High Schools

Prologue targets low-income youth – typically 16 to 24 years old – who have dropped out of or did not complete high school.  Many must overcome a year or more away from school, contact with the criminal justice system, gang affiliation, becoming parents too soon, very low reading and math skills, and/or failure at other alternative schools.

Even though our students did not or might not succeed in other environments, we maintain high expectations of them.  Together we set rigorous standards for their lives inside and beyond the classroom.  We also provide gym and basketball, with boxing, martial arts, weight lifting and yoga scheduled for introduction in 2010.

Prologue broadens our students’ horizons through field trips, visits to colleges, lecture series, internships, or the historical montages on our walls.  We offer internships, apprenticeships and opportunities for employment.  Perhaps nothing represents our unique environment more than our Virtual Art Museum, which highlights some of the predominately African work displayed and rotated throughout each of our three campuses.

Prologue School Model

Among our numerous achievements are 80 – 90 percent attendance and graduation rates that match or far exceed those of public and other alternative schools.  We attribute our effectiveness to the Prologue School Model, which emphasizes:

•    Accreditation, continuous professional development and rigorous evaluation of our academic and counseling staff

•    Strong mentoring/counseling-oriented staff members

•    Caring and committed administrators

•    Collaborative relationships with students and their families

•    Independent education with attention to each student’s individual skill levels

•    Critical thinking skills, self-awareness and intense math and science instruction 

Our design principles result in:

•    Small class sizes, typically with one instructor per 15 students

•    Student-centered curricula

•    Blocked scheduling and project-based instruction

•    Large group staff-student meetings to discuss issues that affect the school community

•    Availability of teachers to travel with students to their residences to mutually develop goals

•    Tutors to work one-on-one with students displaying learning difficulties

•    Small group counseling

•    Inclusion of students and parents in planning, review and evaluation of curriculum design

•    Exposure to a wide variety of social and cultural events

•    Supportive services – such as childcare, parenting classes, transportation, free breakfast and lunch, emergency food, and shelter referrals – to address needs outside the classroom that can affect learning

“Our students are our future.  The struggle to educate them must connect their education to the community and in the process educate them to transform their own condition of existence. ” – Pa Joof, Lead Principal, Prologue High Schools

Early College became Prologue’s first high school in 1973 and prepares students for post-secondary education.  We support our intensive, comprehensive three-year curriculum with strategies to bolster attendance, test-taking skills and well-roundedness.  Of the approximately 90 percent who graduate, some 85 percent go on to college.  

In addition to its computer lab and extensive library, Prologue Early College features a stage for students’ dramatic and musical performances.  The school regularly hosts guests from a variety of fields.  It also has a very competitive basketball team and cheerleader squad.

To graduate, students must earn a total of 24 credit hours, including four in English; three each in math, science and social studies; two each in a foreign language and physical education/health; and one in vocational education.  They must also complete 40 hours of service learning/community service.

Houston originated in 1996 as School Without Walls, a collaboration between Prologue Inc. and Williams Youth Services.  Houston places particular emphasis on enhancing opportunities for productive financial and social independence.  It offers vocational training in allied health fields (in partnership with the Illinois Institute of Technology) and a curriculum exploring urban law.  Recently instituted Extended Day Learning classes are open to the community.

In addition to its library and computer lab, Houston features dance and a gymnasium with basketball courts.  Frequent field trips help the school fulfill its mission to provide holistic learning in preparation for the world outside. 

Students are selected for admission by lottery.  Houston requires 20 hours for graduation – four in English; three each in math, science and history; and one in physical education/health.  Additional requirements include completing an autobiography and family history tree, scoring at least 10.0 on in reading and math on an exit exam, submitting college applications, and 40 hours of community service.

Mandela was established in 2004 as an African-centered learning institution.  Its holistic, family approach is embedded in the seven principles of the Nguzo Saba.  Mandela’s career skills include financial planning, real estate and property management, entrepreneurship, and forensics.  Its life skills cover future applications of math and reading, as well as the transition to adulthood.

Mandela currently features classes in video production, creating a computer-based video magazine and Kiswahili.  Students explore history and their cultural roots throughout the curriculum, as well through such activities as creating school displays, autobiographical projects, researching contemporary issues, and field trips focused on African resources.

Those graduating need a total of 20 credits – four in English; three each in math, social studies and science; two in life skills; and once each in a foreign language and physical education.  They must also complete 40 community service hours and score a minimum of 10.5 on the TABE test.

Requirements

Admission

Those wishing to enroll in a Prologue school must provide or complete the following requirements: 
•    State ID or previous student ID
•    Birth certificate
•    Current Public Aid card or income verification
•    Social Security card or printout
•    Proof of residency  (e.g., utility bill)
•    Drop slip or transfer letter from previous school (as applicable)
•    Official transcripts (as applicable)
•    Entrance exam (TABE)

Students claiming full independence of a parent/guardian support must be 18 or older and prove independence through documentation of bills, lease and proof of income in their name. Extenuating circumstances will allow for certified letters to verify independence when applicable.

Prior to enrollment, students must pay modest registration and activity fees, although they can make arrangements for an installment plan.   The activity fee helps defray such student expenses as off-site field trips, class project materials, clubs and publications, reduced-fee bus passes, and food services beyond breakfast/lunch.  Prospective senior class students must also pay graduation and awards luncheon fees.

Prologue emphasizes shared responsibility between the staff, students and families.  While each school may have some unique requirements, all expect adherence to general rules and guidelines for continued enrollment.

Attendance

Students must be on time for classes every scheduled day and adhere to the Attendance Policy regarding excused absences.  Grade penalties are imposed for unexcused absences and apply to each individual course.


Conduct

Prologue’s comprehensive approach encourages behavior to prepare students for success beyond school – not just in the workforce, but as a citizen, member of the community or family.  Each school strictly enforces a Uniform Disciplinary Code and Student Responsibilities to promote respectful treatment of others and minimize activity dangerous to health and safety.  Infringement of these rules can result in suspension, confiscation of inappropriate items, expulsion for up to one year, and/or notification of law enforcement agencies.

Parent/Guardian Responsibilities

Parents and guardians must agree to be active in their students’ success.  Guidelines set forth for Parent Responsibilities encompass modeling appropriate behavior, working with staff and student to provide necessary support, and attending to proper documentation and health examinations required by law.

Prologue Responsibilities

Prologue is committed to providing the necessary information and communication to those we serve.  Our Student Rights and Parent/Guardian Rights spell out what can be expected from us in terms of documentation, disclosure, conferences, disciplinary processes, and voluntary service.