Welcome
Do you or someone you know face hurdles to completing high school or gaining marketable skills the “normal” way? Are they 16-24 or older? If so, you may be on the right track with Prologue.
Prologue exists because of young people who could not succeed in the public school system, yet refused to give up and accept lives of dependency. They demanded a place where they could be safe. They wanted to experience open learning environments that encourage self-determination, individuality, creativity, change, and community responsibility.
And so, in 1973, we opened the doors to our first alternative high school, Prologue Early College in Uptown Chicago, followed by Charles Hamilton Houston and Winnie Mandela Intergenerational on the South Side. Community-based programs at our A. Phillip Randolph Adult Learning Center and other sites offer comprehensive resources to a range of age groups.
"Prologue At A Glance" may help you decide which of our schools or Community Based Programs might “fit” the person you have in mind. This site will also introduce you to some of the people who have inspired us with their courage to transform obstacles into opportunity and succeed at their own drumbeat. Each brings meaning to our vision of “alternative,” represents the achievement possible through our methods and reminds us every day why our mission matters.
Prologue: Education is a right, not a privilege.
PROLOGUE AT A GLANCE
| SCHOOL/PROGRAM | FOCUS | SELECTION | COMPLETION | OTHER |
Prologue Early College Education Alternative High School 1135 N. Cleaver Ave. Chicago IL 60642 773-935-9925 | Social justice within curriculum geared toward college prep | Ages 17-21. Enrollment: 250 - 300 | 24 credits 40 hours community service
| Film/video, drama, dance, basketball team, cheer squad |
Charles H. Houston Alternative Charter High School 9035 S. Langley Chicago IL 60619 773-723-9630 | Urban law, allied health | By lottery: Ages 16-21 Enrollment: 150-200 | 20 credits 40 hours community service Score 10.0 in reading and math on exit test
| Partnerships with IIT, bakery. Extended day learning 5-9 p.m. |
Winnie Mandela Intergenerational Alternative High School 7847 S. Jeffrey Blvd. Chicago IL 60649 773-375-0529 | African centered learning, entrepreneurship, community service | Ages 16-21 Enrollment: 60-100 | 20 credits 40 hours community service Score 10.5 on TABE test
| Partnerships with IIT, bakery. Extended day learning 5-9 p.m. Video/video magazine production, basketball team
|
A. Phillip Randolph Adult Learning Center 10509 S. Torrence Ave. Chicago IL 60649 773-374-2715 | Vocational and basic education/literacy
Allied Health state certification GED
English as a second language
| Ages 18-22
Ages 17 +
Ages 17 +
Ages 17 + | 8-10 week training
Depends on student
Depends on student
Depends on student | Employment assistance. Facility has licensed day care with limited slots.
Spanish speaking instructors
|
Social & Educational Services 5244 N. Lakewood Ave. Chicago IL 60640 773-878-6035 | English as a second language Immigration and related support services | Ages 17 + | Depends on student | |
GED at Howard Brown Youth Center 3179 N. Broadway Ave. Chicago IL 60657 773-299-7601 | Adult basic education and GED in LGBTQ-friendly environment | Ages 17-23 | Depends on student
| |
Ryan White/ Living Life Through Positive Change 9035 S. Langley Ave. Chicago IL 60619 773-723-9240 | Support services, group and individual counseling for HIV-positive women | 18+ | | |
NightMoves Mobile Outreach (Admin. offices) 9035 S. Langley Ave. Chicago IL 60619 773-723-9240 | HIV prevention, outreach and support services for transgendered individuals and sex workers.
| No age requirement | | Winnebago unit travels throughout Chicago |