FAQs
Disclaimer: If your question is not answered below, please visit our Contact page to find out where to address your question or call the main office at (312) 949-9400 x100.
Student FAQs
1. How can I become a YWLCS Student?
YWLCS is a non-selective, public charter school and is open to all young women entering grades 7-10 and living in the city of Chicago. YWLCS does not accept applicants beyond the 10th grade. If you are interested in becoming a YWLCS student, you are required to turn in an application and attend a New Student Open House by Friday, March 26, 2010. If we receive more applications than we have spaces available, we will hold a lottery on Wednesday, April 1, 2010. For the 2010-11 application and detailed step-by-step application procedure, please visit our Admissions page.
2. What is it like to be a YWLCS student?
Students at YWLCS range from grades 7-12 and come from more than 30 zip codes across Chicago. Most students come from neighborhood schools and apply to YWLCS because they are looking for one-on-one attention and the added programs that come from a small school experience. Many students remark that going to a single sex school is less distracting, builds their confidence, and gives them many opportunities for leadership. To learn about YWLCS through our students' perspective, click here.
3. What programs and after school activities are available to YWLCS students?
The benefits of going to a small school like YWLCS are many, including the opportunity to participate in programs that large neighborhood schools are often unable to provide. YWLCS has a partnership with Chicago Youth Centers (CYC), an organization that offers our students after school clubs such as drama, graphic arts, fashion design, and dance to name a few. For the athlete, YWLCS has a basketball, soccer, track, volleyball, and dance team. (For a complete list of YWLCS Activities & Clubs, click here.) Students are also encouraged to apply for one of our excellent, life-transforming programs through Northwestern University, Project Exploration, and Smith College. Learn more about YWLCS enrichment programs here.
Family FAQs
1. Why should my student go to YWLCS?
YWLCS does not charge tuition, is non-selective, and is located in a safe neighborhood right off of five major bus routes (see Location and Directions). Because YWLCS is a small school of 340 students, faculty and staff are able to give students maximum individual attention and provide after school support that many large neighborhood schools do not have the capacity to provide. Additionally, support from the private sector allows YWLCS students to participate in after school and summer enrichment programs.
Although single-sex education is not for everyone, social science evidence has shown that single-sex education can prevent girls' disengagement in academia, especially in the areas of math, science, and technology, three disciplines that make up the core of YWLCS's curriculum. Many YWLCS students not only excel in these disciplines, but continue their studies at four-year universities. As a College and Career Preparatory program, YWLCS is able to boast outstanding academic results. View YWLCS's academic achievements here...
2. How can families get involved at YWLCS?
YWLCS believes that families are vital to our students' academic growth and sees that families can get involved in many ways. The Family Advisory Council (FAC) meets once per month and is open to all parents/guardians who want to have a voice in the school's decisions and direction. YWLCS also has a number of events open to families including but not limited to a Family Holiday Potluck, End-of-Year BBQ, and Student Arts Coffeehouse. The most important way for families to get involved, however, is by staying on track of their students' academic progress. For more on how you can make sure your student is successful, click here.
Donor & Volunteer FAQs
1. What support does YWLCS need?
Like all charter schools, YWLCS does receive some public funding but it is not enough to make up a $2,700 annual gap per girl. In order to give our students maximum one-on-one attention, career and college prep programming, highly qualified teachers, and many other resources necessary for providing a quality education, YWLCS depends on the generous private support of corporations, foundations, and individuals. YWLCS appreciates support of all kinds from financial contributions to in-kind donations and the dedication of time and service. To learn more about becoming a donor and/or volunteer, please click here.
Academic FAQs
1. What is a charter school?
Charter schools are public schools, and they're open to any student who applies. In exchange for strict accountability to maintain high standards, charter schools are given freedom from many of the regulations that apply to other public schools, which allows for greater flexibility and innovation in the classroom (see Illinois Network of Charter Schools web site).
Some of the benefits of a charter school are:
- More time in the classroom - charter schools set their own calendars and can expand the school day and year
- Smaller classroom size and teacher ratios
- School choice - charter schools give students secondary options other than their neighborhood school
- Innovative learning - although charter schools are accountable to the same state standards as traditional public schools, they have the flexibility for innovation within the curriculum
- Accountability - charter schools are strictly accountable to high standards of excellence in exchange for freedom and autonomy from many public school regulations
- Focus on specific disciplines - YWLCS has a focus on math, science, and technology