Founded in 2009, Alcott High School for the Humanities is built on a long tradition of educational excellence at its elementary, Alcott Elementary School located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois.
The name "Alcott" comes from famed American author Louisa May Alcott. Alcott wrote Little Women and more than 30 other novels and countless short stories. More information about the author may be obtained at www.louisamayalcott.org.
In 2007, a discussion between principal David J. Domovic and current U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan led to a team of Alcott Elementary School administrators, teachers, parents and community members embarking on a new endeavor for Chicago Public Schools: the district's first pre-kindergarten thru grade 12 school.
Two years later, Alcott High School for the Humanities was a reality. The team listened to CPS high school students and the resounding concern was one of disconnect when students arrived at their new high school from myriad elementaries. After hearing these concerns, the team decided to create the finest small school in the City of Chicago steeped in the humanities, social and emotional learning and critical thinking in every classroom--from English to physical education and from math to AVID.
In September 2009, AHSH welcomed 35 freshmen to its Roscoe Village campus. AHSH currently shares the campus with George Schneider Elementary School.
Facts
Alcott High School for the Humanities and Alcott Elementary School offer the only pre-K through grade 12 option for parents and students in Chicago.
Alcott Elementary School has been recognized as one of Chicago's top elementaries. United States Secretary of Education Arne Duncan has highlighted Alcott Elementary School as one of the best neighborhood schools in Chicago Magazine.
Alcott Elementary School is widely known for its ISAT scores. The elementary, a neighborhood school, has more than 90 percent of its students meeting or exceeding statewide tests. Eighty-seven percent of its students met or exceeded the state standards in Reading and 88.5 percent met or exceeded state math standards in 2009.
Students at AHSH study Mandarin Chinese, an extension of studies at Alcott Elementary.
Mission Statement
The Alcott High School for the Humanities (AHSH) mission is to meet the demand for expanded options for 9th through 12th grade students by providing a dynamic small school focused on closely monitored progress and a rigorous curriculum based in the Humanities practices of disciplinary expertise, strong knowledge, inquiry and communication. Emphasizing solid mentoring towards college and post-secondary success, AHSH will nurture a student body capable of critical thinking, active citizenship and private contemplation.
Vision Statement
AHSH envisions creating an environment of safety – both physical and academic, that enables the judgment-free exchange of ideas and opinions and establishes an open forum firmly grounded in knowledge while looking toward the future. A natural extension of Alcott Elementary’s emphasis on habits of mind developed through literature, writing and the arts, AHSH’s Humanities-based curriculum will provide the ideal framework to empower each member of the learning community to reach their maximum intellectual and emotional potential.
About Alcott High School for the Humanities
Alcott High School for the Humanities | 2957 N. Hoyne Avenue Chicago, IL 60618 | 773.534.5970
©2009 Alcott High School for the Humanities. All rights reserved.
Alcott HS is part of the only pre-K thru grade 12 school in the City of Chicago. Visit Alcott Elementary to learn more about our comprehensive educational program.
Alcott High School for the Humanities
