACT Composite | 17 |
| State Proficiency Benchmark | Approaching Standard |
Retention and Graduation Rates
UCAN Academy – South Chicago, Illinois demonstrates strong retention outcomes relative to comparable alternative education programs, reflecting its emphasis on relationship-based learning and consistent student support. Graduation rates steadily improve as students progress through individualized academic plans, with many learners completing requirements after re-engaging from interrupted schooling. Retention is supported by daily mentoring, behavioral health services, and flexible instructional pacing tailored to student needs. The academy prioritizes keeping students connected to education through restorative practices rather than exclusionary discipline. As a result, students are more likely to persist through challenges and achieve on-time or extended-path graduation, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to long-term educational success.
UCAN Academy – South Chicago, Illinois Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
UCAN Academy – South Chicago, Illinois maintains an open and supportive admissions philosophy that considers the whole student rather than relying solely on standardized metrics. There is no strict GPA requirement, and standardized test scores such as SAT or ACT are not primary determinants for admission. The academy recognizes that many applicants have experienced educational disruptions and evaluates readiness through academic records, interviews, and individualized assessments. This inclusive approach ensures access for students who demonstrate motivation to re-engage with learning in a structured environment.
Acceptance Rate
| Category | Rate |
|---|---|
| Overall Acceptance Rate | Open Enrollment |
| In-District Applicants | Priority Consideration |
| Transfer Students | Accepted Based on Fit |
Application Requirements
Applicants to UCAN Academy – South Chicago, Illinois are evaluated through a holistic process designed to identify students who will benefit most from the academy’s therapeutic and academic model. Required materials typically include previous school transcripts, attendance records, and disciplinary history to support individualized planning. An intake interview with the student and guardian helps assess academic needs, behavioral supports, and personal goals. The academy may request additional documentation related to special education services or counseling needs to ensure appropriate resources are available. This structured yet supportive process ensures alignment between student needs and institutional capacity, promoting long-term success.
Enrollment Overview
Enrollment at UCAN Academy – South Chicago, Illinois is intentionally limited to maintain small class sizes and individualized attention. The student population primarily consists of high school-aged learners from the surrounding community who seek alternative pathways to graduation. Enrollment is managed to ensure adequate staffing, counseling access, and academic support for every student.
Application Process
- Initial inquiry and referral
- Submission of academic records
- Student and family intake interview
- Individualized education plan review
- Enrollment confirmation
Application Deadlines and Important Dates
| Term | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall Enrollment | Rolling Admission |
| Spring Enrollment | Rolling Admission |
| Summer Program | May 15 |
Essay Prompt
Applicants may be asked to submit a short personal statement describing their educational journey, challenges faced, and goals for the future. The essay focuses on self-reflection, motivation, and readiness to engage in a supportive learning environment rather than formal writing proficiency.
UCAN Academy – South Chicago, Illinois Scholarships
UCAN Academy – South Chicago, Illinois supports students through publicly funded education and community-based financial assistance rather than traditional merit scholarships. Eligible students may access transportation assistance, counseling services, and academic resources at no direct cost. The academy also collaborates with partner organizations to provide stipends, workforce preparation support, and post-graduation transition assistance, ensuring equitable access to education and opportunity.
UCAN Academy – South Chicago, Illinois Tuition Fees and Costs
| Expense Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition | No Cost |
| Enrollment Fee | None |
| Books and Materials | Provided |
| Counseling Services | Included |
| Transportation Assistance | Available |
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
UCAN Academy – South Chicago, Illinois serves a diverse student population reflective of the surrounding urban community. Students come from varied socioeconomic, cultural, and educational backgrounds, with many enrolling after experiencing challenges in traditional school settings. The academy emphasizes inclusivity, cultural responsiveness, and individualized support to meet the needs of each learner. Demographic representation includes a majority of students from historically underserved communities, with programs designed to address equity, access, and opportunity. This diversity enriches classroom discussions and reinforces the school’s commitment to social justice and community engagement.
Low-Income Students and Students with Disabilities
The academy provides comprehensive support services for low-income students and those with disabilities, ensuring equitable access to education and resources. Services include individualized education plans, counseling, behavioral health support, and referrals to community resources. Staff work closely with families to address barriers such as transportation, food insecurity, and access to healthcare. This integrated approach ensures students receive holistic support that extends beyond academics.
Student Body Overview
| Category | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Minority Students | 95% |
| Economically Disadvantaged | 85% |
| Students with IEPs | 30% |
| Average Class Size | 10–12 |
University Diversity
Diversity at UCAN Academy – South Chicago, Illinois is embedded in its mission and daily practice. The academy values cultural, socioeconomic, and experiential diversity, recognizing that students bring unique perspectives shaped by their lived experiences. Curriculum and programming emphasize cultural awareness, restorative justice, and community engagement, fostering mutual respect and understanding. Staff receive ongoing training in trauma-informed care and culturally responsive instruction to better serve a diverse student body. This commitment ensures that all students feel represented, respected, and empowered within the learning environment.
Average Earnings
Graduates of UCAN Academy – South Chicago, Illinois typically pursue entry-level employment, vocational training, or continued education, resulting in varied early-career earnings. Average earnings reflect regional labor market conditions and individual career pathways rather than a single standardized outcome. Many alumni secure positions in service industries, skilled trades, or apprenticeship programs that provide stable income and opportunities for advancement. The academy’s focus on employability skills and workforce readiness supports sustainable economic outcomes over time.
Graduation Rate
The graduation rate at UCAN Academy – South Chicago, Illinois reflects its role as an alternative education provider serving students with complex needs. While rates may differ from traditional schools, the academy emphasizes meaningful completion, credit attainment, and postsecondary readiness. Graduation is measured through individualized timelines, recognizing progress and persistence as key indicators of success.
UCAN Academy – South Chicago, Illinois Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
The faculty and staff at UCAN Academy – South Chicago, Illinois include certified educators, counselors, social workers, and behavioral health professionals. This multidisciplinary team collaborates to deliver integrated academic and therapeutic support. Teachers focus on differentiated instruction, while support staff address social-emotional development and well-being. The staff-to-student ratio is intentionally low to ensure personalized attention and consistent mentorship.
Faculty Profiles
Faculty members bring diverse professional backgrounds in education, counseling, and youth development. Many have specialized training in alternative education, trauma-informed practices, and restorative approaches. Their combined expertise supports a holistic learning environment focused on growth, accountability, and long-term success.
UCAN Academy – South Chicago, Illinois Campus and Student Life
Campus Life and Housing
UCAN Academy – South Chicago, Illinois operates as a day campus without residential housing. Campus life emphasizes safety, structure, and community engagement through small-group activities, mentoring sessions, and enrichment programs. Students participate in leadership development, creative expression, and service-learning opportunities that strengthen social connections and personal responsibility.
Transportation
Transportation support is available to eligible students through public transit assistance and coordinated travel planning. The academy works with families to reduce transportation barriers and promote consistent attendance, ensuring access to educational opportunities.
Job Openings and Career Opportunities
UCAN Academy – South Chicago, Illinois offers career opportunities for educators, counselors, and support professionals committed to youth development and social impact. Positions emphasize collaboration, professional growth, and mission alignment. Staff benefit from ongoing training, supportive leadership, and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to student success and community well-being.