Ombudsman Chicago Northwest is a CPS alternative options school located at 7500-7508 N. Harlem Ave., on the northwest corner of Harlem Ave. and Birchwood Ave. Our Northwest registration office is located at 7508 North Harlem Ave. We have three sessions each day to earn your Chicago diploma: 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., 12 noon to 4 p.m., and 4:10 p.m. to 8:10 p.m. We make it a priority to welcome and embrace all students, and we’re always looking for new members to join our family.
Ombudsman Chicago Northwest is certified as an Exemplary Supportive School by the Office of Social & Emotional Learning through June 2022.
View the Northwest High School SY2023 Options School Metrics Report
Programs
- Microsoft Office Specialist industry certifications
- College and Career Readiness Transition
- Dual Enrollment college credit
Frequently Asked Questions about Northwest
Yes, Ombudsman is a nationally accredited program by Cognia and is a partner of the Chicago Public Schools.
Yes, we do take credits previously earned at other CPS schools, and if you decide to go back to your old CPS high school our credits are transferable.
Students earn a fully accredited Chicago Public Schools high school diploma (not a GED) that can be used to enter college, the military, trade school, or anywhere else that requires a diploma.
Yes, every year we will host our traditional graduation ceremony at the end of the school year to celebrate all graduates from that year. During the celebration, students wear caps and gowns and get to walk across the stage with their class.
Click on “Enroll Now” in the menu to fill out the form. A staff member will contact you soon to guide you on the next steps.
We have four locations in the city of Chicago. See all locations
Ombudsman offers transportation assistance and connections with other community resources to help meet your needs.
Yes, we will discuss your education history and develop a plan that fits your individual needs?
Yes, you only need to live within the city of Chicago and be between the ages of 16-21, no matter the country of origin. If the English language is a barrier, our classes and learning materials are held in a technology-rich setting where all course material can be translated.
Our classrooms tend to be smaller and while in school, students are immersed in a blended learning environment. What this means is teacher lead instruction is offered for all core courses, Spanish as well as scheduled small group instruction and teacher supports during computer assisted instruction, project based learning and individual supports schedule. Students attend a 4-hour session and are required to complete and additional hour each day that can be done on or off site.
Students attend school for five hours a day Monday-Friday. You’ll have the option to attend our morning or afternoon session. Our Northwest campus also offers a night session.
Whatever your circumstances, Ombudsman has the solution to put you back on track. Our high school is designed to be easily tailored to your individual needs.
Students who live in the city of Chicago and are between the ages of 16-21 can attend Ombudsman.
Principal Ted Krillies
Principal's Letter
Dear Ombudsman Northwest Students and Families,
I am excited to welcome you to the 2024-2025 school year! I hope that you all had a restful summer and had the chance to spend time with family and friends. We are excited about all that this new school year has to offer and look forward to working with our students and families as we focus on continuous improvement in teaching and learning, and all areas of our school environment.
Here at Ombudsman Northwest our focus is on the student as a whole. This includes not only academics but student’s future paths, as well as their mental health overall. We have an amazing staff that have dedicated their careers to guiding students on this path.
This year we will renew our commitment to excellence in all that we do, with high expectations for all students, we can learn and succeed. We will continue to provide students with opportunities to address academic deficiencies, to recover credits needed, and ultimately, graduate and earn their high school diploma. Our students are our number one priority, and each student will have their own individual plan to help them succeed and reach this goal!
I am excited about all that this new school year has to offer and look forward to working collectively as a school community to ensure that our students are provided with the best educational experience possible to be critical thinkers, responsible citizens, and prepared to be successful in their endeavors after high school.
On behalf of the administration, teachers, and staff, we all THANK YOU in advance for your support and participation throughout the coming school year. Please feel free to contact me with any questions and/or concerns. My door is always open to students and families.
Ted Krillies
Ombudsman Chicago Northwest, Building Principal
Office Number: 630-884-9230
Email: tkrillies@cps.edu
