Notice: School Reopening Updates

Chicago Public Schools has shared a preliminary reopening framework. It is aligned to the strongest guidance from public health officials in response to the coronavirus pandemic, and will help prepare us to reopen schools if it is safe to do so on September 8.

We are preparing for a scenario in which it is safe to begin the 2020–21 school year with a hybrid learning model where students will learn at school and at home.

Please be sure to follow @Ombudsman Educational Services on Facebook and @OmbudsmanEd on Twitter, for additional updates.

Announcements

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS & DATES: All Chicago Schools are currently closed. September 8 is the first day of the 2020-21 school year.

Why Choose Ombudsman Chicago Alternative Schools?

Ombudsman Chicago offers four alternative school locations to serve students in morning, afternoon and evening sessions, where students receive academic, career/college and social/emotional supports. Through partnerships with community organizations, students at Ombudsman Chicago have access to tutoring, job readiness training, job placement, mentoring, extra-curricular activities, counseling and mental health services. This comprehensive approach ensures our students have what they need to be successful now and in the future.

Ombudsman Chicago is participating in a pilot program with Chicago Public Schools and City Colleges of Chicago to offer students career certification training programs to prepare students for careers that pay more than minimum wage after graduation. Partnerships with St. Augustine College, City Colleges of Chicago and other local colleges and universities allow students to earn college credit while they’re in high school. One-hundred percent of Ombudsman graduates are accepted to St. Augustine College and have the opportunity to earn scholarships.

Video: A Second Chance at a Better Future

Reaching Your Goals with Ombudsman Chicago

Image is a of a group of students seated at graduation in their caps and gowns. A female student is smiling and looking at the camera.

FOR STUDENTS

Students say Ombudsman Chicago “feels like home.” They find it easier to focus in a learning community where there’s no drama or distraction – and where there’s plenty of motivation. Ombudsman Chicago operates four campuses in Chicago, and you can enroll in any location that’s convenient for you.

Three individuals celebrating an Ombudsman Chicago graduation - a mother, an Ombudsman Chicago staff member, and an Ombudsman Chicago student holding his diploma

FOR FAMILIES

No matter what kind of family structure surrounds a student — two parent household, single parent household, parenting teens, a grandparent who is head of the household — Ombudsman Chicago works with each student and his or her family to ensure success. Ombudsman Chicago offers families the opportunity to engage in their students’ education through events, parent meetings and services to support our families.

Image is of one female teacher and one male teacher standing and talking over paperwork they have in their hands.

FOR FACULTY

Ombudsman Chicago’s staff have a special passion for working with students who are at risk, and they love knowing they make a real difference in the lives of young people who may not otherwise graduate from high school. Our certified teachers, counselors, social workers and support staff have a true career path, with opportunities to learn, grow and advance professionally.

THE SEASON OF GIVING AT OMBUDSMAN

Ombudsman campuses around the country are embracing the giving spirit this holiday season. While our Ombudsman staff and educators get to witness our students do great things every day of the year, we want to make sure to recognize and share some of the extra special and selfless efforts our students have put forth.

Ombudsman Chicago students and staff standing in a group behind a table with stacks of thanksgiving meals in to-go containers

21ST ANNUAL CHICAGO FOOTBALL CLASSIC

Ombudsman is proud to be a community sponsor of Chicago Football Classic and we are committed to the pursuit of the program’s tenets: pride, athletic prowess, and academic excellence.

State Rep La Shawn Ford stands smiling in the middle of the photo, between retired State Rep Paul Williams, and smiling Ombudsman team members. The group is posed in front of a sunny window.

MORE THAN 225 STUDENTS GRADUATE FROM OMBUDSMAN CHICAGO

More than 225 are graduating from the three alternative high school campuses around the city. Administrators say graduation rates have been steadily increasing, having a positive effect on the community by giving at-risk African Americans a positive path and way forward.

Watch the Video