Apply to ASPIRA Schools

There are only a few weeks left to register before school starts! 

ASPIRA Welcomes new students for 2013-2014

Yes, I am ready to download and complete the application now. Click here to download.

This Welcome Center site has been created for students and families who are new to ASPIRA schools, and are ready to apply or are interested in learning more about ASPIRA Charter school campuses. The purpose of the Welcome Center is to:

1. Recruit students who will benefit from an excellent education from ASPIRA Charter School campuses
2. Inform families how ASPIRA Charter School campuses operate
3. Provide a smooth transition for students into the ASPIRA Charter School campuses

Enroll now to reserve your seat for 2013-2014!

For general application questions please contact Ms. Miranda at (773) 252-0970 Ext.514. Otherwise please contact the Registrar at any of the following schools:

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a charter school?What is ASPIRA?

ASPIRA Inc. of Illinois is a nonprofit organization that has impacted thousands of students since 1968. It operates the ASPIRA Charter School campuses that include a middle school campus, three high school campuses and the Miguel Del Valle Youth Development Center, which are located on the north side of Chicago. ASPIRA is highly recognized for excellence in education and leadership development.

Charter schools are public schools, open to all children residing in Chicago regardless of academic achievement. Charter schools are held accountable for high student academic achievement by the Board of Education and hire only certified teachers. The ASPIRA Charter School campuses are schools of choice, have open enrollment and have no special requirements to enroll.

How is the academic program structured?
All students become prepared for high school and/or college through a wide range of academic and support services. Students participate in a rigorous academic program that utilizes project-based instruction aligned with Illinois Learning Standards. The projects enable students to find answers and solve problems using technology. They emphasize a connection to real-world experience. The principle of common intellectual mission requires that all students are exposed to the same curriculum, the same academic standards, and the same high expectations. It is up to the student and his/her gifts and abilities to determine how wide he/she can pursue an area of learning and interest.

What are the differences between the ASPIRA school campuses?
ASPIRA Haugan Middle School serves 6th, 7th and 8th graders in a state-of-the-art school that offers a rich math, science and computer technology curriculum within a high school preparatory program that involves “learning by doing”. Click here for the school website.

For enrollment information about ASPIRA Haugan Middle School, Click here.

ASPIRA Early College High School, our newest high school allows students to earn up to two
years of college credits prior to high school graduation through a partnership with Northeastern
Illinois University.  Click here for the school website.

ASPIRA Mirta Ramirez Computer Science High School offers an advanced technology-
focused curriculum that integrates  practical and advanced instruction in computer technology so
that students may become proficient in technology thereby, bridging the digital divide.
Click here for the school website.

ASPIRA Antonia Pantoja High School is an alternative school that grants a second chance to
students who are facing challenges in the public school system. The school provides the
necessary support systems to help students graduate successfully. Click here for the school
website.

How do I obtain an application and where do I submit it?
You can obtain an application from any ASPIRA campus during school hours and you can
submit the application to any campus. Click here to download an application.

When should I enroll my child?
Students can enroll any time of the year. It is best to enroll early so that you or your child has
plenty of time to transition and submit the required documentation.

What can I expect after I submit the application?
You will receive an acceptance letter within 10 business days. The letter will provide further instructions. Once you receive the letter, you may visit the campus anytime to submit the required documentation.

What are the school hours?
ASPIRA Haugan Middle School  -  8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

ASPIRA Early College High School – 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

ASPIRA Mirta Ramírez Computer Science High School -  8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

ASPIRA Antonia Pantoja High School -  8:00 a.m. to 2:20 p.m.

How large are the classes?  
Students receive instruction in small personalized classes with a teacher to student ratio of 1:25.

Who are the teachers and staff?
The teachers are highly qualified, certified and endorsed to teach subject matter in a technology-rich learning environment. Students have an academic advisor to help keep them focused academically and provide support to help them succeed.  All the support staff is bilingual in English and Spanish.

What is the ASPIRA uniform?
In general, the uniform consists of a polo shirt with the school logo and dark pants and shoes. Each school will provide the details of the specific uniform policy.

What after school programs are available?
All campuses offer tutoring services. ASPIRA Clubs teach students about leadership development, cultural awareness and community involvement through the ASPIRA Process of awareness, analysis and action.  Students also enjoy recreational programs.

What is a presentation of learning (POL)?
Students invite their parents and the community to view their projects and demonstrate what they have learned.  Students explain how they created the project and what they learned.

Are there programs for students who do not speak English?
Teachers who specialize in English language learner services provide services to students who require language instruction. Students are encouraged to communicate in English and participate in hands-on team activities.  The teacher will communicate to the general classroom in English, and will supplement English instruction with language cues as appropriate.

Are there services for special education students?
ASPIRA Charter School campuses ensure that special education students receive the full continuum of special education services needed according to the IEP (Individual Education Plan).

Will my child be safe on campus?
ASPIRA takes school safety matters seriously. There is zero tolerance for violence, drugs and gang activity.  Security officers make rounds at all the campuses and hall monitors are stationed on all school floors while students change classes.  Chaperones attend field trips and special events.

Do students take class trips?
Annual class trips include a Springfield trip for 7th graders and Washington, DC trip for 8th graders.  ASPIRA high school students may travel to Springfield, IL when legislation may affect education.   There are also class field trips to museums, high school or colleges and universities.  There are fees associated with some trips.

Are sports offered at the school?
ASPIRA Haugan Middle School offers girls volleyball, boy’s volleyball, girl’s basketball, boy’s basketball, girl’s soccer, boy’s soccer, track, co-ed football and co-ed golf.

ASPIRA Early College High School offers boys soccer, girl’s soccer, boy’s basketball, girl’s basketball, girl’s volleyball and softball intramurals.

ASPIRA Mirta Ramirez Computer Science High School offers boys basketball and will starting boy’s soccer and girl’s volleyball.

What resources are offered for parents?
ASPIRA promotes parental involvement.  Each campus has a Parent Teacher Organization (PTO).  Parent workshops teach parents how to enhance the communication with their children and how to stay involved in their child’s education.  Parents also have computer access to grades and attendance and the ability to communicate regularly with teachers. Other parent workshops include computer classes and citizenship classes.

What partnerships does ASPIRA have?
Since 2004, Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) – El Centro Campus has shared its facility with ASPIRA Antonia Pantoja Alternative High School and has partnered with ASPIRA to facilitate the transition of its graduates from the alternative high school into the NEIU- El Centro program. The ASPIRA Early College High School campus builds on the transition and summer bridge programs that El Centro provides with a comprehensive academic pipeline for the students to gain college survival skills and fully transition into full time college students at Northeastern Illinois University.  ASPIRA has many other community-based partnerships.

What makes ASPIRA unique?
ASPIRA is highly recognized for excellence in education and leadership development.  Many leaders have arisen from ASPIRA such as, ASPIRA Founder Antonia Pantoja; ASPIRA Inc. of Illinois Founder, Mirta Ramírez; City Clerk Miguel del Valle; Senator Iris Martínez; Senator Willie Delgado; Alderman Billy Ocasio; actor Jimmy Smits; and countless other leaders.

“Once an Aspirante, always an Aspirante.”
“LEADERSHIP THROUGH EDUCATION”