K-12 Education

We demonstrate our commitment to urban education by developing and investing in programs and initiatives that serve children from pre-K through high school and by working with teachers and principals to improve our city’s school system.

As a champion for quality preK-12 education for students throughout Chicago, UChicago extends its core educational mission through a range of programs designed to provide our city’s youth with the broad-based academic knowledge and well-developed study skills they will need to succeed in college and beyond.

We provide mentoring, tutoring, and other academic support to help Chicago Public Schools students thrive in high school and prepare for college. We also operate a top-tier neighborhood charter school with three South Side campuses, and we work with educators to improve school quality and achieve better outcomes for students throughout the Chicago Public Schools system.

In addition, our civic leadership programs and community collaborations offer UChicago scholars and students deeper insights into urban issues while helping to build new generations of thoughtful, well-prepared community leaders.

News

12/19/2019

Surprise ceremony welcomes student into University of Chicago's incoming class

Chicago high school student Arturo Ballesteros, a member of the Collegiate Scholars Program, recently learned of his acceptance into the University of Chicago at a surprise ceremony at Back of the Yards College Prep, where his parents and teachers were present to celebrate with him.

11/22/2019

Panel brings educators together to share strategies for success

A group of educators, policymakers, and advocates convened at the University of Chicago Thursday to discuss ways to improve student outcomes and level the playing field in Chicago Public Schools.

11/06/2019

UChicago College Advising Corps: a real game-changer

During his senior year in high school, Hector Rabadan was savvy about what it takes to impress colleges. He signed up for AP classes, focused on maintaining his grades and showed exceptional leader...

Profiles

abraham karen potts maroon tutor match mtm

Abraham and Karen Potts
Maroon Tutor Match

Abraham Potts turbocharged his GPA last year, boosting it two full points with the help of a UChicago student tutor. On average, kids in the Maroon Tutor Match program improve a full letter grade in the subject area where they receive affordable, one-on-one tutoring.

Akanksha Shah
Maroon Tutor Match

“Maroon Tutor Match helped me learn to work with people — not just students and families, but tutors as well — who were very different from me and had different priorities and struggles. Getting a better understanding of where people are coming from is invaluable.” -Akanksha Shah '17