ELIGIBILITY

1. Who is eligible to enroll?

Acceptance into LYHS is on a first-come first-serve basis or a lottery if all seats are filled. If you are interested in attending LYHS, you must:

• Be 16 years of age
• Be a resident of Chicago
• Be willing to commit to a minimum 1-semester residency

2. What are the minimum credits I must have to enroll at LYHS?

There are no minimum credits required for LYHS enrollment. If you meet all eligibility requirements, an LYHS representative will contact you to discuss your academic and credit history. All students must earn 18 credits in the right courses to be eligible for graduation.

3. Do I have to be a high school drop-out to attend LHYS?

No. LHYS provides an accelerated curriculum that is geared toward at-risk youth. Our specialty is providing high school students who are not succeeding in a traditional public high school setting with a second chance at high school diploma. Many of our students come to us because they have dropped out, are pregnant, or have been chronically truant from school. Others, however, come to us because they prefer a small school setting and are seeking individualized study. We encourage you to visit our school to learn if it is right for you.

TESTING

1. What is the STAR assessment and why is it important?

The STAR test is designed to measure basic reading and mathematics skills. Chicago Public Schools requires all students enrolled in an alternative educational program to take the STAR assessment to determine whether they are making regular academic gains.

2. When can I take the STAR?

Tests are administered upon enrollment, mid-year and end of the year.

3. When will I get my STAR results?

LYHS provide all students with their STAR results at the end of each testing window.

4. What if I fail the STAR, can I still attend ASA?

Actually, you cannot fail the STAR. The test simply measures your achievement skill level in reading and math.

ADMISSIONS

1. Are there any student fees?

The annual student activities fee is $150, payable in two installments of $75 each semester.

2. What is the enrollment process once I am accepted?

A student’s parents or legal guardians should accompany them at the time of interview. Students should bring the following documentation with them at the time of the interview. All documentation must be submitted before a student can be admitted to LYHS.

• A copy of your birth certificate
• A copy of your social security card (if you have one)
• A picture ID (State ID or driver’s license)
• Parental proof of income (Recent check stub & public aid card)
• Proof of residency (Utility bill – either gas or electric)
• A copy of your transcripts from your previous high school
• An official release/withdrawal form from your previous high school
• A copy of your current health records, including immunization records
• A copy of the most recent cell phone bill for both the student and their parent/guardian

GENERAL QUESTIONS

1. When does school start?

For the most part, LYHS follows the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) calendar. However, there are variations with regard to professional development days, report card pick-up days, etc. For specific dates, please refer to the LYHS student handbook or this website.

2. Does LYHS require uniforms?

Yes. LYHS requires a uniform that consists of a maroon polo shirt with the school’s emblem and black or beige cotton pants. In addition, students are expected to come to school well-groomed, hair combed, dressed appropriately to support a learning environment free from distractions. All students must adhere to our dress code policy. Students are prohibited from the following on school grounds:

• Hats, baseball caps, bandanas or scarves
• Sagging pants; students must fasten their pants with a belt at the waist
• Clothing with gang symbols or inflammatory, suggestive or discriminatory language
• House shoes, flip-flops or slippers
• Shorts or mini-skirts (all skirts must be knee-length or longer)
• Jackets, hoodies, coats, or other outer-garments
• Clothing that exposes undergarments
• Clothes in color combinations of yellow, black or gold.

3. Is there free transportation to LYHS?

No, students are responsible for their own transportation to and from school. LYHS is accessible via the Pink line and is close to several bus routes.

Homeless or low-income students may be provided CTA passes through a partnership program between LYHS and Chicago Public Schools (CPS). Other low-income students with transportation needs may be provided with bus passes based on available funds. LYHS’s counseling and social services department reviews and approves all bus pass requests.

4. Does LYHS offer a hot lunch program?

Yes, LYHS offers a free cold breakfast and hot lunch program in collaboration with Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

5. What are the expectations of parent involvement?

Parents are expected to be active participants in their child’s learning experiences. LYHS invites parents to monthly Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) meetings to learn about school news, upcoming events and explore opportunities for further involvement in school activities.

6. Does LYHS offer a formal graduation ceremony?

Yes, LYHS offers a formal graduation ceremony.

7. Does LYHS offer a formal Senior Prom?

Yes, LYHS, in conjunction with the Alternative Schools Network (ASN), offers a formal Senior Prom. Students must be in their senior year and in good academic and behavioral standing to be eligible to attend.