Curriculum

The AHSH curriculum is based on a humanities approach throughout each classroom. From Freshman Seminar to physical education, the Socratic Seminar philosophy will be at the core of classroom discussions. Find out more about the student centered learning taking place in each and every AHSH classroom.

Students study the traditional classes of English I and World Studies English II and U.S. History in a non-traditional way: Freshman Seminar and Sophomore Seminar. Teachers of these courses collaborate and create a course of study that complements the two disciplines. Students in these courses have highly qualified teachers--teachers with Bachelors, Masters and Doctorates in addition to being Nationally Board Certified (NBC)--who will team teach on occasion, bring classes together for learning opportunities and so much more. A full 85% of our teachers have advanced degrees in their respective fields.

All AHSH students study Mandarin Chinese as part of the two-year graduation requirement. Many students pursue three or more years of Mandarin Chinese.

Students wishing to be engaged at a higher level have an opportunity to commit to Global Scholars, a four-year honors program that requires students to choose English, mathematics, science and social studies courses at the honors and/or Advanced Placement (AP) levels for a minimum of three years. Students will receive additional recognition at honors assemblies and graduation. In addition, students will receive a letter of completion to be included with their college applications and transcripts.

Students learn to comprehend difficult text and find meaning via the Socratic Seminar instead of the traditional high school model of 45-minute lectures.

To enrich students' academic experiences, AHSH offers extended learning opportunities for students. Some of these engaging opportunities include: Science Olympiad, Chicago Debate League, Mikva Challenge, National Honor Society, EPICS (partnership with Purdue University), Best Buddies, and many more. As we grow, we continue to see future state, national and international organizations for student enrichment.

Currently, the AHSH Advanced Placement (AP) program offers courses in Art, English and Social Studies departments. The program it prepared to grow by offering more AP courses in Mathematics and Science departments in addition to aforementioned offerings.

In addition to the courses offered on campus, AHSH affords itself to quality citywide programs such as Gallery37 and college partnerships. As well, AHSH has partnered with the following organizations to include arts in the classroom: Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Victory Gardens, Goodman Theatre, Steppenwolf Theater, TimeLine Theatre, Chicago Confucius Institute and many, many others. We celebrate arts "through the classrooms" at AHSH and believe the arts enrich all of our students' lives--another logical extension of the humanities philosophy on our campus.

Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is part of the students' daily life. The nationwide program prepares students for the next step in their educational career--a four-year institution of higher education. Every student enrolls in AVID at AHSH because we are committed to supporting our students in their endeavor toward higher education--on a four-year college or university campus, a trade school, in a two-year program or wherever the journey takes them. We're part of the journey, not the end of the journey.

Curriculum

Alcott High School for the Humanities | 2957 N. Hoyne Avenue Chicago, IL 60618 | 773.534.5970

Alcott HS is part of Chicago's finest pre-K thru grade 12 school. Visit Alcott Elementary to learn more about our comprehensive educational program.

Alcott High School for the Humanities