24 Jul 2013
by: Ombudsman Educational Services
CHICAGO (July 24, 2013) — Chicago Public Schools students ages 14-20 who are out of school or off track to graduate now have a new option to graduate from high school ready for college and career. This new option, called Ombudsman Chicago, is now enrolling students for the 2013-14 school year.
Students and their families can learn more or enroll in Ombudsman Chicago by visiting www.OmbudsmanCPS.com or by calling (312) 806-9022.
Ombudsman Chicago offers:
- Morning and afternoon sessions that allow time for family, friends, work and school;
- Two convenient locations in the Chicago metropolitan area, one on the North Side at 7500 N. Harlem Ave and the South Side location is anticipated to be 3214 West 63rd Street;
- One-on-one attention from caring teachers;
- A welcoming, safe and technology-rich environment;
- Post-secondary counselors, a Career Development Center, internships and job-shadowing opportunities so students can learn about academic and career pathways;
- The emotional and behavioral supports, including a licensed social worker and individual and group counseling, to develop the skills to establish positive relationships and the self-confidence to be successful;
- Focused instruction for English Language Learners;
- A special education teacher to assist students who have Individual Education Plans (IEPs); and
- Free tuition.
Ombudsman Chicago is operated by Ombudsman Educational Services, which educates students in more than 120 public school districts in 20 states. In a recent survey, 83 percent of Ombudsman students said they believe Ombudsman prepares them for life after high school.
“Ombudsman students feel valued, confident, independent, accepted, proud of what they accomplish – and hopeful for their future,” Ombudsman Chicago principal Chaun Johnson said. “Ombudsman Chicago is one of the new options CPS is offering to help students graduate from high school prepared to make positive choices about college, a career – about life – after high school.”
Ombudsman is partnering with CPS Re-Engagement Centers and Zero Dropouts, a national organization that creates innovative approaches to help students who have dropped out return or re-engage their education, to help identify students who have dropped out, schedule intake appointments and assist with the enrollment process. In addition, CPS will refer eligible students who are enrolled in a district school but at risk of dropping out.
Ombudsman is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA) and AdvanceED and the curriculum is aligned to CPS and State of Illinois graduation requirements to ensure students earn an accredited diploma.
During 2011-12, 84 percent of Ombudsman students graduated, completed the academic year at Ombudsman, or returned to their district schools closer to or at grade level. ###
For more information:
Brinton Flowers
(517) 228-8821
BFlowers@FlowersComm.com