Since 1973, the Alternative Schools Network in Chicago has provided educational options with specific emphasis on inner-city children, teens and young adults. This non-profit organization provides a wide range of programs geared toward improving the academic success and future of its students. It also promotes comprehensive prevention against substance abuse, counseling and mentoring services and industry training.
If your child violates the Student Code of Conduct, Chicago Public Schools provides the SMART program, an 8-week comprehensive and integrated program that provides prevention education, character building activities and conflict resolution courses. The program features a two-tier approach to ensure student success. First, a parent or guardian must attend at least two SMART program parent sessions. Second, students must complete 20 hours of community service.
Young adults ages 16-21 who did not graduate high school yet seek a diploma or GED may consider attending this program. It features both traditional and non-traditional facilities. The Sinclair Campus features seven classrooms, cafeteria, gymnasium with a small weight room and a computer lab. The Second Chance campus boasts five state-of-the-art classrooms as well as an infant and toddler daycare center for students with young children. Both campuses provide a holistic approach to teaching, involving both community leaders and families.
Alternatives Unlimited partners with urban and suburban school districts across the nation to address the needs of at-risk students, students who may be emotionally disturbed and/or display disorderly behavior due to difficult personal life experiences. The organization provides programs geared towards the child's specific problem. These include alternative education, special education, Supplemental Education Services (SES) tutoring, and homebound tutoring. The school provides a Prescribed Instructional Plan (PIP) and an Individual Education Program (IEP) in order to improve academic performance and behavior for each student.