Admissions

Who can apply.

LYHS accepts applications from youth 16 to 21 years of age who reside within the city of Chicago. All applicants must have graduated from the 8th grade and must be able to complete all graduation requirements by the age of 21. If a student turns 21 during the school year, they may remain active that year only.

LYHS has a multi-step admission process which includes an on-site interview to ensure the student and the school are a good match. Students can schedule an interview by phone, through the application on this website, or in person at 2001 S. California Ave.

There's no minimum number of credits required to enroll. Whatever you have, we'll talk through it at your intake.

The interview

What to bring.

Please bring a parent or legal guardian to your interview if you can, especially if you are under 18. If that is not possible, come anyway and let us know; we will work with you. Also, no need to worry if you are missing anything from this list. Bring what you have, and we will help you track down the rest before you enroll.

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 or public aid card)
Proof of residency (gas or electric utility bill)
A copy of your transcripts from your previous high school
An official release/withdrawal form from your previous high school
Current health records, including immunization records
Most recent cell phone bill (student and parent/guardian)

Lottery

What happens if we're full.

Once all seats are filled, LYHS uses a lottery system to place students if additional space becomes available. As a campus of Youth Connection Charter School (YCCS), LYHS operates at all times in accordance with Charter Schools Law and all other applicable federal and state laws.

LYHS does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, gender, national origin, religion, ancestry, marital status, disability, academic performance, or the need for special education services. By law, LYHS conducts a lottery for the enrollment of any new student.

All waitlist and lottery applications are entered on the web lottery program administered by YCCS. Lotteries are conducted quarterly. For more information, call our registrar at (773) 648-2130.

Questions we hear a lot

F.A.Q.

Do I have to be out of school to apply?

No. LYHS provides an accelerated curriculum for at-risk youth, but many students come because they prefer a small-school setting and individualized study. We encourage you to visit and learn whether it's right for you.

How long do I have to commit?

A minimum of one semester (90 days residency). Most students enroll for as long as it takes to complete graduation requirements.

Are there any student fees?

The student activities fee is $75 per semester.